Each term is listed alphabetically, with the Romanised pronunciation (including the author's unique phonetic system to facilitate correct pronunciation even for those without any knowledge of the Japanese language) and the Japanese script given, followed by its English explanation. Where appropriate, example sentences are also included to demonstrate the proper usage of the terms.

Author Biography

Boye Lafayette De Mente has been involved with Japan, China, and Korea since the late 1940s as a member of a U.S. intelligence agency, student, trade journalist, editor, and author working out of Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore. He is a graduate of Jochi University in Tokyo and The American Institute for Foreign Trade (now Thunderbird: The School of Global Management). His 70-plus books include Japan's Cultural Code Words, Business Guide to Japan, and Japan Unmasked.