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Soul of Japan : The Visible Essence
Contents
Chapter 1 Maintain Harmony
Chapter 2 Follow Forms and Paths
Chapter 3 Feel Ki , Be Aware of Transition
Chapter 4 Have Feeling, Be Loyal
Chapter 5 Revere the Gods and Buddhas
Chapter 6 Build Trust
Chapter 7 Develop Value
Chapter 8 Understand Beauty
Chapter 1 Maintain Harmony
Chapter 2 Follow Forms and Paths
Chapter 3 Feel Ki , Be Aware of Transition
Chapter 4 Have Feeling, Be Loyal
Chapter 5 Revere the Gods and Buddhas
Chapter 6 Build Trust
Chapter 7 Develop Value
Chapter 8 Understand Beauty
135 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 21, 2025
This is an excellent peak into Japanese minds. Exploring 50 concepts that are important to Japanese people and that shape their daily lives, the photographers and authors have collaborated in creating a glimpse into how Japanese people think.
Some of the concepts are famous, such as harmony, wabi, and sabi, and some concepts aren't famous at all. One of the things I most appreciated understanding from this book is that Japanese people may appear reluctant to express their opinion and be themselves, but that isn't part of what is expected in daily life. Fitting in is what is expected. They express their outside selves outside. Their drinking culture helps move people from the 'outside category' to the 'inside category,' where people are less performative and more real. So rather than stressing people out, maybe it helps them relax more as people get to know each other more informally. Finally, someone explained what Japanese people see in this mystifying work drinking culture!
One thing that is fun to think about as one travels around Japan and reads this book is which way would you chose for your country's public life: the Japanese way where everyone exhibits superb discipline, respect for others, respect for the rules, and a quiet reserve, or the USA way of loudness, individuality, and non-standard culture across the nation.
This book does an excellent job also on selling the reader on reading The Bushido Code, a book written by a Japanese diplomat in 1899, meant to be an answer to Christianity, describing the Japanese moral code.
This book is a short, easy read that takes about an hour or so to finish.
Some of the concepts are famous, such as harmony, wabi, and sabi, and some concepts aren't famous at all. One of the things I most appreciated understanding from this book is that Japanese people may appear reluctant to express their opinion and be themselves, but that isn't part of what is expected in daily life. Fitting in is what is expected. They express their outside selves outside. Their drinking culture helps move people from the 'outside category' to the 'inside category,' where people are less performative and more real. So rather than stressing people out, maybe it helps them relax more as people get to know each other more informally. Finally, someone explained what Japanese people see in this mystifying work drinking culture!
One thing that is fun to think about as one travels around Japan and reads this book is which way would you chose for your country's public life: the Japanese way where everyone exhibits superb discipline, respect for others, respect for the rules, and a quiet reserve, or the USA way of loudness, individuality, and non-standard culture across the nation.
This book does an excellent job also on selling the reader on reading The Bushido Code, a book written by a Japanese diplomat in 1899, meant to be an answer to Christianity, describing the Japanese moral code.
This book is a short, easy read that takes about an hour or so to finish.
December 10, 2017
This is a gorgeous book: interesting text and beautiful photography.
April 7, 2019
A super quick read but succinct and can be referred to from time to time. Accompanied by beautiful photographs that make you want to pack up and go see Japan for yourself
June 27, 2021
Addario's wonderful mum gave this to me. Absolutely gorgeous and so so insightful. I am truly enchanted and longing to go to Japan.
July 14, 2024
Very nice little book. Should probably be re-read and meditated on.
January 3, 2016
Beautiful book about Japanese values and their connections
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews