This book investigates the defining aesthetic and cultural qualities that distinguish Japanese cinema within the broader context of global film history. Donald Richie, a preeminent authority on Japanese film, utilizes his extensive background in cultural criticism to provide a foundational framework for understanding the evolution of the medium. He examines how historical, social, and artistic factors converge to create a unique cinematic language that is distinctly Japanese in its execution and thematic concerns.

Experts and film scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for those beginning their study of Japanese cinema. Readers often note the clarity and accessibility of Richie's prose, which distills complex cultural observations into a manageable format for students and enthusiasts alike.