大学生が最初に読む一冊として好評のシリーズThe Basicsから「日本」の10年ぶりの新版！これから日本について学ぶ留学生などにもおすすめできる。大衆文化と日本社会の関係、高齢化社会のメリット？、災害との向き合い方、コロナ禍への対応などの興味深いテーマが満載。Starting by looking at the common stereotypes, cliches, and tropes associated with Japan, this accessible introduction to the country is designed to arm readers with key skills and knowledge for their study of Japan. This new edition covers topics including: How do we go about studying Japan? What can be learnt about Japan from looking at its transportation system? What is the impact of an aging society? What are the connections between popular culture and wider Japanese society? How does Japan respond to disasters? How are core values about identity formed and what are their implications?; How did Japan respond to the COVID-19 pandemic?