This is a good and broad introduction to contemporary Japanese society and culture from a beginning Western perspective. I'm sure an actual Nipponese would find issues with it, but I think that's true of any cultural overview with regard to any native.

One thing I will note is that while Hector may be a Geek in Japan, he did not concentrate on "geeky things." While he touched on them - I don't think you can't in a Western introduction to contemporary Japanese culture - he didn't dwell on them. He struck a good balance.