Title: Stories from Japan, Past to Present Why I wrote my book: The need to reduce the excessive technical jargon and explain the needs of the mission field in story form motivated me. Long years in college classrooms taught me that illustrating abstract principles with stories kept students focused. Also, as I spoke in churches I noticed that it was when I told true stories to illustrate my points that more people woke from their naps. I felt that only writing what went beyond stereotypes would bring the needed clarity in East/West cultural relations. The myth that all Orientals are the same, and are inscrutable, unsmiling, and lack a sense of humor, needed to be discredited. Although entrenched traditions have restrained the Japanese from making easy changes in religious affiliations, it is a joy to write of the conversions of those who have encountered the grace of God. About me and my book: As part of the G.I. generation, I lost former high school friends in WWII. A number of my classmates in Submarine Torpedo School were simply reported as “missing in action.” Time and circumstances dictated we look upon the Japanese as our enemies. Yet, I retained a pleasant memory of friends in Californian schools who were of Japanese ancestory. Reconciliation became an underlying theme of my book. Through Christian Endeavor, a dynamic youth movement, I was challenged by missionary speakers to make a difference in the world by serving in a foreign land. To reach that goal I enrolled in a Christian college and was rewarded by meeting my wife there, who also wanted to introduce the Prince of Peace to those who had been our former enemies. After finishing the intensive training, and spending one year in deputation work, we sailed for Japan. It has been good to write of our family’s bonding experiences with Japanese friends and neighbors. Finally, after our lengthy experience of living in Japan and studying its culture for many years, it gave me a sense of closure to sum up ten strategic crosscultural communication principles. Favorite part of working with BelieversPress/Bethany Press: After waiting for a long time, I was finally informed by an apologetic publisher that it would be close to two years before my book could be scheduled. He suggested that I try self-publishing. After checking out this option, I ultimately chose Bethany Press because of the recommendation of a friend. Once committed to Bethany Press, it took only four and one half months for my manuscript to be transformed into beautiful well-bound books that were conveniently packaged and delivered on pallets to my garage. During the process of interacting with Bethany’s coordinator, I learned how to obtain a copyright, an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), and a Library of Congress Control number. I was patiently tutored in how to make and submit editing corrections and how to transmit sensitive photos without loss of detail. Now that Bethany Press started BelieversPress I look forward to continuing my education in the distribution of my book.