Mabiki

Discover the intriguing dynamics of family and population in Mabiki, a compelling work by the University of California Press published in 2013. This insightful book delves into the unique practices of eighteenth-century Japan, where couples often raised just two or three children. As villages faced decline and populations dwindled, the government responded with unusual measures, including the unsettling appearance of posters depicting child-murdering she-devils, alongside incentives for families to increase their birth rates. Focusing on Eastern Japan, Mabiki explores the remarkable resurgence of population growth in the nineteenth century, offering readers a thought-provoking look at societal changes and the complexities of family life. With 439 pages of rich historical context, this hardback edition is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese history and demographic trends.