The Japanese Mind edited by Roger J. Davies & Osamu Ikeno Review

I found The Japanese Mind to be informative, but repetitive at times. It consisted of a collection of essays discussing different topics relevant to Japanese culture. The central themes covered seemed to be group consciousness in every aspect of society, a widespread difference in what is said vs meant, and the simplicity and sadness tinged standard of beauty and art, which are all clearly explained with the history of Japan as an agricultural society comprised of tight knit and close proximity communities. This was due to the difficult terrain and weather conditions, as a result they focused heavily on group unity and the seasons as a means of surviving. So every chapter covers a prevalent concept in Japanese culture, explains it, and repeats how that topic falls into one of the aforementioned themes. I especially enjoyed the sections on folklore as a means of gaining insight on culture and female gender roles that continue to pervade contemporary Japanese society. I also found the discussion of their history and tendency to take bits and pieces of other societies cultures, inventions, religions, and more to support their preexisting ideology, political system, or for their general benefit.

I think that this piece of nonfiction provides valuable knowledge, especially if you are fascinated with Japanese culture and society, and how they function, it’s very accessible and highly readable. But I found it to be a bit of a slog to work through because I read through the entire thing, I can see how reading specific passages or topics would be more impactful. I would have preferred for the authors to be a little less biased as well, they consistently provided unsolicited advice on what the Japanese “should do” accompanied by why they should change their views or habits. But this book may make a good gift for the person interested in different cultures in your life, or worth checking out if Japanese culture interests you.