The very title of this collection of essays, "Phenomenology in Japan" signals an effort that might well be called an attempt at cross cultural communication or cultural interchange. It might evoke curiosity or interest: "Phenomenology in Japan!" (as if to say, "how is phenomenology being done in Japan?" or "let's see what the Japanese have to say about phenomenology!"); or it can be met with surprise: "Phenomenology, in Japan?" (as if to inquire, "are philosophers and social scientists really occupied with phenomenology in Japan?" or "can one really speak of a "phenomenological movement' in Japan?").