"John Lie has his finger on the pulse of Japanese society. His portrayal of contemporary Japanese society is vivid, accurate, and insightful. When a big swath of Japan Studies focuses on niche issues and margins of Japanese society, this book examines the lives of regular Japanese folk and offers an exceedingly illuminating, literate, and accessible description of how Japanese people live their daily lives guided by various values toward a sustainable living--finding happiness in ordinary life, staying modest, not bothering others, and commitment to excellence in one's craft. It is a pleasure to read and a must-read for readers interested in contemporary Japan, the state of advanced capitalist societies, and a sustainable way forward in a post-growth society."--Kiyoteru Tsutsui, Professor of Sociology, Stanford University