PROFILE OF
Fumie KUMAGAI
A sociologist holding an American doctorate with an extensive experience in the West as a student, a college professor, and a researcher. Her major interest focuses on the social system research with the special attention to regional variations in Japanese society.
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Shrinking Japan and Regional Variations: Along the Tokaidoby Fumie Kumagai
Taking the Goki-Shichido (Five Home Provinces and Seven Circuits of Ancient Japan) as a theoretical framework, this book examines shrinking Japan from a regional variation perspective by municipality along the ancient Tokaido, which comprises 15 provinces, and seven prefectures today. The study identifies the principal explanatory factors based on the small area data of e-Stat through GPS statistical software tools such as G-census and EvaCva, within a historical perspective. This historical knowledge helps in understanding the significance of the regional cultural heritage that remains in each municipality today. The book pays special attention to municipal variations within the same prefecture, presenting a completely unique approach from what other researchers have pursued.This volume studies two present-day prefectures along the ancient Tokaido for detailed analyses of the impacts of regional variations of population decline in Japan. They are Shizuoka Prefecture, made up of the former Tootoumi, Suruga, and Izu provinces, and Mie Prefecture, formed by the ancient provinces of Iga, Ise, Shima, and the eastern part of Kii as examples to show the impacts of municipal power on regional variations of shrinking Japan. The reasons for selecting these two prefectures of the ancient Tokaido are twofold. First, they are made up of a multiple number of the ancient provinces. Second, other prefectures that fall under the Tokaido have been studied in the previous works of the present author by adopting the same methods of analyses. Thus, by presenting unique analyses of regional variations on small municipal levels, with demographic variables, social indicators, and historical identities of municipalities in Shizuoka and Mie prefectures along the Tokaido, this book offers suggestions for effective regional policy to revitalize shrinking Japan to a sustainable one.
Examines a shrinking Japan through the historical regional variation perspective of the Goki-Shichido
Highlights the power unique to each municipality which can mobilize a shrinking Japan to one that is sustainable
Focuses on Shizuoka and Mie prefectures of the Tokaido
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Shrinking Japan and Regional Variations: Along the Hokurikudo and the Tosando IIby Fumie Kumagai
This book provides an insightful sociological study of the shrinking Japanese population through a regional variation perspective as it varies significantly by municipality, even within the same prefecture. Using demographic data on municipal levels, the book identifies the power unique to each municipality, which can mobilize a shrinking but sustainable Japan. Examines a shrinking Japan through the historical regional variation perspective of the Goki-Shichido
Highlights the power unique to each municipality which can mobilize a shrinking Japan to one that is sustainable
Focuses on Fukui Prefecture of the Hokurikudo, Nagano and Gifu prefectures of the Tosando
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Shrinking Japan and Regional Variations: Along the Hokurikudo and the Tosando Iby Fumie Kumagai
This book provides an insightful sociological study of the shrinking Japanese population through a regional variation perspective as it varies significantly by municipality, even within the same prefecture. Using demographic data on municipal levels, the book identifies the power unique to each municipality, which can mobilize a shrinking but sustainable Japan. The study identifies the principal explanatory factors based on the small area data of e-Stat through GPS statistical software tools such as G-census and EvaCva within a historical perspective. The theoretical framework of this study, i.e., the reason for regional variations in Japan, is the Goki-Shichido (Five Home Provinces and Seven Circuits of Ancient Japan). This historical knowledge helps in understanding the significance of the regional cultural heritage that remains in each municipality today. The book pays special attention to municipal variations within the same prefecture, utilizing a completely unique approach, unlike those that have been pursued by other researchers. This volume studies two present-day prefectures for detailed analyses based on the Goki-Shichido framework for impacts of regional variations of population decline in Japan. They are Niigata Prefecture, made up of the formerly named Echigo and Sado provinces; Ishikawa Prefecture, formed by the ancient Kaga and Noto provinces; Fukui Prefecture, based on the earlier Wakasa and Echizen provinces of the Hokurikudo; Nagano Prefecture, still called Shinano Province today and commonly divided into four areas and ten regions; and Gifu Prefecture, composed of the ancient Mino and Hida provinces of the Tosando as examples of the impact of municipal power on regional variations of shrinking Japan. However, due to the limitation of the number of pages set forth for Springer Briefs in Population Studies: Population Studies of Japan, for which the current publication is a part, it has become necessary to divide the book into two volumes, namely Volume I and Volume II. Because of this limitation the current volume I is consisted of three chapters, namely, Chapter 1: Issues, theoretical framework, and methodology; Chapter 2: Niigata Prefecture in the Hokurikudo; and Chapter 3: Ishikawa Prefecture in the Hokurikudo. The remaining three prefectures, i.e., Fukui in the Hokurikudo area, Nagano and Gifu both in the Tosando area will be discussed in the Volume II of this book. By presenting unique analyses of regional variations on small municipal levels, with demographic variables, social indicators, and historical identities, this book offers suggestions for effective regional policies to revitalize a shrinking Japan to a sustainable one.
