This book, which can be used in secondary and college courses, is the second of two volumes which present a Japanese view of Japan and the world. The reality of everyday life as experienced by the Japanese people is recreated in the series. Almost all of the material in both volumes has been written by Japanese and has been taken from a variety of sources: autobiographies, fiction, poetry, newspaper and magazine articles, and historical documents. Each primary source selection is preceded by an editor's introduction which provides background information and a few questions for class discussion. Volume two focuses on the personal, social, and environmental effects of Japan's current prosperity. Like Europe and the United States, Japan has discovered that affluence is a mixed blessing, bringing water and air pollution and congested cities, along with material comforts and increased mobility. It also brings new life styles. Much of the material in this second volume deals with contemporary Japanese attitudes toward women's roles, family life, and religion. A final section is devoted to Japanese Americans, especially to their experiences in the United States during World War II. (Author/RM)