INTRODUCING JAPPAN (N)

Introducing Japan, with text by Donald Richie and a foreword by Edwin O. Reischauer, is a book that serves as a visual and informational guide to the country. It was published by Kodansha International and first came out in 1978, with subsequent editions. 

This revised edition takes the reader on a journey from bustling modern cities like Tokyo to the serene, classical landscapes of Kyoto. It covers the country's striking contrasts—the blend of ancient traditions (like geisha and Kabuki theater) with contemporary life (like baseball and skyscrapers).

The core of the book is a combination of concise, incisive text written by Donald Richie and many extraordinary color photographs by leading Japanese photographers. The book provides historical, geographic, cultural, and economic facts to give a well-rounded overview for general readers, whether they have visited Japan or are unfamiliar with it.

Donald Richie is a highly respected figure and a prolific author who spent decades writing about Japan and its culture, particularly its cinema. His work is known for being insightful and well-informed, and he is often regarded as one of the foremost Western authorities on Japanese culture. His perspective is that of an observer who has lived intimately with the culture for a long time.

Edwin O. Reischauer was a prominent scholar of Japanese history and a former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, giving his foreword significant weight and credibility.