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Municipal Power and Population Decline in Japan: Goki-Shichido and Regional Variationsby Fumie Kumagai
・The first book to employ Goki-Shichido as a theoretical framework for the analysis of municipal power and regional revitalization in Japan
This book provides an insightful sociological study of the declining Japanese population, using statistical analysis to establish the significance of municipal power using demographic data on national, regional, prefectural and municipal levels. Penned by one of Japan's eminent sociologists, it provides a quantitative characterization of population decline in Japan with a focus on regional variation, and identifies the principal explanatory factors through GPI statistical software tools such as G-census and EvaCva, within a historical perspective. Furthermore, it offers a qualitative assessment of what constitutes ‘municipal power’ as this relates to regional/local revitalization as a means of addressing municipal population decline. Using Goki-Shichido as a theoretical framework, this book pays special attention to municipal variations within the same prefecture, presenting a completely unique approach. In combining these two dimensions of analyses, the book successfully reveals the impact of municipal power and socio-cultural identity of social capital in the region, from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives at the municipal level. Demography issues in Japan have been receiving increasing attention among researchers given the growing number of declining populations in developed countries, in tandem with rapid aging and low fertility trends. Providing an original and unique contribution to regional population analysis in the fields of regional demography, historical demography and regional population policy, this book shows that the revitalization of the community is vital if Japan is to increase its population, so as to renew a community ‘raison d'etre’. The book is of interest to scholars of Asian studies more broadly, and to sociologists, demographers, and policymakers interested in population studies, specifically.
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Chiikiryoku de Tachimukau Jinkou Genshou Shakai (Declining Population and Municipal Power in Japan.)『「地域力」で立ち向かう人口減少社会―小さな自治体の地域再生策』Fumie KUMAGAI (Author)
The Japanese population has been falling, and soon will be at a critical situation. Today’s population of 127 million (2015 census) is projected to fall to 99 million by 2050 and 88 million by 2065, using middle-range projections by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (IPSSR).
Keywords:
1. Population decline in Japan
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Family Violence in Japan: A Life Course Perspectiveby Fumie Kumagai and Masako Ishii-Kuntz (Editors)
・Provides a comprehensive overview of family violence in Japan
from a life course perspective Takes a broader approach to the field,
covering child abuse, intimate partner violence, filial violence and
elder abuse as a whole in Japan
e
This book provides fresh sociological analyses on family violence in Japan. Aimed at
an international audience, the authors adopt a life course perspective in presenting
their research. Following a comprehensive overview of family violence in Japan in both
historical and contemporary contexts, it then goes on to define the extent and causes
of child abuse, intimate partner violence, filial violence, and elder abuse. In doing so,
the book is the first of its kind to look at these different types of violence in Japanese
families and simultaneously incorporate historical development of individuals and
intergenerational factors. Furthermore, its reliance on the life course perspective enables
readers to obtain a broader understanding of family violence in the country. Written
by five Japanese family sociologists who have identified various major sociocultural
characteristics that either induce or suppress family violence in Japan, it is a valuable
resource not only to scholars and students of the topic, but also to those specializing in
sociology, psychology, anthropology and comparative family studies around the globe.
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Family Issues on Marriage, Divorce, and Older Adults in Japan: With Special Attention to Regional Variationsby Fumie KUMAGAI (Author)
・Approaches Japanese demography and families from a regional variation perspective
This book provides insightful sociological analyses of Japanese demography and families, paying attention not only to national average data, but also to regional variations and community level analyses. In analyzing Japanese family issues such as demographic changes, courtship and marriage, international marriage, divorce, late-life divorce, and the elderly living alone, this book emphasizes the significance of two theoretical frameworks: the dual structure and regional variations of the community network in Japan.
By emphasizing the extensive cultural diversity from one region to another, this book represents a paradigm shift from former studies of Japanese families, which relied mostly on national average data. The method of analysis adopted in the study is qualitative, with a historical perspective. The book is thus an invitation to more in-depth, qualitative dialogue in the field of family sociology in Japan.
This book will be of great interest not only to Asian scholars, but also to other specialists in comparative family studies around the world.
