Japanese
The Japanese language is a spoken and written language used mainly in Japan. The Japanese name for the language is Nihongo. Although Japanese is spoken almost exclusively in Japan, it has been and is still sometimes spoken in countries besides Japan. In addition to scattered speakers Korea, Taiwan and parts of China, emigrants from Japan, the majority of whom are found in the United States (notably California and Hawaii), and Brazil also frequently speak Japanese. Their descendants (known as nisei or second generation), however, rarely speak Japanese fluently. There are estimated to be several million non-Japanese studying the language as well.
Because it is Japan's only official language and there are few foreign Japanese speakers, the language is heavily tied to Japanese culture and vice-versa. There are many Japanese words describing certain Japanese cultural ideas, traditions, and customs which do not have corresponding words in other languages. Understanding the Japanese language requires knowledge of Japanese society.
Source: wikipedia.org
Links
The Black Moon
Website on Japanese culture.
Eat Japan
About Japanese food and culture.
The Japan Foundation London Language Centre
The website of the Japan Foundation London Language Centre, the support centre for teachers of Japanese.
The Japan Information Network
Offers easy links to a range of useful sites in English on Japan, its culture and contemporary society. There is something for all ages and depth of study.
JET Programme
JET aims to promote internationalisation in Japan's local communities by helping to improve foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level.
People First
Specialist in recruitment of Japanese speakers.