Organized by theme, this comprehensive encyclopedia examines all aspects of life in Japan, from geography and government to food and etiquette and much more. Japan, or the "Land of the Rising Sun," is home to more than 126 million people, nearly 10 million of whom live in Tokyo alone. How did this tiny island nation become such a powerhouse in the 21st century, and where will it go from here? Modern Japan examines history and contemporary life through thematic entries organized into chapters covering such topics as geography; history; government and politics; economy; religion and thought; social classes and ethnicity; gender, marriage, and sexuality; education; language; etiquette; literature and drama; art and architecture; music and dance; food; leisure and sports; and media and popular culture. Each chapter contains an overview of the topic and alphabetized entries on examples of each theme. A chronology covers from prehistoric times to the present, and special appendices offer profiles of a typical day in the life of representative members of Japanese society, a glossary, key facts and figures about Japan, and a holiday chart. This volume is ideal for students researching Japan, as well as general readers interested in learning more about the country. Includes "Day in the Life" features that portray the specific daily activities of various people in Japan, from teenagers to working adults in different fields, providing readers insight into daily life in the country Features key terms related to the reading as defined in a glossary appendix Presents a chart of national holidays for at-a-glance information about Japan's important religious and secular holidays Provides photos to help illuminate the text, illustrating key topics and allowing students to dive more deeply into ideas Offers sidebars for fun facts and anecdotal information that help to engage the reader.