Susan Orpett Long's anthropological exploration, "Final Days: Japanese Culture and Choice at the End of Life" (2015), meticulously examines the cultural intricacies surrounding death and dying in Japan, contrasting them with American perspectives. Long argues that culture profoundly shapes the meaning assigned to death through symbols, while societal norms and cultural ties limit individual autonomy in end-of-life decisions. Within postindustrial contexts, dying individuals face both opportunities and constraints in determining their final moments. Long identifies four distinct cultural "scripts" within contemporary Japanese society defining a "good death," ranging from medical authority to individual autonomy and religious traditions. Chapters dissect the utilization and adaptation of these scripts in various medical contexts, emphasizing the role of social relationships and bioethical considerations. Long concludes that while both Japanese and American societies navigate similar physical aspects of death, their perceptions and experiences are distinct, emphasizing the ongoing cultural negotiation of end-of-life choices tailored to individual circumstances.
1