This collection is the fifth in a series of publications entitled "History and Culture of Japan." It was based on reports read at the 14th international conference "History and Culture of Japan," held February 13-15, 2012 at the RSUH. The book presents the latest developments of domestic and foreign scientists regarding the most interesting problems of the history and culture of Japan: the functioning of the state apparatus, the identity of the Japanese, the perception of nature, literature, music, calligraphy, fashion, mass culture.