This booklet was designed to facilitate interactions and communication with the people of Japan by providing information about their customs, attitudes and other cultural characteristics which influence their actions and values. A brief description of Japan is given, covering the following: history, government, the economy, education, transportation, communications, health facilities, the people, the family, religion, language, diet, the arts, and sports. The cultural traits and values involved in the Japanese modesty and reserve, saving face, traditionalism, passiveness, the situational ethic, and nonindividualism in a vertical society are explained through brief descriptions of realistic situations involving American visitors to Japan. A self-test is given after each situation. Information is also given on: greetings, visiting, eating, gestures, punctuality, general courtesies, telephone, shopping, the bath, homes, weddings, funerals, dress, the postal system, eating out, holidays and festivals, and signs. A list of useful Japanese phrases is given. In an appendix, descriptions are given of Nihon and nationalism, the emperor, and the samurai, and several stories about Japanese feelings and attitudes are provided. An annotated bibliography is also provided. (SW)