Product Description
Japan is the third largest economy in the world and America's primary ally in the Asia-Pacific region. Nevertheless, knowledge about Japan is sadly lacking the U.S. and other Western countries.

"This is a book that should erase some of that gap. Japanese Culture from A to Z: Business, History, Politics, Sex and More is structured in an easy-to-navigate alphabetical format that facilitates individual research and encourages browsing."

Here is a sample of what's inside:

- History and Politics: Topics in Japanese history from ancient times through the 2000s. A look at key historical figures: statesmen, emperors, writers and rebels. (The book includes an extensive timeline of major historical events through the late 20th century.)

-Wars and warriors: The Japanese warrior code of bushido, Japan's internal wars, and conflicts with China and Russia in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many topics related to WWII. The recent shift in public sentiment regarding the "peace clause" of the postwar constitution.

-Religion and Culture: Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity in Japan. A look at key Japanese cultural holidays and festivals.

-Sex and gender: A variety of topics on gender relations in Japan, the truth about so-called "arranged marriages", and sexism in the workplace. The practice of "compensated dating" and the Japanese sex industry--including the establishment of Japan's most infamous red-light district in the 1600s.

-Business and economics: Japanese economic trends, including the country's rise to postwar economic superpower status. The "bubble economy" of the 1990s. The unique aspects of Japanese business culture, like the emphasis on consensus building and the ritualistic exchange of business cards. Why sidelined corporate employees are collectively known as "the window-seat tribe."

-Language: While not a language-learning book, students of the Japanese language will appreciate the Japanese language translations that are given for each topic heading.