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1. Dalby, Lisa. "The Parameters of Play." Tokyo: Form and Spirit. (New York: Harry N Abrams, 1986.) 200-211.

The author provides readers with a definition of the Japanese word, asobi, meaning any form of entertainment or pleasure for the people of Japan. In her article she discusses the stages throughout one's life dealing specifically with the type and amount of "play" that they experience. Japanese children begin their lives in the arms of their mother and as their age increases so does their independence. Boys develop a group of friends with whom they play war games and gamble, while girls create more "practical" games that incorporate their family lifestyle and the environment surrounding them. As the children get older they are considered adults and are marked as mature on the 15^th of January of their twentieth year. Sex turns into the most favored form of asobi. The author briefly identifies the most popular hobbies of the Japanese as being golfing, music, and reading. Adults in Japan find sex to be their most favorite and pleasurable activity that both men and women can enjoy together. Different from Americans and Europeans though, the Japanese don't simply use their hobbies as a method of "killing time," but rather as a reward for their hard work.

A journalistic article geared at an audience interested in an overview of the stages and types of Japanese leisure activities, "The Parameters of Play" clearly explains and defines the country's relaxed and casual side while remaining attention-grabbing. I would recommend this article for people who want to find out what the people of Japan choose for their entertainment and also what level of importance and priority the Japanese give to their leisure activities.

Leah Cumsky-Whitlock