Need to know basis

So what do you know about Japan?

• What of its history? OK, you know about World War II - the Japs were the evil baddies, right? There was also a period of samurai, geisha and tea ceremonies in the olden days. OK, what else?
  
• How about popular culture? Yes, there's geeky manga comics and computer games, karaoke, sushi and inane quiz shows. Is that it?
• Business. Ah yes, you know about the big conglomerates that run the show and the salarymen who work like machines. Is that the whole story?
• Oh, and then there's politics. You know the place has an emperor and a parliamentary system, so therefore has a prime minister. Well reasoned. What's his name (prime minister or emperor)? What party is in charge? What parties are in opposition?

I'm guessing there are some pretty basic gaps in your knowledge of a nation of 130 million people with an economy second in the world only to the United States.

You might need a little help. Allow me to introduce Our Man in Abiko. He's a mostly reliable chap, who formerly did sterling work for Britain, but is now plying his trade on the other side of the world. He could show you a few things. Some of them might even be useful.