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Fumie KUMAGAI, Author 『eBookあなたの知らないアメリカ』 (eBook The U.S.A. That You Do Not Know) Kindle Amazon International(KDP)
It is true that many of us are interested in the United States. However, we are not sure how much knowledge about it we possess, and if they are correct or not. Thus, a Japanese sociologist who lived in the States for 15 years will guide you to unmask their regional diversities and variations in 『eBookあなたの知らないアメリカ』.
As the title of the book "eBook"indicates, by Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) it is very suitable for today's network society. Not only reading the content of the book itself, but also you will be guided to various websites, photos, and VIDEOs. Furthermore, these chapters have been written specifically for KDP publications, rather than transformed from the existing already published materials..
Let's explore the United States through these eBooks! It is not necessary to reald all the chapters. Instead, you may like to pick up only the chapters you are interested in. For your convenience, therefore, let me list the title with website links, and ISBNs for all in the below in Japanese:
熊谷文枝著 『eBookあなたの知らないアメリカ』（Kindle版全章リスト）
・はじめに ISBN9784907261009.
Notes：The KDP eBook publication entails the following limitations:
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Nihonn no Chien to Chiikiryoku-Ennkaku Nettowaaku niyoru Kizuna Souzou no Susume (Community Bond and Regional Power in Japan: Creating Human Ties through Digital Network.)Fumie KUMAGAI, Editor & Author, Hirotoshi YAGIHASHI, Chapter Contributor, and Taeko ISHIGURO, Chapter Contributor
Population aging and fertility declining Japanese society, relationship between the dialect and the collapse of local healthcare, and community healthcare and family ties have been highlighted with special attention to regional variations. In so doing, the “community bond” and “regional power” perspective has been suggested for the reconstruction of Japan. Such a perspective pays due attention to regional variations in socio-cultural characteristics of Japanese society.
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Jyukunen Rikon Saikou-Dankai Raifupulan Shohosen (Fallacy of Late-Life Divorce in Japan: Prescription for the Life-Planning of the Baby Boom Generation)Co-Authored by Fumie Kumagai, Jyunko Sato, and Nobuyasu Harada Tokyo: Shiron-sha, 2010 (197 pp). (ISBN978-4-903122-10-6)
It is true that late-life divorces in Japan, those with more than 20 years of the duration of marriage at the time of divorce, have become conspicuous since sometime in the middle of the 1990’s. However, the increase in the number of late-life divorces is not identical to the increase in the divorce rate. That is, the conspicuous phenomenon in late-life divorces might not reflect the true nature of the institution of divorce itself. It might be a “fallacy” of late-life divorce in Japan today. This is the starting point of the present study.
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Families in Japan: Changes, Continuities, and Regional VariationsLanham, MD: University Press of America , 2008 (190 pp), List Price: $28.00. (ISBN Paper 0-7618-4016-8 / 978-0-7618-4016-9)
"Professor Kumagai is eminently qualified to elucidate the considerable knowledge of families from a comparative perspective in her various publications. I am very confident that her new book will give a distinct view of the changing Japanese family. This book will be of great interest not only to Asian scholars, but also to other specialists in comparative family studies around the world."-Dr. George Kurian, Editor, Journal of Comparative Family Studies
Fumie Kumagai, a Japanese family sociologist with keen insight into regional variations and a comparative perspective, analyzes the dynamics and variations in Japanese families throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The theoretical frameworks utilized are the dual structural perspective and the community network in the Information Age Society. This book provides insightful sociological analyses of Japanese families, paying attention not only to national average data, but also to regional variations and community level analyses. It is a paradigm shift from former studies of Japanese families, which relied on national average data only. The focus is on sociocultural variations and the diversity of families in Japan. Topics include marriage, divorce, fertility rates, the elderly, labor force participation, population decline, trends among youth, and the changing roles of women.
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Amerika no Kateinai Bouryoku to Gyakutai: Shakaigakuteki Shiten de Himotoku Ningenkankei (Violence and Abuse in the American Family: Family Relations through Sociological Perspectives)Tokyo: Minerva-Shobo, 2005 (278 pp). (ISBN4-623-04446-7) This book is essential reading for the proper understanding of what is meant by saying the violence and abuse in the American family.
The author of this book launched into the family violence study in
cross-cultural perspectives in mid-1970s working under the direction of
Professor Murray A. Straus. She now revisited the issue based on solid sociological perspectives tapping on all the spheres of family lives. Topics discussed in the book are as follows:
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21-Seiki Amerika no Shakaimondai (Social Problems in 21st Century American Society)Tokyo: Keiso-Shobo, 2004 (318 pp). (ISBN4-326-60171-X) This book is essential reading for the proper understanding of contemporary American society.
