Japan's Cultural Code Words offers a study of Japanese society through analysis of key terms and concepts that define Japanese attitudes and behaviors. Japan's traditional culture is so powerful that it continues to be the prevailing force in molding and tuning the national character of the Japanese, resulting in a society that simultaneously emphasizes both the modern and the traditional. The best and fastest way to an understanding of the traditional, emotional side of Japanese attitudes and behavior is through their "business and cultural code words"--key terms that reveal, in depth, their psychology and philosophy. The book features 233 essays, arranged alphabetically from "Ageashi / Tripping on Your Own Tongue" to "Zenrei / Breaking the Molds of the Past," that dive into these code words. Long-term expatriate and internationally-renowned Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente offers personal insights into the extremes of Japanese behavior and the dynamics of one of the world's most fascinating societies.

Learn the elements of the timeless beauty that is Japanese design in this concise reference volume. Japanese design is known throughout the world for its beauty, its simplicity, and its blending of traditional and contemporary effects. This succinct guide describes the influence and importance of 65 key elements that make up Japanese design, detailing their origins--and their impact on fields ranging from architecture and interior design to consumer products and high fashion. Learn, for example, how the wabi sabi style that's so popular today developed from the lifestyle choices made by monks a thousand years ago. And how unexpected influences--like tatami (straw mats) or seijaku (silence)--have contributed to contemporary Japanese design. Elements of Japanese Design offers new insights into the historical and cultural developments at the root of this now international aesthetic movement. From wa (harmony) to kaizen (continuous improvement), from mushin (the empty mind) to mujo (incompleteness), you'll discover how these elements have combined and evolved into a powerful design paradigm that has changed the way the world looks, thinks and acts. Chapters include: Washi, Paper with Character Ikebana, Growing Flowers in a Vase Bukkyo, The Impact of Buddhism Shibui, Eliminating the Unessential Kawaii, The Incredibly "Cute" Syndrome Katana, Swords with Spirit

It's amazing how 100 key words and phrases provide instant communication! Do you want to speak simple Japanese but are too busy to study it? Are you visiting Japan for a short time and want a Japanese phrase book to help you communicate? If so, then this thoroughly revised second edition of Boye Lafayette De Mente's classic, bestselling phrase book and Japanese dictionary is for you. It's tiny 0.4 x 4.1 x 5.9 inches size makes it incredibly convenient to travel with but without losing the essential content for communication. The idea of Instant Japanese is simple--learn 100 words and phrases and say 1,000 things. The trick is knowing which 100 words to learn, but the author, De Mente has solved the problem, choosing only those words you'll hear again and again. Even with a vocabulary this small, you'll be surprised how quickly and fluently you too can communicate in the Japanese language. Words are repeated in different combinations, building familiarity without effort. A brief guide to pronunciation allows the user to say the phrases correctly and a Japanese dictionary allows for quick reference. Here's a sample of what you'll be able to do with this Japanese phrasebook: Meet people Go shopping Ask directions Ride the subway Order food and drinks And much more… About this new edition: This new, expanded edition contains 15% more content, fun manga-style illustrations, Japanese etiquette tips and additional information on which destinations, personalities and trends are hot in Japan right now!

For centuries the Japanese used their language as a barrier to prevent non-Japanese from learning about the inner workings of Japnese society and to ward off foreign influence. In fact, for a long period in Japan's history the teeaching of Japanese to foreigners was a serious crime against the state. In this enlightening work, renowned Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente discusses how the psychology of the social and political system that evolved over the centuries became imbued in and expressed by the language to a degree seldom seen in other cultures. The author brings more than 25 years of experience in Japan to the task of revealing the hidden cultural significance of current expressions in the Japanese language. With ample reference to history, psychology, philosophy, and religion, the reader learns how the Japanese view certain behaviours and attitudes and why they are conditioned to respond in certain ways to specific situations. Features: 230 quintessentially Japanese expressions that every Japanese knows - and believes that non-Japanese cannot possibly understand a 14-entry set of introductory readings, designed to offer a broad cultural overview of Japan cross-referencing of entires by thematic groupings, such as "Loyalty," "Collective Behaviour," and "Leadership" This innovative text provides readers with the insights necessary for effective communication with their Japanese counterparts. Whatever your involvement with Japan - personal, travel, or business - NTC's Dictionary of Japan's Cultural Code Words is an invaluable and one-of-a-kind reference.

Discover Japan in 100 Words! This book captures the essence of Japanese life and culture through 100 carefully selected words. From familiar concepts like zen, kawaii, and anime to lesser-known gems, "Japan in 100 Words" covers it all. What You'll Learn About: Chochin: Decorative lanterns seen everywhere from shrines and temples to izakaya Fugu: The delicacy of carefully prepared (and poisonous) blowfish J-pop: The now globally popular musical genre Karoshi: Literally translated as "overwork death" Omiai: The Japanese version of an arranged marriage And much more! Beautiful full-color illustrations bring these ideas, places, and objects to life. Whether you're a seasoned Japanophile or a first-time visitor, this book is a perfect addition to your library and a fun, informative guide to Japanese culture.