Davies and Ikeno (2011)’s book, “Japanese Mind,” presents a short introduction and discussion topics for each of the 28 topics that characterize Japaense society. The topics were originally selected by Japaense college students and their perspectives and understanding of these cultural concepts are serving the foundations of this book. It is a fairly accessible book and is highly recommended for Japan Studies students.

Davies, Roger J. & Ikeno, Osamu (2011). Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture. Tokyo, Japan: Tuttle Publishing. ISBN: 9781462900510.

https://amzn.to/3c8My93

The topics of the book include:

1. Aimai “曖昧”: Ambiguity and the Japanese (pp. 9-16)
2. Amae “甘え: The Concept of Japanese Dependence (pp. 17-22)
3. Amakudari “天下り”: Descent from Heaven (pp. 23-34)
4. Bigaku “美学”: The Japanese Sense of Beauty (pp. 35-40)
5. Bushido “武士道”: The Way of the Warrior (pp. 41-50)
6. Chinmoku “沈黙”: Silence in Japanese Communication (pp. 51-60)
7. Danjyo Kankei “男女関係”: Male and Female Relationships in Japan (pp. 61-70)
8. Do “道”: The Do Spirit of Japan (pp. 71-82)
9. Gambari “頑張り”: Japanese Patience and Determination (pp. 83-94)
10. Giri “義理”: Japanese Social Obligations (pp. 95-102)
11. Haragei “腹芸”: An Implicit Way of Communicating in Japan (pp. 103-108)
12. Hedataru to Najimu “隔たると馴染む”: Japanese Personal Space (pp. 109-114)
13. Honne to Tatemae “本音と建前”: Private vs. Public Stance in Japan (pp. 115-118)
14. Ie “家”: The Japanese Ie Sysem (pp. 119-126)
15. Iitoko-Dori “いいとこ取り”: Adopting Elements of Foreign Culture (pp. 127-134)
16. Ikuji “育児”: Childrearing Practices in Japan (pp. 135-142)
17. Kenkyo “謙虚”: The Japanese Virtue of Modesty (pp. 143-152)
18. Kisetsu “季節”: The Japanese Sense of the Seasons (pp. 153-158)
19. Nemawashi “根回し”: Laying the Groundwork in Japan (pp. 159-164)
20. Omiai “お見合い”: Arranged Marriage in Japan (pp. 165-170)
21. Otogibanashi “御伽噺”: Folktales of Japan (pp. 171-178)
22. Ryosaikenbo “良妻賢母”: Good Wives and Wise Mothers (pp. 179-186)
23. Sempai-Kohai “先輩/後輩”: Seniority Rules in Japanese Relations (pp. 187-194)
24. Shudan Ishiki “集団意識”: Japanese Group Consciousness (pp. 195-200)
25. Soshiki “葬式”: Japanese Funerals (pp. 201-216)
26. Uchi to Soto “内と外”: Dual Meanings in Japanese Human Relations (pp. 217-222)
27. Wabi-Sabi “侘び寂び”: Simplicity and Elegance as Japanese Ideals of Beauty (pp. 223-232)
28. Zoto “贈答”: The Japanese Custom of Gift Giving (pp. 233-244)