Researching Modern-day Japan

[giftedrhonda]

Hi, all! I'm currently in the research stages of a YA novel set in Japan, and I've found a lot of good source material on Japanese religion, spirituality, tourism, etc.

However, I'd like to also find some great, accurate pics/details of modern-day Japan--what the homes look like, what the schools are like, how the average day goes for a teen or an adult, etc.

In short, what life is like for the modern Japanese person, not just what visitors should look at when they visit.

Does anyone know of any good websites or books for me to start with to help me on my quest?

Thanks so much!!!

[Bartholomew]

If you've got any mojo with google, you've probably already seen these, but here goes.

http://www.thetravelrag.com/docs/images/10108/Untitled-8.jpg

http://www.polisci.wisc.edu/~rdparrish/Personal%20Pics/MyRoomTaichung.jpg

http://www.coolhunting.com/mt/archives/muji_apt.jpg

http://www.homeenergy.org/archive/hem.dis.anl.gov/eehem/picts/9609p6_2.gif

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Modern_Ofuro.jpg/200px-Modern_Ofuro.jpg

http://www.artisandevelopers.com/web/tokyo/graphics/apartments.jpg

Notice the bedding hanging out on the railings. ^^ From the website:

"Traveling throughout Tokyo we noticed many apartments like this one with clothes and beddings hanging on the railings. We learned that apartments in Japan are very small by American standards."

http://www.jafnet.co.jp/plus/m_apartment/room.jpg

http://www.livingpod.com/lifestyle/images/kt_14_a.jpg

http://housing.cnfj.navy.mil/photos/washdry.gif

Those would be washer and dryer units. ^^

http://housing.cnfj.navy.mil/photos/rental_photos/apt.jpg

http://housing.cnfj.navy.mil/photos/rental_photos/apt2.jpg

http://housing.cnfj.navy.mil/photos/floor_plans/apt.jpg

This is advice for soldiers getting an off-base living quarter; you may find the details helpful:

http://housing.cnfj.navy.mil/off_base_rentals.htm

[giftedrhonda]

Holy crap--your google-fu is worthy of being revered. Thank you!!!