Japanese Law and Society examines how contemporary social issues are regulated within Japanese law. Thus, the course looks at how Japanese law articulates the position of the family unit in society, using an interdisciplinary lens to analyse marriage, divorce, adoption, family registration, succession and aged care. The course continues with an exploration of how Japanese law impacts on women, indigenous Ainu people, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, members of the pariah community (burakumin) and religious minorities. The course then analyses the torts of defamation, negligence and wartime compensation to define the socio-cultural basis to how Japanese law apportions blame. Finally, the course concludes by examining Japan's system of crime and punishment. By the end of the course, students will be able to dismiss common stereotypes about Japanese society and develop a more nuanced understanding of social law and policy in Japan.