The Japanese Way : Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the Japanese [Paperback]

Noriko Takada (Author), Rita Lampkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 11, 1996

A handy guide to understanding how people from every corner of Japan think, do business, and act in their daily lives

Organized alphabetically for east of use, The Japanese Way is an indispensable reference to the common as well as the divergent cultural traits of the Japanese. Included are 89 key traits, representing the values of a people who have been described as "enigmatic," "mysterious," "inscrutable," and even "unknowable." The Japanese Way provides an explanation of the varied ways in which these people celebrated holidays, interact with one another, resolve daily problems, view and deal with the outside world—-as welll as illuminating the rich and varied historical traditions that have shaped the modern culture of Asia’s most progressive nation.

Complete with a bibliography and index, The Japanese Wayprovides keen insights into the rich variety of customs and attitudes found among the Japanese people. Whether you are interested in Japan as a student, tourist or business traveler, this book will help you break the culture barrier--and appreciate the Japanese way.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (November 11, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844283770
• ISBN-13: 978-0844283777
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #781,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

120 of 128 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thorough guide and a must..., October 10, 2003

By 

C. Middleton (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Japanese Way : Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the Japanese (Paperback)

As many seasoned travellers are acutely aware, visiting foreign countries without adequate research into the language and culture can turn a business trip or holiday into a nightmare. Since WW2, most European countries use English as a second language and therefore are accommodating to the ignorant visitor. In other terms, one can 'get by' without too much confusion or fuss. A few years ago, on my way to the U.S. to visit friends and family, I made a two-day stop over in Japan. Because of my limited stay and time constraints, I chose not to do any research on the language and culture. This was a big mistake. The reason being is that Japan's culture - behaviour, customs and attitudes are so different to Western modes of living. My two-day stop over was a personal disaster for many reasons. If only I had done at least a little research, my short time in Japan would have been much more meaningful. ~The Japanese Way~ is a gem of a text that covers the essentials for any one to successfully 'get by' while visiting this fascinating country.

This text is a crucial reference to the most common aspects of the culture to the more specific traits in Japan's social framework. In the contents page is a list of 89 subjects ranging from body language and gestures to gender roles and business cards. For example, taking a taxi in Tokyo can be expensive and sometimes frustrating because the address system, house numbers, are not assigned according to grid location or position on a specific street. The buildings are grouped in blocks and are numbered according to the time in which they were built! Requesting a specific residential home, in other words, is an exasperating exercise and most of the time the driver will not be able to find it. (The lesson learned here is to purchase a map and use public transport.) This text also provides the basics in language - Hellos and Goodbyes and some basic rules on politeness and rudeness. These basic phrases and suggested approach to social situations are invaluable, even if you're only planning a short visit.

If you're planning to travel to Japan sometime in the future, I highly recommend this invaluable book, because it literally covers just about everything you will need to know to ensure your stay is fulfilling, memorable and problem free.

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very, very short, April 18, 2005

By 

C. Hernandez (Anaheim, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Japanese Way : Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the Japanese (Paperback)

A useful and welcome concept, but the book is altogether too short, I feel, to teach you much. Most of the topics covered will already be things that someone who's read a few basic books about Japan and Japanese culture will have read already. I would recommend this book to a person who doesn't know anything about Japan as a quick guide to the culture, perhaps. I felt an expanded edition-- some added topics or digging a little deeper into holidays or national policy or government-- might be more interesting.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Japan - on the quick, August 20, 2007

By 

Linda Austin "Moonbridge" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Japanese Way : Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the Japanese (Paperback)

Although it may be a little outdated by now, this quick read is an ideal way for first-time Japan travellers to get acquainted with the rather complicated Japanese ways. As a Japanese-American I wish I had read this long ago to better understand my mother! My husband found this book very helpful when he went to Japan on business. For business or pleasure, this book should make your trip to Japan easier... and hopefully keep you from accidentally insulting someone. But then, the Japanese are polite and will understand you are just a "gajin."