The Japanese Mind – Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno
Summary: „The Japanese Mind“ provides a comprehensive exploration of the cultural concepts, values and behavioral patterns that shape Japanese society and thinking through the examination of 28 key cultural keywords and concepts. Davies and Ikeno systematically decode fundamental Japanese ideas such as „wa“ (harmony), „amae“ (dependence), „honne and tatemae“ (true feelings versus public facade), „giri“ (social obligation), and many others, explaining not just what these concepts mean but how they influence daily interactions, business practices, and social relationships. The book goes beyond superficial cultural observations to reveal the deeper psychological and historical roots of Japanese behavior, showing how seemingly contradictory traits — such as politeness and indirectness, group harmony and fierce competition, tradition and innovation — coexist within a coherent cultural framework. Each concept is illustrated with practical examples and contextualized within Japanese history, social structure and contemporary life, making abstract cultural principles tangible and understandable for outsiders.
Why we like it: „The Japanese Mind“ serves as an crucial bridge for cross-cultural understanding, offering Westerners genuine insight into why Japanese people think and behave the way they do, rather than simply cataloging customs or etiquette rules. Written collaboratively by a Western academic and a Japanese scholar, it provides both insider and outsider perspectives, making it an indispensable resource for anyone doing business in Japan, studying Japanese culture or seeking to move beyond stereotypes to develop authentic relationships and deeper cultural competence.