Rooted in millennia of history but moving to the contemporary beat of globalization, Chinese society is marked both by tradition and rapid change. The urban bustle of cities like Shanghai and Beijing; the Great Wall of China and temples to Confucius; rice balls, ramen, and chopsticks; the Lantern Festival, tai chi, and ping pong-China's new and old worlds are both celebrated in this volume on the country's customs and culture. Covering history and...

While ever-changing and modernizing, Japan stays true to its roots. It has an ancient Asian culture at the forefront of today's globalizing world. The delicacy and simplicity of haiku and ink-wash paintings; the serenity of the traditional tea ceremony; the bustling city of Tokyo; the hyper-sleek modernism of bullet trains-these cultural icons and more are celebrated in this volume on Japan's customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family...