Japanese culture : the religious and philosophical foundations. / Roger J. Davies.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Japanese Culture: The Religious and Philosophical Foundations takes readers on a thoroughly researched and extremely readable journey through Japan's cultural history.

This much-anticipated sequel to Roger Davies's best-selling The Japanese Mind provides a comprehensive overview of the religion and philosophy of Japan. This cultural history of Japan explains the diverse cultural traditions that underlie modern Japan and offers readers deep insights into Japanese manners and etiquette.

Davies begins with an investigation of the origins of the Japanese, followed by an analysis of the most important approaches used by scholars to describe the essential elements of Japanese culture. From there, each chapter focuses on one of the formative elements: Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, Confucianism, and Western influences in the modern era.

Each chapter is concluded with extensive endnotes along with thought-provoking discussion activities, making this volume ideal for individual readers and for classroom instruction. Anyone interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of this complex and fascinating nation will find Davies's work an invaluable resource.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

In this clear and concise guide, Davies explains the key religious traditions that influence life in modern Japan. Arguing for a multilayered rather than evolutionary approach and against a strong sense of Japanese exceptionalism, he shows how Shinto, Taoism, Buddhism, Zen, and Confucianism continue to exist alongside one another and combine in unique ways. He organizes his discussion chronologically, so the work also serves well as an introductory history to the Japanese and their waves of contact with the rest of the world. Acknowledging the growing secularity of the country, Davies persuasively shows the continuing deep cultural impact of older traditions. Each chapter includes helpful discussion questions for a classroom setting (some of which assume firsthand familiarity with contemporary Japan). The details are skimpy, but the focus on how religion shapes everyday life makes this book particularly useful for those needing basic practical understanding to do business, travel, or live in Japan, and it's an excellent starting point for anyone curious about how Japan came to be as it is today. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.