Customer Reviews

Japonisme: Cultural Crossings Between Japan and the West

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Wow! It took me six months to complete reading this book. Not because it is boring, but because there is so much information to just mentally digest! But what a fascinating journey. Our cultures are intrigued by each other and have affected each other for over 200 years. The book explores that intrigue, often fraught with misunderstandings, but infatuation is never far behind. Look at all the soldiers from WWII who came home with Japanese brides. Another interesting parallel is the nature of commerce between the East and the West. The Japanese and American businessmen have both much in common and widely different ways of commerce. The artistic fascination of both cultures for each other's is also covered and is enlightening to say the least. While post-war Japan sought the shiny cars, the Elvis hair and all that was coolly iconic American, we turned a wistful eye to the quickly disappearing 'old' Japan of pristine gardens, village basket makers, tea houses, the geisha life, the floating landscapes, calligraphy masters, a pond full of priceless koi simply valued for their serene beauty. Has it all been traded in for cars and high-rises? For cheap but fabulous electronics? For designer bags and pop music? Time will tell, but this wonderful book will give you true insight to the collective mind of both the East and West.