This amazing book wipes away old notions of Japan and updates readers with the stark reality that the current youth of Japan are stuck in an odd empty time period that thrives on commercialism, depression, rebellion, and anger unlike any generation before it. Gone are the days of wild spending, optimism, team-work, respect for the elderly, and hardwork.

Hysterical guide to myths and legends about japanese monsters and characters. Based largely on Shinto legends, these monsters exist today as symbolic protectors of Japan. Perhaps you could call them Japan's "patron saints."

A game about the creation of Japan. You play a wolf who is one of the mother gods of japanese legend. You traverse the game meeting actual mythological characters from history. A fun way to introduce yourself to shintoism and to answer the question "what are all those orange gate things everywhere"?

Although this movie is older, few movies have shown so much insight into the class structure of a japanese highschool like Battle Royale. Action packed and heart-breaking.

A fantastic introduction to anime for people who have never seen it before. These two movies rise above the mass produced anime sagas by winning many international awards. Truly breathtaking art and storytelling!

Japanese fashion changes weekly but the epicenter of staying up to date on the trendsetters is the magazine Fruits. Simply beautiful pictures of normal people with avant garde style or perhaps just garish style. Either way the clothes they are wearing are cataloged at the bottom of each page if you are curious what they are wearing!