About Japan

The "Land of the Rising Sun" can be extremely mysterious to western visitors. However, to the folks who call Japan home, it is a land of clearly defined ancient customs coexisting with modern technological advancements under fairly rigid societal standards. This work is about Japan and things Japanese. It is intended for anyone who is coming to Japan or for folks who just want to learn more about this fascinating country. Coming to Japan, especially to live or work, makes for a tough transition and I wanted to provide information that could help make the move easier. The information contained here will be relevant to any walk of life. As you will see in the table of contents, I present a narrative which includes a wide range of topics. These topics were selected for their relevance to newcomers to Japan regardless of whether they are here for work or pleasure. With a fascinating history that goes back many thousands of years, it is amazing that Japan has managed to retain its true identity in these days of modern travel and instantaneous global communications. While concessions have been made to the march of time and the influence of western culture (especially in clothing, music and electronics), the Japanese are very protective of traditional ways. No amount of outside influence has been able to change their unique view of life and the world. In this book I will attempt to explain many of the things that make Japan what it is and hopefully make your visit to this wonderful land a more rewarding experience.