The purpose of this book is to provide the general Indian reader with a book on Japan that is readable, more or less comprehensive, and updated. Therefore, it does not claim to be an in-depth study. I have tried to write as much as possible from the viewpoint of a person who is reasonably familiar with India, and who is reasonably confident to expect the kind of questions that Indians would be likely to ask.

The main focus of the book is on contemporary Japan. It deals rather extensively with events observed in the second half of 2004 and the first half of 2005. But it also tries to put the history of Japan for the last 150 years in perspective. Readers may be disappointed if they cannot find what they are looking for. For example, readers may not find anything on a favourite Japanese writer. These kinds of omissions are inevitable in a book of this kind, and there is no help for it. This is not an encyclopedia on Japan. However, may I assure readers that even though I have been selective, and have been obliged to be selective, I have tried to incorporate as much as possible of what is essential for an understanding of Japan.

**Contents and Sample Pages**