日本に市民社会は存在したのか

In this episode, Shigeki explores a fundamental question about Japanese society: has a true civil society ever existed in Japan? He begins with the figure of the Japanese salaryman, whose identity is often closely tied to their company. Unlike many Western societies, where individuals participate in society as independent citizens, Japanese social life has historically been organized around communities such as the village, the family, and eventually the corporation. As a result, companies often functioned as surrogate social institutions. But as lifetime employment weakens and corporate communities decline, a new question emerges: can Japanese society transition from company-centered belonging to a society built around autonomous citizens?