Japan is a mighty economy, brought into being by a determined and resilient people. Its geographical positioning, however, means that its security is far from guaranteed. Yet along with other Pacific-rim countries, it continues to attract migrants, swelling cities that are evermore prone to natural disaster. Dr Pascua looks at Japan first from a historical point of view: the rise to economic pre-eminence, the survival of nuclear attack, and then the continual march for progress, despite potential for disaster on the way. The tsunami of March 2011 is examined against the background of the industrialised country's need for energy, and the reluctant choices the Japanese made. The immediate effects of the earthquake, the tsunami and the Fukusima disaster of course feature largely here, yet they are viewed within the context of the impact on the rest of the world, with particular reference to the United States, as the the lights went down in the powerhouse. What steps this inventive and adaptable nation will take in meeting these challenges - of safe power sources and reducing risk from quakes - remain to be seen. This short study is useful to those whose business is connected with Japan, to those who need to refer, and to readers who simply want to understand our world and the tumultuous events undergone in recent years. It can be dipped-into or read thoroughly. Either way, the result is the reader's extended knowledge from this well-referenced, informative book.