Books About Japan

[dogsbody70]

Job Hunting In Japan -- Things To Read


this is interesting site with reviews of some books about JAPAN.

Some one may find it useful.

[dogsbody70]

Pearl Harbor: setting history straight | The Japan Times Online



Pearl Harbour setting history straight.By STEPHEN MANSFIELD
DEMYSTIFYING PEARL HARBOR: A New Perspective From Japan, by Iguchi Takeo.

[Nippoman]

Interesting link, thanks ! Dogs & Demons is a classic now. But it won't make you fall in love with the country.

[dogsbody70]

I have a copy of dogs and demons. I wonder what japanese residents would think about it. I am unsure if it was printed in Japanese or not.

I have another book called "THE JAPANESE" by Joe Joseph. Published 1993.

I asked my japanese friend if much of the statements in that book are true-- and she agreed that they are. Especially the exchange of gifts and the Group system.

as we are now in 2010 I wonder if the younger generation are changing from that Pattern.

Now there is probably a lot more contact with the outside world Will they be content with the way things have been in the past.

[sebastian66]

Japan by Rail, by Ramsey Zarifeh is the best book i ever read. If you are planning to go japan then get rail pass first and then get this book you will have a great trip.

[dogsbody70]

thnaks very much sebastian I will get that book.

[Ellandrae]

If you're really interested in Japanese history and/or society, I would pick up The Making of Modern Japan by Kenneth B. Pyle, it starts all the way back from the Warring States Period (1467) and although it is definitely condensed at 280 pages, there is a lot of good information packed into it. I'd also recommend Chie Nakane's Japanese Society, a professor of mine once described it as a "must read" for anyone interested in Japan, and I have to agree.

[Sashimister]

Originally Posted by Ellandrae

I'd also recommend Chie Nakane's Japanese Society, a professor of mine once described it as a "must read" for anyone interested in Japan, and I have to agree.

What's the original title of that book? I ask because Nakane has never published a book with as broad a title as 'Japanese Society'. All her books have much more unique titles to them than that in Japanese.

[WingsToDiscovery]

Originally Posted by Sashimister

What's the original title of that book? I ask because Nakane has never published a book with as broad a title as 'Japanese Society'. All her books have much more unique titles to them than that in Japanese.

Amazon.com: Japanese Society (Center for Japanese and Korean Studies) (9780520021549): Chie Nakane: Books

[dogsbody70]

I have quite a collection of books about Japan and its people but my japanese friend is not too happy with me. She says there are books about Japanese strange customs but often a reason is not given.

I have read quite a few books re the Pacific war.


One book talks about Japanese Spirit which seems special.

I keep looking for something that is written recently as times change.


The fact that Japan was isolated for a very long period must have affected the population a great deal.

I have not teally looked at any MAnga-- one of our Borders Shop did hold lots of Manga comics but they were all printed in English.


I would be interested to know how MANGa and anime came into being.

There is so much art from centuries before-- Japan maybe is innovative with its Manga. Possibly as a way of teaching?

Also I find Cosplay fascinating. It is like a different world being able to fantasize or role play from Comic books.

I have only attended one japanese festival here in UK but there were quite a few cosplay enthusiasts. I admire them, wonder if it will become world wide in popularity. I also love the art of calligraphy. It is so beautiful.