The culture and people of Japan are described from an ethnological/cultural anthropology viewpoint. The author begins his description with an introduction to the study of cultures and peoples. He then discusses the Japanese as a racial, ethnic, and language group. He later presents a historical/anthropological discussion of the formation of the Japanese as a people, the sources of Japanese culture, and the origins of the Japanese state. The author highlights the distinctive character of Japanese culture and discusses the relationship between Japan and the West. Chronologies of Japanese and Chinese history compiled by the translator are appended. (MK)