Japan Through the Looking Glass

✍ Scribed by Alan Macfarlane

• Publisher: Profile Books
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 273
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This entertaining and endlessly surprising book takes us on an exploration into every aspect of Japanese society from the most public to the most intimate. A series of meticulous investigations gradually uncovers the multi-faceted nature of a country and people who are even more extraordinary than they seem. Our journey encompasses religion, ritual, martial arts, manners, eating, drinking, hot baths, geishas, family, home, singing, wrestling, dancing, performing, clans, education, aspiration, sexes, generations, race, crime, gangs, terror, war, kindness, cruelty, money, art, imperialism, emperor, countryside, city, politics, government, law and a language that varies according to whom you are speaking. Clear-sighted, persistent, affectionate, unsentimental and honest - Alan Macfarlane shows us Japan as it has never been seen before.

✦ Table of Contents

[Cover]......Page 1
Contents......Page 10
Preface: companions on the journey......Page 12
1 Into the mirror......Page 18
2 Culture shock......Page 36
3 Wealth......Page 68
4 People......Page 92
5 Power......Page 126
6 Ideas......Page 158
7 Beliefs......Page 192
8 Out of the mirror......Page 228
Major eras in Japanese history, conventions......Page 248
Frequently cited early visitors......Page 250
Sources for quoted passages......Page 251
Website, bibliography and recommended reading......Page 257
Index......Page 263