After a decade of deregulation and economic liberalization, the high levels of unity and social harmony that had been achieved during Japan's decades of rapid economic growth are under threat. Social conflict is rapidly increasing as economic disparities continue to grow, as the economy remains stagnant, and as new generations of workers find it increasingly difficult to find positions in the lifetime employment system. Against this backdrop, this book reports on the latest social psychology research into social conflict in Japan and how it is managed. Recognizing that social justice is an important factor in many forms of social conflict, each chapter of the book addresses the issue of conflict resolution from a social justice perspective. The first part of the book analyzes the growing disparities and perceptions of injustice in Japan today from the perspectives of social class, value, social principle, culture, and legitimization. The second part includes empirical research on the mechanisms of conflict and cooperation in social relations.

About Editors and Authors

OHBUCHI Ken’ichi

OHBUCHI Ken’ichi is a Japanese social psychologist and Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University. His research areas include human aggression, conflict resolution, social justice and criminal psychology. In recent years, he has been engaged in research on public works policies, inspired by a strong awareness that research output should contribute toward people and society.

ASAI Nobuko

ASAI Nobuko is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Sociology, Kyoto Bunkyo University. She completed her PhD in Psychology at Kobe University in 2008, and she specializes in social psychology. Her research interests include intergroup relations, discrimination and prejudice as well as psychological essentialism.