This course will introduce students to major themes in Japanese culture. Topics include "samurai in Japanese history," Japanese aesthetics and fashion, traditional and contemporary arts, gender and family, Japanese capitalism and corporate culture, food, and manga and anime. Emphasis is placed on learning the basic outlines of Japanese history, while also learning to appreciate Japanese arts from Kabuki and the Tea ceremony to Anime. The pandemic prompted various virtual museums and exhibitions. Taking advantage of availability of various Japan related online resources, we will visit several Japan-related virtual exhibitions and also review some Japanese films. A background in Japanese studies is not required to take this class. Active class participation, including online site visits, is required.