Kensho: Eizu no joshiki [An inspection of common sense about AIDS]

Watanabe, Yuji

Tokyo: Jiji Tsushinsha, 1993. Paperback. 186p., text in Japanese, illustrations, very good trade paperback in wraps.

The author discusses his journeys to San Francisco, New York, Florida and other places in the US to investigate AIDS. Part of his purpose in writing the book is to question common assumptions about AIDS, highlighting the dangers posed by symptomless carriers. He notes the discovery of HIV+ individuals in Japanese soaplands (sex industry), mentions the possibility of transmission immediately after infection; questions whether kissing is safe, and suggests that poor sterilization practices might make dentists and barbers unsafe. At the same time, he argues that his experiences in San Francisco and elsewhere led him to really understand that casual contact was not sufficient to transmit HIV and he hopes that the day soon comes that the Japanese public reaches this awareness. He also discusses Magic Johnson’s retirement, the GMHC and other aspects of AIDS in the US.

Cat.No: 153452
ISBN: 4788793377

Price: $45.00