Kato, Ryoko2009-05-192009-05-191988-01-01Mid-American Review of Sociology, Volume 13, Number 1 (WINTER, 1988), pp. 69-78 http://dx.doi.org/10.17161/STR.1808.5026https://hdl.handle.net/1808/5026In this paper, I suggest that the national character studies of Japanese have largely been focused on cultural explanations. Thus, they share the weaknesses attributed to this approach. After a review of the literature on Japanese national character some possible future directions are suggested.enCopyright (c) Social Thought and Research. For rights questions please contact Editor, Department of Sociology, Social Thought and Research, Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045.Article10.17161/STR.1808.5026openAccess