The book not only systematically covers typical lives of Japanese women of all ages, social classes, and occupations, but also gives very much information on general Japanese social traditions and the on-going reformation as of 1880’s. All these reports are accompanied with analyses and comparisons with their counterparts in the West, especially in the USA. Also interestingly inserted are portraiture and stories of some particular women. The author lived in Japan for multiple years and this book of hers is pleasingly observant, serious, and well-organized.