This is a welcome new edition of this bestselling textbook. It provides a clear, accessible and readable introduction to Japanese society which does not require any previous knowledge of the country. Fully updated, revised and expanded, the 3rd edition contains new material on: · the effects of the Asian crisis and recession in Japan · the emergence of the millennial cults such as the Aum Shinrikyo · major advances in sport and leisure such as the 2002 World Cup and the amazing global cultural success of Pokemon and Japanese animation and computer games · the tumultuous changes of the Japanese ruling elite · the Ainu and other Japanese minorities · debates about the future of the Japanese constitution and the resurgence of nationalism and militarism.