“<i>Precarious Japan</i> is a forward-thinking commentary on the current state of Japan, detailing a progressive history from the economic collapse in 1991 to how the country functions today in a modern, post-earthquake society. . . . For those wondering just how precarious Japan’s future really is, this book is a good place to start.” - Jordan Sievers (Japan Times) “The only reason that I didn't burst into tears while reading this book is because of extreme self-control.” - Eustacia Tan (With Love from Japan blog) "Allison’s book is an impressive tour through important public discourses in Japan today, rooted in extensive discussion of contemporary popular literature and media."     - Kathryn E. Goldfarb (Somatosphere) “[A]n important, thoughtful, and moving ethnography that deserves the attention of a wide audience.” - Carla Nappi (New Books in East Asian Studies) " . . . Allison's work reminds us of why ethnographic work is important. She skillfully weaves recent theories of the 'precarious' between personal accounts, interviews, statistics and textual analyses, making <i>Precarious Japan</i> as much an exemplar of the ethnographic methodology as an account of the vicissitudes of life in post-bubble, post-crisis and post-Fukushima Japan." - Jamie Coates (Social Anthropology) “<i>Precarious Japan</i> is a compelling collection of examples and theories that connect overwhelming or shocking social problems in contemporary Japan with the realm of labor. . . . Although many of the examples are emotionally difficult to read, I am sure they will be very hard to forget.” - Allison Alexy (Anthropological Quarterly) “Allison’s book announces a paradigm change. . . . The book is a valuable provocation. . . . <i>Precarious Japan</i> is a valuable incitement to imagine new narratives for Japan’s present and future-and to locate Japan’s experience in the context of global precarity. . . .” - Amy Borovoy (American Ethnologist) "Allison’s ethnography of contemporary Japan, framed in terms of instability, poverty, hope, mud and the desire for belonging, is a compelling and timely work." - Laura Dales (Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology) “<i>Precarious Japan</i> has implications far beyond Japan not only because similar problems exist in other market-dominated countries but also because she draws on the relevant theoretical literature to analyze Japan from a broader perspective. The breadth and depth of Allison’s scholarship-and her insight into Japanese culture-are impressive. … I highly recommend <i>Precarious Japan</i> for those interested in contemporary societies, especially Japan. It is also a good textbook for social sciences and humanities courses, inspiring students and generating fruitful discussions.” - Yohko Tsuji (American Anthropologist) “[A]n impressive ethnographic study of exclusion, precariousness and struggle that will leave no reader untouched. . . . Allison’s new book will surely be highly impressive for many readers and a good resource for discussions in courses on contemporary Japan.” - David Chiavacci (Pacific Affairs)