After English, Japanese is the most widely used language on the Internet. This is the first book to analyze the different applications and uses of the Internet in Japan. Introductory chapters focus on the development of the Internet in Japan, the online dynamics of Japanese language use and the differing ways in which broad groups such as men, women and students use the Internet. Other chapters look at Net use by specific subcultures including religious movements, political parties, gay men and people living with AIDS.