(This is the 2007 edition. Check to see if a more recent edition is available before purchasing) This book may be a travel book but it is a perfect look at Japan for anyone, regardless if you are planning a trip or not. This book takes a look at Japan and it's culture, past and present. There are a vast amount of pictures to visually detail everything.

This video game is the best way to learn Japanese I've used yet! It teaches you words in a sensible order and the Japanese alphabet between other topics, breaking up the memorization of the alphabet so it is not overwhelming. I memorized the Hiragana alphabet in under three weeks with this product. Great program in a portable format!