The Handbook on Japanese Studies series focuses on the broad field of Japanese Studies, aimed at the worldwide English language scholarly market, to be published in English. The aim is to publish an average of six such volumes per annum initially. Each Handbook will contain an average of 20 newly written contributions (not exceeding about 8,000 words each) on various aspects of the topic, which together will comprise an up-to-date survey of use to scholars and students. The focus will be on Humanities and Social Sciences.