A reference for the curious to Japan

This book is a book on Japan, which explains Japan, but the context of writing is different. Indeed, this is the report commissioned an ethnologist by the US government in 1944 to understand which were the Japanese. And, by the admission of Japan, it is one of the most important books written about Japan, and remains, although it is dated, a major reference in particular for Japanese. And indeed, it is a remarkable work, and exciting. If only one is interested in Japan and Japanese culture. Indeed, the aim of explaining the Japanese culture and mentality, it goes deep and essential things underpinning the company and the Japanese character, not in the tourist or folklore. A real good job of ethnologist what. Well, it is Japan of there half a century, but it's not like a culture change at all while a half century either. In summary, with Empire of Signs, this is the best book I have read so far on Japan.