JAPAN RELATED BOOKS / RESOURCES

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Cross-cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer. Duane Elmer asked people around the world how they felt about Western missionaries. The response? “Missionaries could be more effective if they did not think they were better than us.” The last thing we want to do in cross-cultural ministry is to offend people in other cultures. Unfortunately, all too often and even though we don't mean it, our actions communicate superiority, paternalism, imperialism and arrogance. Cross-cultural specialist Duane Elmer gives Christians practical advice for serving other cultures with sensitivity and humility. He offers principles and guidance for avoiding misunderstandings and building relationships in ways that honor others.
A Branch Made Strong: A Short History of FEGC/SEND Japan, 1945-1985 by Bertha Neufeld & Mildred M. Morehouse. History of SEND International in Japan. A must read! Possibly you can borrow or buy this one from the SEND IO or USO, or DOWNLOAD a PDF version HERE.
Thrive In A New Place (SIM) > A great little booklet by SIM, to be used in a mentoring relationship with new missionaries. It is intended to be used weekly over the course of several months.

The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture by Ruth Benedict. This is a famous cultural study of Japan during WWII and shortly after. The material is generally outdated, but valuable in showing the foundational principles of Japanese culture.
In the Realm of a Dying Emperor: Japan at Century's End First PB Edition Edition by Norma Field.
Religion in Japanese Daily Life by David C. Lewis. Christian anthropologist's research
The Anatomy of Dependence by Takeo Doi. Doi, a Japanese sociologist, explains what he considers the central element of Japanese culture.
Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created its Own Lost Generation by Michael Zielenziger
Silence by Shusaku Endo
Silence and Beauty: Hidden Faith Born of Suffering by Makoto Fujimura

With Respect to the Japanese: A Guide for Westerners by Jon Condon. Although it's a thin book, Condon's explanations of Japanese culture are invaluable.
The Japanese by Edwin O. Reischauer. Even though slightly outdated, this is a great book to get the “big picture” on Japanese culture and customs.
The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture by Roger J. Davies

Japan: The Story of a Nation by Edwin O. Reischauer. An excellent overview of Japanese history and culture from pre-history through 1980.
Japan From Pre-History to Modern Times https://senduwiki.org/japan_from_pre-history_to_modern_timesby John Whitney Hall

The following books would serve as excellent gifts for your Japanese friends.

Love From the Depths the Story of Tomihiro Hoshino by Tomihiro Hoshino. The autobiography of a famous Japanese Christian artist who also happens to be quadriplegic, due to a gymnastics accident.
Shiokari Pass by Ayako Miura, translated by Bill & Sheila Fearnehough. A wonderful novel illustrating sacrificial love. This novel was a bestseller and was even made into a feature film. Ayako Miura was a popular novelist and poet who presented Christianity in a positive light, opening up many Japanese to the gospel. She has written many other books, too (道ありき、氷点、etc.).

Shinto the Kami Way by Sokyo Ono. An explanation and overview of Shinto.
Talking about Buddhism in English by Yoshihito Takada & James Vardaman. The best and most easily understandable presentation of Japanese Buddhism.
Sermons of a Buddhist Abbot: Addresses on Religious Subjects by Soyen Shaku and translated by D.T. Suzuki. Reprint of Sermons of a Buddhist.
Beyond Buddhism: A basic introduction to the Buddhist tradition by Isamu Yamamoto. This is the best overview of Buddhism available from a Christian perspective.
Why are the Japanese Non-Religious? Japanese Spirituality: Being Non-Religious in a Religious Culture by Toshimaro Ama