Japan's Cultural Code Words

Japan's Cultural Code Words is a study of Japanese society through the understanding of the key terms and concepts that define their attitudes and behaviors. Japan's traditional culture is still so powerful that it continues to be the prevailing force in molding and tuning the national character of the Japanese, with the result that they still have two faces—one modern and rational, the other traditional and emotional. The best and fastest way to an understanding of the traditional and 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. In 234 essays, arranged alphabetically from "Ageashi / Tripping on Your Own Tongue" to "Zenrei / Breaking the Molds of the Past". Long-term expatriate and internationally renowned expert on Japan, Boye Lafayette De Mente offers personal insights into the extremes of Japanese behavior and into the dynamics of one of the world's most fascinating societies.