3. Geography & climate
Prehistoric periods: Jomon pottery, Yayoi rice, Kofun mounds
Mythical origins of the Imperial family & Japanese nation
Japanese religions
Indigenous Shinto religion
Asian civilization adopted through Buddhism
Co-existence & fusion of Shinto with Buddhism
First country to spread Buddhism to the masses
Classical periods: Asuka, Nara, Heian (Kyoto)
From Asian influences to distinctive Japanese culture
Capital moves from west (Kansai area) to east (Tokyo area)
Kamakura Period: Shogun, samurai, martial arts, tea, Zen
Edo Period: from warring states to peace and isolation
Modernizing, not so religious anymore, war and peace again
Meiji, Taisho, Showa, & present Heisei periods
Conclusion / last questions & comments
17. Japanese ways of thinking
• Other-oriented values
• Individual and peer group
• Concept of time
• Environment and nature
• Status and hierarchy
• Male-female differences
• Importance of age
• Reasons for many suicides
• Human relations most important
18. Social behavior & relationships
• Levels of social distance
– Intimate circle, face relations, strangers
• Politeness, indirectness, formality
– Avoiding confrontation
• Inside and Outside
– uchi & soto, honne & tatemae
– Private self (reserve) & public self (restraint)
• Many Obligations: gimu, on, giri
• Balancing give & take of gifts & favors
– Symbolism of gifts and objects