ABSTRACT
Most Japanese studies have analyzed specific affiliations separately, without assessing the whole set of ties in community networks. Analysts have noted that there have been two types of kinship relationships in Japan: Dozoku relationships are inter ie(household) networks based on ie patrilineal ties, whereas shinrui relationships are composed of both affinal and consanguineal relatives. Profound differences between Japanese and American neighborhoods help explain why the Japanese have a larger percentage of their relationships with neighbors. Despite differences in cultural context, the characteristics of personal networks described by Western sociologists also exist in contemporary Japan. Relationships among neighbors and coworkers in Japan are stronger than in North America because traditional personal relationships arising from a sense of obligation persist in Japanese neighborhoods and workplaces. Urbanism in Japan, reduces people's involvement with associates drawn from the traditional complex of kin and neighbors and increases their involvement with people drawn from the more voluntary contexts of footloose friendship.
