"Knowing Japan and the Japanese better," Louis Frédéric states in the introduction to this encyclopedia, "is one of the necessities of modern life." The Japanese have a profound knowledge of every aspect and detail of Western societies. Unfortunately, we in the West cannot say the same about our knowledge of Japan. We tend to see Japan through a veil of exoticism, as a land of ancient customs and exquisite arts; or we view it as a powerful contributor to the global economy, the source of cutting-edge electronics and innovative management techniques. To go beyond these clichés, we must begin to see how apparently contradictory aspects of modern Japanese culture spring from the country's evolution through more than two millennia of history. This richly detailed yet concise encyclopedia is a guide to the full range of Japanese history and civilization, from the dawn of its prehistory to today, providing clear and accessible information on society and institutions, commerce and industry, sciences, sports, and politics, with particular emphasis on religion, material culture, and the arts. The volume is enhanced by maps and illustrations, along with a detailed chronology of more than 2,000 years of Japanese history and a comprehensive bibliography. Cross-references and an index help the reader trace themes from one article to the next. Japan Encyclopedia will be an indispensable one-volume reference for students, scholars, travelers, journalists, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the past and present of this great world civilization.

This book explores the transition from the era of internationalization into the era of globalization of Japan by focusing on language and identity as its central themes. By taking an interdisciplinary approach covering education, cultural studies, linguistics and policy-making, the chapters in this book raise certain questions of what constitutes contemporary Japanese culture, Japanese identity and multilingualism and what they mean to local people, including those who do not reside in Japan but are engaged with Japan in some way within the global community. Topics include the role of technology in the spread of Japanese language and culture, hybrid language use in an urban context, the Japanese language as a lingua franca in China, and the identity construction of heritage Japanese language speakers in Australia. The authors do not limit themselves to examining only the Japanese language or the Japanese national/cultural identity, but also explore multilingual practices and multiple/fluid identities in "a transitional Japan." Overall, the book responds to the basic need for better accounts of language and identity of Japan, particularly in the context of increased migration and mobility.

"The Japan of Pure Invention not only sheds new light on a seemingly familiar sold chestnut,' it raises new possibilities for understanding the endurance of orientalism in relation to both whiteness and blackness."-KAREN SHIMAKAWA, author of National Abjection: The Asian American Body Onstage --

"A Fantasy of Far Japan: Or, Summer Dream Dialogues" by Kencho Suematsu is a fascinating collection of essays that provide readers a vibrant glimpse into the wealthy tapestry of Japanese lifestyle, lifestyle, and folklore. Through a series of captivating dialogues set against the backdrop of a dreamlike summer time landscape, Suematsu takes readers on a journey via the landscapes of Japan, each actual and imagined. The book transports readers to a realm where the limits between fact and myth blur, allowing them to explore timeless issues along with love, honor, and the fleeting nature of lifestyles. Each communicate is a miniature masterpiece, weaving together elements of Japanese mythology, records, and philosophy to create a charming tapestry of imagination. From the serene beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom to the haunting allure of ancient temples hidden in mist-shrouded mountains, Suematsu's prose captures the essence of Japan's cultural background with grace and beauty. Through his evocative storytelling and lyrical prose, Suematsu invitations readers to immerse themselves inside the magic of Far Japan, where goals and truth intertwine in an enchanting dance of the imagination.