This book challenges the conventional view of Japanese society as being monocultural and homogeneous. Unique for its historical breadth and interdisciplinary orientation, Multicultural Japan extends from the prehistoric phase to the present. It challenges the notion that Japan's monoculture is being challenged only because of internationalisation, arguing that cultural diversity has always existed in Japan.

It is a timely and provocative discussion of identity politics around the question of 'Japaneseness'. The book is critical of the myth of uniqueness and a 'pure' blood tradition, and the Japanese reluctance to consider the past. Yet its spirit is constructive, arguing that no multicultural future can be created until Japan's multi-cultural past is discovered. Its contributors, about half of whom are Japanese, form an impressive team.