Introduction: Reconstruction of Intimate and Public Spheres in Asian Modernity

Abstract

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book Transformation of the Intimate and the Public in Asian , which looks at a number of the key concepts, theoretical frameworks, and topics that are required if we are to use social science approaches to the issue of the Reconstruction of the Intimate and Public Spheres in contemporary Asia. It lays out the theoretical framework for reconsidering First Modernity and Second Modernity from the perspective of Reconstruction of the Intimate and Public Spheres. In particular, the chapter clarifies the issues that must be taken up explicitly within the Asian context, and the theoretical threads that bind together. The book uses the concept of compressed modernity to explain the extreme demographic changes in East Asia in recent years. It also points out the significant difference in degree of compression between Japan and other Asian societies, and proposes labeling Japan's case modernity. Keywords: contemporary Asia; intimate spheres; Japan; public spheres; semi-compressed modernity; theoretical framework