Eiko Maruko Siniawer delves into the evolving perceptions of waste in Japan from the post-World War II era to the present, highlighting its implications on daily life and societal values. The book examines how waste has been viewed as both a barrier to progress and a reflection of mass consumption, revealing the complexities of modern living. It explores the tension between aspirations for middle-class affluence and the environmental and moral costs associated with it, ultimately portraying waste as a lens through which the Japanese navigate their identities and well-being.
