I have very mixed feelings about this book. First and foremost, I found it in the “self-help” section but quickly realized, as I began reading, that this book is written to business people and managers. Many of the virtues featured in this book are explained through a cultural filter, contrasting not only “Eastern” with “Western” but traditional with contemporary. I would imagine that this book is more than a little controversial. I felt myself wondering if this is not another example of “Asian Exoticism,” making Japanese culture not merely unique but exceptional. However, I set aside my misgivings (while reminding myself that the author is Japanese) and allowed the text to speak for itself.
This is a slender book so there isn’t a lot of content for each of the 76 concepts taught. Where suggestions are made for how each concept is a part of an individual's life, more often than not it is put in a business context and, while tradition and history are mentioned, don't expect to learn a great deal about Japanese culture or history. The author organizes the concepts thematically while also developing ideas from one concept to the next, occasionally connecting previous values with the one being presented. However, there no practical suggestions for how the reader might incorporate them. If you’re looking for an easy how-to self-help book or a step-by-step managerial guide, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
That said, if you feel you can apply the abstract ideas in a practical way through personal practice and application, this may be the book for you. I can also see how a western business person working for a Japanese company might benefit from reading this book.In fact, now that I’ve finished it, I am going to give it to my son who works for as a translator for a Japanese company. I am curious to see what he thinks and whether or not he learns anything about Japanese culture as a result. Did I learn a lot? Not particularly, but there are a few concepts within these pages for which I may be making some room in my life.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2016
I found it enjoyable to read. It's insight into Japanese culture, but also just good bits for contemplation and reflection
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2017Top reviews from other countries
Max
Un "vocabolario" della mentalità e cultura giapponese
Reviewed in Italy on February 13, 2017Verified Purchase
S. T. Munro
When you think you've read all you need to know about Japan . . .
Reviewed in Canada on July 6, 2016Verified Purchase
