Many people fear that their national identities can be diminished or even destroyed by aggressive globalisation. Yet history shows us that nations can maintain their cultures despite huge pressures from outside. This has been easier for island nations such as Japan. Despite nineteenth century American ‘shock and awe’ tactics, Japan successfully kept the outside world at bay and tempered its influences. It adapted western technologies and exported its own high-quality products. Many aspects of its own culture also became popular in the West. Japan and Britain have both benefited from a dynamic mix of cultural influences spanning 150 years. But Japan and Britain still view the outside world with an odd mixture of suspicion and fascination. Despite increasing familiarity our mutual perceptions are still distorted and stereotypes remain. This topic explores three areas of cultural influence – the home, leisure, and perception – and shows how the Japanese approach to life can enrich us all.