Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan

The Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan is a comprehensive English-language encyclopedia from the publisher Kodansha in nine volumes, covering a wide range of topics about Japan. The first edition appeared in 1983 and in 1986 was extended by a supplementary volume. Was created the Encyclopedia of both Japanese (680 ) and of non-Japanese (524 ) writers from 27 nations. 40 % of the text was contributed by the Japanese, the remaining 60% to a majority of Americans as well as the other nations involved. Many articles are based on the translated articles from Japanese encyclopedias.

Overall, the work of more than 11,000 entries from 37 different fields of knowledge. These include standard categories such as history, literature, art, religion, economics and geography. In addition, the categories of natural sciences, engineering, law, women, folklore, food, clothing, sports, leisure, and plant and animal life have been recorded. Furthermore, contain approximately 1000 illustrations in the form of photographs, maps, drawings, charts, and tables. The ninth volume contains index of names and words that are included in the encyclopedia, but did not get a separate entry.

To accommodate a wide readership, the items were constructed both with the aim of introducing a concept on a basic level, as well as an entry point for more profound research. Thus, both a high school senior and a college student, diplomat or businessman use the Encyclopedia useful.

Many articles, however, are not longer than a short paragraph; however, the entries for main topics such as Japanese history included several 10,000 words. The individual articles within the encyclopedia are usually assigned to any author. Often at the end of an article recommendations for further reading, usually given in English or Japanese. Japanese names are always arranged in the Japanese name sequence, with surname first.

The consulting staff comprised, among others, the following well-known scientists: Edwin O. Reischauer, Gerald Curtis, Ronald P. Dore, John Whitney Hall, Ezra F. Vogel, Akira Iriye and Shigeto Tsuru.

1993 appeared the successor to Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia.