Prostate Health, Ageing and Society in Japan

Genaro Castro-Vázquez is Professor of Sociology in the Asian Studies Programme at Kansai Gaidai University, Japan, where he teaches courses related to sociology of health, sociology of education, gender and society, and sexuality and society. His area of study is Japan, and his interests of research involve health, medicine, sexuality, gender, ethnicity and education, as well as issues faced by Latin Americans living in Japan. Recent publications include Masculinity and Body Weight in Japan: Grappling with Metabolic Syndrome (Routledge, 2020) and Intimacy and Reproduction in Contemporary Japan (Routledge, 2016).

“A pioneering study of ageing, masculinity, and health, Prostate Health, Ageing and Society in Japan offers a richly layered analysis of how ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and the male body intersect in everyday life. Castro-Vázquez illuminates the cultural scripts, interpersonal dynamics, and intimate self-negotiations that shape Japanese men’s experiences of benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer. A vital contribution to the sociology of health and illness, this book reframes prostate health as a deeply social, cultural, and embodied matter.”Professor Alex Broom, The University of Sydney, Australia“This work provides an excellent exploration of men and prostate health within the context of Japanese society. It skilfully weaves empirical research and conceptual work together to give a nuanced sociological examination of the intersections between gender, culture, embodiment and health. A book that will generate interest across several disciplines.”Professor Steve Robertson, The University of Sheffield, UK“Prostate Health, Ageing and Society in Japan shows how prostate health is culturally and historically situated. This book interrogates the gendered and racialized aspects of prostate health, as well as the lived realities of aging and incontinence.”Professor Meika Loe, Colgate University, USA; author of Aging Our Way and The Rise of Viagra"This timely book offers an important socio-cultural analysis of male incontinence and prostate-related health issues within contemporary Japan. Drawing on original data from clinician, patient and media sources, a nuanced portrait of ageing masculinities is provided, informed by pressing concerns such as stigma, discrimination and Westernization. Highly recommended."Professor Brendan Gough, Leeds Beckett University, UK

• List of Figures and TablesAcknowledgementsIntroduction: Incontinence or after-dribble1 Contexts and prostate health2 Investigating prostate health3 Cultural scripts and prostate health4 Urologists and prostate health5 The embodied self and prostate health6 Lifestyle and prostate health7 Prostate health and economicsConclusion: Why prostate health?Index