The Price of Affluence: Dilemmas of Contemporary Japan Hidaka, Rokuro

**The Price of Affluence: Dilemmas of Contemporary Japan** by Rokuro Hidaka dives headfirst into Japan's post-war economic miracle and asks the uncomfortable question: what happens when you get everything you wanted? This thought-provoking social analysis explores how rapid modernization transformed Japanese society, examining the tensions between traditional values and Western materialism, urban alienation, and the psychological costs of prosperity.

Hidaka, a respected Japanese sociologist, doesn't pull punches as he dissects consumer culture, environmental degradation, and the generational divide splitting modern Japan. Perfect for sociology students, Japan enthusiasts, anyone fascinated by cultural transformation, or readers who enjoy books that make them think differently about "success."

This preloved copy from Patina Paperbacks offers an accessible yet scholarly perspective on economic development's hidden consequences—relevant far beyond Japan's borders.

**Reader Reviews:**
"Incredibly insightful analysis that feels surprisingly current despite being written decades ago. Changed how I think about prosperity."
"Hidaka's observations about materialism versus meaning resonated deeply. Essential reading for understanding modern society's contradictions."