Introduction: reorienting hopes

Abstract

This is the final version of the article. Available from De Gruyter via the DOI in this record.-This special issue originated as a workshop held in 2013 at Osaka University, with generous support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. While not all of the papers presented at the workshop could be included here, they all raised interesting issues related to feelings of hope and hopelessness in Japan. I am especially grateful to Scott North, who hosted my stay at Osaka University, for providing a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment and supporting the organization of the workshop