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Can traditional Japanese life concepts—like loyalty, harmony, meticulousness—make sense in Western societies?
This little book offers readers a provocative tour through seventy-six core life concepts that are at the foundation of Japanese behavior, belief, and beauty.
Japaneseness will be of particular interest to students of ethics and humanism as well as those living, working, or traveling in Japan. And it raises an intriguing question: Can traditional Japanese values—like loyalty, meticulousness, sensitivity, reverence, hierarchy, trust, and harmony—make sense in modern Western societies? You are encouraged to think about how Japanese virtues can cultivate inner strength, mindfulness, and long-lasting relationships at your own homes and workplaces.
"A provocative workbook for "decluttering the spirit"... An indispensable guide and reference for Americans wanting to understand Japanese culture and perspectives. Impressively well written, organized and presented, Japaneseness: A Guide to Values and Virtues is very highly recommended for community, corporate, and academic library collections."
—John Taylor, Midwest Book Review
"Valuable for the way it lets us look at humanity through a specific cultural lens... Japaneseness: A Guide to Values and Virtues, deserves a read."
—Kris Kosaka, The Japan Times
"The perfect introduction (or reintroduction) to many aspects of Japanese society you might find refreshing, fascinating or befuddling. Or at the very least, quintessentially Japanese."
—JQ Magazine
"If you are a student of anything Japanese - whether you are someone who wants to do business with the Japanese, live amongst them or live with them... you need to read Japaneseness."
—Andrew Joseph, It's A Wonderful Rife
4.5/5 Stars "Western professionals who work with Japanese professionals may better understand some of the dynamics during meetings. People who enjoy Japanese literature, manga, and films may find deeper understanding of how culture affects the characters and their actions."
—Portland Book Review
"A fantastic guide to those who are both visiting Japan for the first time, as well as those who are adjusting to the lifestyle or differences in the work environment."
—Japan Realm
Yoji Yamakuse (born in Oita Prefecture, Japan, 1955) has worked for major publishing companies in Tokyo and New York and has been active as a consultant for nearly 100 Japanese and American global firms, focusing on personnel management, staff training, and development of joint projects in cross-cultural environments.
Preface
On Reading the Japanese Heart
Maintain Harmony
1. Harmony
2. Entertaining a Guest
3. Showing Consideration
4. Modesty
5. Space, Interval
6. Moderation
7. Lobbying
8. Flexible Thinking
Follow Forms and Paths
9. Form
10. Etiquette
11. Discipline
12. Skill
13. Craft
14. Way, Road
15. Reason
16. The Way of the Warrior
17. Self-Denial
18. Training
19. Seeking the Truth
Feel Ki, Be Aware of Transition
20. Energy
21. Fighting Spirit
22. Fate
23. Sensing Danger
24. Air, Atmosphere
25. Period
26. Restraint
27. Marking a Break
28. Moderation
Have Feeling, Be Loyal
29. Personal Feelings
30. Obligation, Duty
31. Social Debt
32. Inside and Outside, Social Circle
33. True Feelings and Facade
34. Harmonious
35. Loyalty
36. Hierarchy
37. Loyalty
38. Filial Piety
39. Barriers
Revere the Gods and Buddhas
40. The Gods
41. Purification
42. Defilement
43. Integrity
44. Japanese Spirit
45. Buddhism
46. Self-power and Other-power
47. The Other World
48. Pathos
49. Transience
50. Enlightenment
51. Zen
52. Worldly Desires
53. Emptiness
54. Nothingness
Respect Relationship
55. Relationships
56. Reincarnation
57. Cause and Effect
58. Without Ties
Build Trust
59. Trust
60. Benevolence
61. Moral Code
Develop Virtue
62. Virtue
63. Shame
64. Face
65. Role
66. Intuitive Communication
67. Resignation
Understand Beauty
68. Beauty
69. The Beauty of the Simple
70. The Beauty of the Decaying
71. Refinement
72. Elegance
73. Erotic
74. Chic
75. Profound Tranquility
76. Cultured