ABSTRACT
This chapter covers a range of issues relating to how and what to study in relation to Japan. Starting with considering some of the things to study, which are framed as being ‘symbols’, it moves on to discuss the degree to which we need to understand the Japanese language to study Japan and how we need to be aware of how we observe things. The chapter then discusses the uses and limitation of stereotypes, clichés, and tropes in relation to studying Japan and why some of these seem to be so pervasive. In the next section, the chapter points out that to study Japan, there are certain basic elements of the country that you need to be familiar with and that, by extension, when you are discussing Japan, you need to ensure that the reader is aware of. The chapter concludes with a ‘Reflection’ section that asks you to consider some additional issues that relate to the topics that have been covered in the chapter.
