Why Japan? [antikvár]

IntroductionWhen the world s attention is increasingly focused on Asian giants China and India and their rapidly expanding economies, why a book on Japan now? For me, the theme is more relevant than ever, as I believe people have a great deal to learn from the third largest global economic power.As a longtime ambassador of the Republic of San Marino and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corpsrepresenting the 154 embassies based in JapanI have the privilege and honor of attending many rarified events and sacred rites that are inaccessible to most Japanese people. On behalf of my diplomatic colleagues, I make the annual birthday address to the Emperor, as well as participate in private ceremonies at the venerable Ise Shrine. I am also fortunate to be in touch with local communities and local culture, giving me insights into the values of ordinary Japanese people. With the 2020 Olympics approaching, 1 have collected my observations in this extended essay on a country whose strengths and wonders are often misunderstood by foreigners and overlooked by its own people.Growing up, my Jesuit priest teacher instilled in me a respect of the religions and traditions of all countries and cultures.