GEOGRAPHY: Areas and Cities -- Plants and Animals -- HISTORY -- GOVERNMENT AND DIPLOMACY: Emperor -- Major Components of the Government -- International Relations -- National Defense -- Taxes -- ECONOMY: Corporations -- Trade -- Industries -- Science -- SOCIETY: Environment -- Education -- Transportation -- Mass Communication -- CULTURE: Religion -- Customs -- Literature -- Fine Arts -- Architecture -- Performing Arts -- Nihongo -- Philosophy -- LIFE: Sports -- Leisure -- Food -- Index.

'Japan: Profile of a Nation' is a cornucopia bringing readers reliable and accurate information on virtually every aspect of Japan the nation and its people. The range of topics is remarkable, offering a gold mine of facts about corporate culture, women in the labour force, cram schools, karaoke, comics, to name but a few, as well as more wide-ranging issues such as international relations, foreign trade, and the Japanese language. In fact over 200 informative and well written articles have been organised into seven thematic sections including Geography, History, Government and Diplomacy, Economy, Society, Culture, and Life providing a balanced and very readable portrait of Japan past and present. It is an up-to-date and reliable reference work compiled specially with the general reader in mind. A perfect introduction for people all over the world who want to know more about Japan and a valuable resource for Japanese who would like to speak confidently about their culture in English.