How did Japanese industries become so successful? What was a samurai? When do Japanese people wear kimono? Do the Japanese celebrate Christmas? This book answers these questions, and many more, in a concise and lively overview of Japan: the country, its language, its people, their way of life and culture and what makes them tick. If you are studying for examinations which require a knowledge of the background of Japan and its civilisation, or if you are learning the language in, for example, an evening class and want to know more about the country, this is the book for you. If your job involves travel and business relations, it will provide valuable and practical information about the ways and customs of the people you are working with. Or if you simply have an interest in Japan for whatever reason, it will broaden your knowledge about the country and its inhabitants.

The book is divided into three sections. Chapters One and Two deal with the forces historical, geographical, geological, demographical and linguistic that have brought about the formation of the country we know as Japan and the language we know as Japanese. Chapters Three to Seven deal with the wealth of creative aspects of Japanese culture from the beginnings to the present day. These chapters take a look at the main areas or works of literature, art and architecture, music, traditions and festivals, science and technology, fashion, and food and drink, together with the people who have created and are still creating them. Chapters Eight to Eleven deal with aspects of contemporary Japanese society and the practicalities of living in present-day Japan: the way the political structure of the country is organized, education, the environment, the workplace and how people spend their leisure time. The final chapter looks at the country s political, economic and social relations with the wider world, and takes a glance at the future.

Each chapter ends with a section entitled Taking it Further , where you will find useful addresses, websites, suggested places to visit and things to see and do. Each chapter also contains a list of useful words and phrases which will help you to talk or write about the subject in question. The new edition takes into account any developments in Japanese culture and society which have occurred since first publication.