ABSTRACT
The chapter provides an overview of the concepts discussed in this book. The book encourages readers to think about how they would deal with the symbols of Japan, as well as other questions about Japan that they may already have or gain as a result of their studies and experiences of Japan. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not essential, but can be beneficial, in taking steps to understand Japan. The book explores whether the understanding of Japan match with the reality of Japan today. Japan is not static. Things do change; politicians, and in recent years prime ministers in particular, come and go; there seems to be a never-ending conveyor belt of new fresh faces coming to the music scene; and in international relations there can be disputes and events that can have a seemingly significant impact beyond the political and diplomatic levels.
