The Japanese Mind

Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture

By: Roger J. Davies, Osamu Ikeno

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

In The Japanese Mind, Roger Davies offers Westerners an invaluable key to the unique aspects of Japanese culture.

Listeners of this book will gain a clear understanding of what 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 (perseverance), 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 child-rearing, personal space, and the roles of women in Japanese society.

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.

©2002 Roger Davies and Osamu Ikeno (P)2019 Tantor

how different cultures are

I enjoyed seeing into the Japanese culture from an American pov. It has opened up an opinion that I wish to read/listen to other books on Japanese every day life. As for the narrator, like other reviews, is not familiar with the japanese language. :) an anime fan could do better. poor narrator.

Good to read while traveling Japan

The performance could be better- the citations mid-sentence are unnecessary in audio form. Otherwise, a very easy read.

VERY INTERESTING

This book covers all aspects of Japanese culture.
I have been studying Japan for the past years and am planning my first trip in the fall.
Japan is a very interesting country, it’s history, literature, religion and architecture.
The tea ceremony, so connected to Zen Buddhism, is beautiful.
This was a free book for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
The narrator, mr. Eric Jason Martin, was a pleasure to listen to.
My thanks to all involved, JK.






.

Learning the dfferences between the Japanese Culture and the USA‘s

I loved the Voice of the Reader since it was calm and even toned. I liked how personal the story was and how the author actually learned Japanese and became immersed in the culture. It was so interesting to see him evolve and grow as a teacher ad as a person.

Excellent Picture into Japanese Customs

The systematic approach to looking at the roots of decision-making and practices in Japan from an anthropological, religious, and historical background is very insightful.

I enjoyed learning so much about Japanese traditions and though things have changed in the modern world, I expect to use much of my learning from this book in my business practices with Japanese clients.