"Manners and Mischief is a cohesive, stimulating volume. Reading these essays and the editors' enlightening introduction was a joy: I learned a great deal, smiled and laughed with uncommon regularity, and marveled at the quality of this remarkable collection." -William M. Tsutsui, author of Godzilla on My Mind "This book is full of fascinating insights. Well-written and often witty, it captures a detailed snapshot of Japanese society in the early 21st century. I would say this is the most insightful book on modern Japan I have read in years." -Liza Dalby, anthropologist and novelist

"In Japan, the process of accomplishing a goal is just as significant, if not more significant, than the actual result--a notable contrast to the West. De Mente defines kata as the 'way things are supposed to be done,' and he educates readers on how the concept has shaped Japan throughout its history and the present. […] Japan: A Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette is really an exploration of the Japanese psyche. -- JQ Magazine"

The Japanese people have an extensive range of customs, rituals, and forms of etiquette for all aspects of their lives. These forms of etiquette are not only interesting for non-Japanese but also open our eyes to the fact that despite the huge strides Japan has made in terms of modern-day advancement in technologies, the age-old customs and traditions are still a deeply-embedded part of their society. They revere and respect their customs, traditions, and other forms of etiquette and expect people visiting from other countries to do so too. Similarly, the Japanese people are equally respectful of other people's traditions, customs, and etiquette and work hard to understand them so that they don't make a mistake when they visit other countries. Taking a page out of their etiquette book, it makes a lot of sense to learn about the Japanese forms of etiquette so that we can be prepared to do the right thing at the right time in the right place when we travel to Japan. Moreover, knowing about the culture of another country is a fabulous way of opening our minds and celebrating world differences. With the etiquette tips in this book, you will be able to handle the expectations of the courteous and polite people of Japan in terms of good behaviour and manners. Most of the people are happy to welcome guests and tourists with open arms and will be even more obliged to do their best to make your stay in their country happy and worthwhile if you show an effort to replicate their etiquette norms and requirements. What are you waiting for? Get this book and start learning today!

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.

The book gives students a deeper understanding of Japan beyond popular stereotypes of an Asian economic powerhouse."--BOOK JACKET.

Manners and Customs of the Japanese in the Nineteenth Century is a delightful account of the Japanese of Tokugawa Japan. This unique handbook of Japanese manners, customs, history, and singular happenings was published in New York in 1841. Based on the firsthand observations of Dr. Philipp Franz von Siebold of the Dutch trading port Deshima in the years 1823—29, as well as on Spanish, Portuguese, German, and English records of early Japan, it provided us with a very rare picture of what Japan was like in the final years of its feudal period. Dr. von Siebold, the chief contributor, was attached to the Deshima post as a medial adviser and traveled within Japan, befriending and teaching many Japanese who were later to distinguish themselves in Western scientific knowledge. An indiscretion in accepting a map of Japan brought about his banishment by the Edo government and forced return to his native Germany. No collection of books on Japan is complete without a copy of Manners and Customs of the Japanese. It is here reprinted in its entirety from the original edition. Long submerged and virtually forgotten after a century of neglect, it is now made available for a new generation of readers.

This essential guide to Chinese etiquette will make embarrassing social blunders a thing of the past! Whether you're traveling to China for business or pleasure, whether your stay will be long or short, your visit will be more pleasurable and effective if you understand your host culture and how to work within it. This updated and expanded edition of the best-selling Chinese etiquette guide on the market addresses not just the puzzling protocols relating to name cards, bowing or shaking hands, bathrooms and public baths--but also what to do when entertaining Chinese dinner guests, attending a Chinese tea ceremony, taking the subway, and much more! It also provides the latest etiquette in mobile phone manners, texting, social media and other forms of digital communication. The glossary at the back of the book has been revised to include the latest technology-related words and expressions used in China today. Two new chapters address the changing role of foreigners in the workplace and the contemporary business style and etiquette used by the younger generation of China who are now increasingly cosmopolitan--but still very Chinese! Etiquette Guide to China includes everything you need to know to be a successful, courteous traveler: Hand gestures and body language How to address the Chinese Dining and restaurant manners Gift giving and celebration in China Entering into and understanding business relationships How to behave in professional situations Dealing with China's political culture The Chinese way of negotiating

2018 Foreword Indie Awards Winner Going to Japan? This unfussy modern guide guarantees you keep it polite and get it right! This guide to common courtesy, acceptable behavior, and manners is essential for any visitor to Japan. Japanese are unfailingly polite and will never tell you if you've crossed the line. But by knowing how to act in every situation you'll gain the respect of your hosts and in the end get even better service and enjoyment during your travels. Covered here are all the essentials—like travel, greetings, dining—plus subtle niceties like tone of voice, body language, cell phone usage, city vs. country styles, and attire (and what to do about your tattoos!). The author, a 25-year resident of Japan and tourist adviser who lives on the fabled Inland Sea, knows just what foreign visitors need and delivers it in a smart, compact, and delightfully illustrated package for quick use and reference.