Many Japanese people assume that the U.S.A. is a strong nation. However, is it really true? A Japanese sociologist who lived in the United States for an extended period of time analyzes various social issues in 21st century American Society in 20 chapters. They are as follows: INTRODUCTION: For the Proper Understanding of American Society; PART I: American Society and Social Problems-Chapter 1: Uniformity and Diversity; Chapter 2: Social Problems and Theoretical Framework
PART II: Unequal Society and Problems of Discrimination-Chapter 3:Social Stratification and Social Mobility; Chapter 4: Poverty; Chapter 5: Race and Ethnic Relations; Chapter 6: Prejudice and Discrimination; Chapter 7: Gender and Sexual Discrimination; Chapter 8; Human Sexuality; Chapter 9: The Disabled; PART III: Problems of Family and Education-Chapter 10: The Elderly and Healthcare; Chapter 11: Elder Abuse; Chapter 12: Problems of the Family; Chapter 13: Violence in the Family; Chapter 14: Problems of Education; PART IV: Problems of Crime-Chapter 15: Euthanasia and Dying with Dignity; Chapter 16: Crime, Trafficking, and Media Violence; Chapter 17: New Types of Terrorism; PART V: Social Problems of Global Society; Chapter 18: Health, Disease and AIDS-Chapter 19: Problems of Population; Chapter 20: The Future.
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English Translation |
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Her recent
publication is a sociological analysis on digital network society, entitled
DEGITAL
NETTOWAAK SHAKAI NO MIRAI-SHAKAIGAKU KARAMITA SONO HIKARI TO KAGE (The
Future of Digital Network Society - Pros and Cons) (ISBN4-623-03086-5),
published by Minerva Shobo in
1999.
With the coming of the digital network
society any individual can distribute information to the world autonomously,
share it, and exchange communication. If that is the case, what impacts
does it have on our everyday lives? This volume analyzes the present situation
in advanced nations, discusses not only pros but also cons aspects from
sociological standpoints.
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She has
a keen insight into regional variations of Japanese families. And, two
volumes of books on the topic have been published in September 1997 under
her editorship. These two volumes of books are entitled NIHON
NO KAZOKU TO CHIIKISEI (Japanese Families and Regional Variations)
(Minerva-shobo, 1997) (ISBN4-623002748-1 and ISBN4-623002749-x).
She wishes to expand her research area into promoting information society in local communities ( Fujisawa City, Gifu Softopia, DLL, Shizuoka Prefecture) and communities. |
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In addition, based on the dual structural perspective she has published a book in English entitle UNMASKING JAPAN TODAY: THE IMPACT OF TRADITIONAL VALUES ON MODERN JAPANESE SOCIETY ( Praeger, 1996) (ISBN0-275-95144-8). |
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Over the last ten years she has been conducting a research project on "attitudes of local workers under Japan's direct investments," and published a book in Japanese entitled NIHONTEKI SEISAN SHISUTEMU IN USA (Japanese Production System in the U.S.A.: From Friction to Friendship) (JETRO, 1996) (ISBN4-8224-0730-6). Currently, she is expanding the project to the United Kingdom and Asian societies.
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Families in Asia: Beliefs and Realities, (ed.) Special issue of the Journal of Comparative Family Studies, vol. 26, no. 1 (Spring) (163 pp.)(1995, Canada, ISSN0047-2328)
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Kokusaika Shakai no Katei Kyoiku (Japanese Family Education in the Era of Internationalization). (1988, Tokyo: Kobundo-shuppan, ISBN0036-950165-6100)
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Marginalization no Seishun (Marginalization: A Personal Account ). (1983)(Tokyo: YMCA Press, and republished by Seizansha in 1994, ISBN0036-950165-6100)
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America no Kateinai Boryoku: Kodomo, Otto, Tsuma, Oya Gyakutai no Jittai (Violence in the American Family: A Life Cycle Perspective)(1983)(Saiensu-sha, ISBN4-7819-0017-8)
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Konai Boryoku (Violence in School), Haruo Matsubara and Fumie Kumagai (eds.), Gendai no Espri, No. 180. Tokyo: Shibundo (1983)(Tokyo: Shibundo, 1983 ISSN63371-80)
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Katei to Boryoku: Kazoku wo Meguru Ningenkankei (Violence and the Family: Human Interactions in the Family) (ed), Gendai no Espri, No. 166.(1981)(Shibun-do, ISSN63371-66)
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