This textbook is aimed at advanced-level students of Japanese language. Its six thematic units focus on diversity and boundary-crossing in contemporary Japanese society; topics include populat culture, cross-cultural communication, translation, individualized learning, bioethics, and changing work patterns. Readings in the Text volume are authentic materials from published books and newspapers. The Tasks, Vocabulary, and Sentence Patterns volume contains aids to understanding and mastery of the thematic materials. The two audio CDs, totaling more than two hours, contain the complete texts of the readings, for mastery of pronunciation, sentence rhythms, and intonation.