A communicatively oriented textbook that is most appropriate for older students. Discourse is authentic, but the language is adult, formal and polite. Dialogues relate to situations that an exchange student might encounter, such as introductions, the post office, asking directions, the school office, making phone calls, asking permission. Uses romaji in the beginning but progresses rapidly to kana and kanji. Includes vocabulary lists, oral drills, grammar explanations and exercises. Very comprehensive. Useful as a reference and to supplement other texts.