The Japanese mind : understanding contemporary Japanese culture

In The Japanese Mind, Roger Davies offers Westerners an insightful guide to understanding the unique aspects of Japanese culture. Readers of this book will develop a comprehensive grasp of Japanese society and the core values that remain at its foundation. Among the topics explored are: aimai (ambiguity), amae (dependence upon others' benevolence), and amakudari (the nation's descent from heaven) chinmoku (silence in communication), gambari (perseverance), and giri (social obligation) haragei (literally, "belly art"; implicit, unspoken communication), kenkyo (the appearance of modesty), and sempai-kohai (seniority) wabi-sabi (simplicity and elegance), and zoto (gift giving) As well as discussions of child-rearing, personal space, and the roles of women in Japanese society. With discussion topics and questions after each chapter, 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. Next in this series: Now available separately, Japanese Culture: The Religious and Philosophical Foundations is a fascinating journey through Japan's rich cultural history.