2008 Articles

Scandal, Sukyandaru, and Chouwen

Liebman, Benjamin L.

This review of Mark West's book -- Secrets, Sex and Spectacle -- proceeds in four parts. Part I describes West's account of scandal in Japan and the United States and explores some of the ramifications of his account. Part II examines the formation of scandal in contemporary China. Part III compares scandal in China with West's conclusions about scandal in Japan and the United States. Part IV discusses defamation litigation in China, with a view to adding further comparative insight to West's discussion of Japanese libel suits.