Ardath W. Burks is professor emeritus of Asian studies at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. In retirement he continues to consult, preparing political and investment risk surveys for Wall Street firms seeking to better understand Japan and its role in the world economy.

• Westview Profiles Nations of Contemporary Asia -- Preface to the Third Edition -- Introduction -- Sansui: The Landscape and Its Settlement -- The Japanese Tradition -- Shibui: A Taste of Japanese Culture -- Kindaika (Modernization) -- Postwar Politics -- The Postwar Economy -- The Postindustrial Society -- Kokuminsei: Who Are We Japanese? -- Kokusaika: