Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture

Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture

<b>In <i>The Japanese Mind</i>, Roger Davies offers Westerners an invaluable key to the unique aspects of Japanese culture.</b> <br /><br />Readers of this book will gain a clear understanding of what makes the Japanese, and their society, tick. Among the topics explored: <i>aimai</i> (ambiguity), <i>amae</i> (dependence upon others' benevolence), <i>amakudari</i> (the nation's descent from heaven), <i>chinmoku</i> (silence in communication), <i>gambari</i> (perseverance), <i>giri</i> (social obligation), <i>haragei</i> (literally, "belly art"; implicit, unspoken communication), <i>kenkyo</i> (the appearance of modesty), <i>sempai-kohai</i> (seniority), <i>wabi-sabi</i> (simplicity and elegance), and <i>zoto</i> (gift giving), as well as discussions of child-rearing, personal space, and the roles of women in Japanese society. It includes discussion topics and questions after each chapter.<br /><br />All in all, this book is an easy-to-use introduction to the distinguishing characteristics of Japanese society; an invaluable resource for anyone—business people, travelers, or students—perfect for course adoption, but also for anyone interested in Japanese culture. <br /><br /><b>Next in this series:</b><br />Now available separately, <i>Japanese Culture: The Religious and Philosophical Foundations</i> is a fascinating journey through Japan's rich cultural history.