3. Buruma, Ian. "Work as a Form of Beauty," from Tokyo: Form and Spirit (New York: Harry N Abrams, 1986) pp 136-147. The author opens his article with a question for his readers, "Do the Japanese really work harder than every one else?" Already he begins with the assumption in mind that people stereotype them as extremely hard workers who won't stop until their job is done well. He raises the observation that the Japanese hold intense loyalty to their companies, are disciplined in their actions, and share a consensus with one another. Their worker participation doesn't include merely a main leader on top who makes all the decisions, but that every one, no matter what class, has a chance to have their voice heard. In terms of the community as a whole and equality, the Japanese are big on uniforms. The one voice, one outfit idea enhances their goal for a "collective identity." The author presents us with an example of a hardworking Japanese man, Ito, whose only aspiration in life has been to be a photographer. As an assistant to a fashion photographer, Ito must respond to his boss' every need without being told what to do. His boss becomes a surrogate father to Ito and pays for his rent, food, and troubles without deducting it from his salary. While Ito does not find the work he does to be fun, he knows that from this experience he is gaining something so meaningful: independence. Buruma's article concludes with a paragraph on the overall necessity for autonomy in a world where there are too many conformists. He praises those who dare to stand out against a sea of followers and be an original. His article takes a persuasive format and seeks to convince rather than educate. He doesn't answer the question is opens the article with, but tries to sway readers in the direction that the Japanese care deeply about their work and believe in an equal and balanced way of living for every one. Leah Cumsky-Whitlock