The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Culture

The Daily Yomiuri; Tokyo; Sep 8, 2002;
"The students and teachers of Ehime University have come up with a book stuffed to bursting with powerful analysis."


Book Description
In The Japanese Mind, Roger Davies offers Westerners an invaluable key to the unique aspects of Japanese culture. Readers of this book will gain a clear understanding of what really makes the Japanese, and their society, tick. Among the topics explored: aimai (ambiguity), amae (dependence upon others’ benevolence), amakudari (the nation’s descent from heaven), chinmoku (silence in communication), gambari (perseverence), giri (social obligation), haragei (literally, "belly art"; implicit, unspoken communication), kenkyo (the appearance of modesty), sempai-kohai (seniority), wabi-sabi (simplicity and elegance), and zoto (gift giving), as well as discussions of childrearing, personal space, and the roles of women in Japanese society. Includes discussion topics and questions after each chapter.


About the Author
Roger Davies holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Bangor, and is currently Professor of Applied Linguistics and Academic Director of the English Education Center at Ehime University in Matsuyama, Japan.


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Twenty-eight essays provide an overview of modern Japanese culture, with attention to the society's values, attitudes, behavior patterns, and communication styles. War, gender roles, seniority rules, group consciousness, and aesthetics are specifically considered. A chronology and glossary are included. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)


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