Penelope Francks is now Honorary Fellow of the University of Leeds, UK, where she was previously Reader in Japanese Studies and taught for many years on the history and economy of Japan and the rest of East Asia. Her research interests lie in Japanese economic history, especially rural development and, more recently, the history of consumption. She has published a range of books and journal articles on these topics.

Penelope Francks is now Honorary Fellow of the University of Leeds, UK, where she was previously Reader in Japanese Studies and taught for many years on the history and economy of Japan and the rest of East Asia. Her research interests lie in Japanese economic history, especially rural development and, more recently, the history of consumption. She has published a range of books and journal articles on these topics.

Penelope Francks is now Honorary Fellow of the University of Leeds, UK, where she was previously Reader in Japanese Studies and taught for many years on the history and economy of Japan and the rest of East Asia. Her research interests lie in Japanese economic history, especially rural development and, more recently, the history of consumption. She has published a range of books and journal articles on these topics.