Aimed for upper-intermediate to advanced-level Japanese speakers, this incredibly informative book, published by The Japan Times, is a perfect way to deepen your understanding of Japanese society and culture. There are fifteen units each on a different theme, progressing from everyday themes to more specialized ones, and the book presents topics such as travel, food, pop culture, technology, and the constitution. The first five units introduce basic knowledge about Japan, covering aspects such as food, travel, seasonal events, and what to do during an earthquake. The second five units deal with Japan’s rich history, traditions, and popular culture, from traditional Japanese music and poetry to J-pop and anime, with a unit that discusses sports through the ages. The last five units focus on more social-orientated themes, from advances in science and technology, climate change, the future of education, and Japan becoming more multicultural.

Every chapter follows the same format with an introduction that encourages conversation, a set of reading materials, and a series of model dialogues related to the topic. There are also tasks where readers are required to explore the topics further by gathering specific information, holding discussions in pairs or groups, and in some cases, developing presentations about the topics introduced. There are also lots of photographs and visual aids that help to make even sophisticated topics more accessible.

Each unit can be studied as a standalone lesson, so those with limited time can pick and choose what they want to study or teach. English translations are provided in the back of the book as a reference. This is an excellent book that provides students with what they need to discuss diverse topics and develop their critical thinking skills by comparing and contrasting different aspects of culture.

Structure:

• 15 units, each covering a different aspect of Japanese culture, with a reading section, related vocabulary, and natural dialogues related to the topic.
• Index of key vocabulary that conveniently relates to the N1, N2, and N3 of the JLPT.
• English translations of all the reading sections of each unit.

Units:

• Unit 1：日本ってどんな国？
• Unit 2：都市の暮らし・地方の暮らし
• Unit 3：日本の旅を楽しもう
• Unit 4：いたただきます！
• Unit 5：季節を楽しむ年中行事
• Unit 6：知っておきたい日本の歴史
• Unit 7：伝統文化体験
• Unit 8：現代文化とポップカルチャー
• Unit 9：スポーツの楽しみ方
• Unit 10：前進を続ける科学技術
• Unit 11：地球のためにできること
• Unit 12：教育と子供たち
• Unit 13：産業構造と経済
• Unit 14：政治と憲法
• Unit 15：多文化共生社会を目指して

Recommended for you if:

• You want to learn more about Japanese history and culture.
• You are looking to pick up some new vocabulary through topic-based content. 
• You like to study Japanese through a mix of reading comprehension activities and spoken Japanese.
• You are looking for a book that will motivate your students to improve their reading and speaking skills in Japanese but will also introduce them to a lot of different aspects of Japanese culture. 

About this volume:

• Original Title: クローズアップ日本事情15 ― 日本語で学ぶ社会と文化
• Pages: 208
• ISBN: 978-4-7890-1653-7
• Book Size: B5
• Languages: Japanese (with English translations of key reading activities)
• Publication Date: 3rd edition - June 2019