Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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."

My friends actually gave this book to me before I left for a trip to Japan. The book is organized into mini sections of information, which makes it a quick read and perfect distraction for the daunting 12 hour flight over there. I found that the book does a really good job of explaining the culture and some of the do's and don'ts while visiting. This was the only book I read, but found it extremely helpful and interesting - I definitely suggest buying this book if you are taking a trip to Japan.

This book is a great quick read. It's very interesting. There may be things you already knew about Japanese culture, but that they expand upon. There are also plenty of new things that I didn't know. I like the way the book flows. It also includes bolded words in romaji, and it has a quick go-over of pronunciation that I found very helpful. It really gets you into it and wanting to learn more!

Joyous day! A very informative and helpful book . .