Abstract
The article presents an analysis of the new monograph by Doctor of Economic Sciences I.P. Lebedeva, Japan in the 21st Century. Social Structure, Socio-Economic Problems. It evaluates the author’s contribution to the discussion about Japanese society transforming from the “middle-class society” to the “divided society.” It considers the key statements of the work focusing on social stratification, intergenerational mobility, the role of education, and the demographic problems (population aging, decreasing birth rates). The reviewer emphasizes the high academic level of the work, its substantial primary sources foundation, and the practical significance of the author’s conclusions for specialists and a wide circle of readers alike.