Originally published in 1995. This ethnographic account of teaching practise in both Japan and the USA offers an excellent cross-cultural perspective of education. It focuses on beginning teachers and particularly highlights both the similarities and the contrasting elements between the two countries. In part the authors inquire into the socialisation of new teachers in their particular culture. Chapters provide detailed accounts of how teachers in the study in both countries learned to teach and the strategies they used when facing problems and key issues such as child motivation. Both countries have sought to learn from each other’s practices but this fascinating study will be of interest to anyone in the teaching world.