Japanese Cultural History

Author: Ye Weiju
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The world is still in its infancy, like floating fat, like jellyfish, drifting uncertainly. When something like a reed sprout begins to grow, it transforms into divinity—Kojiki Perhaps no other country in the world possesses such contradictory characteristics as Japan; it is both frugal and passionate, sensitive yet resilient, embodying extremes within tranquility, and harboring violence within delicacy. This "Land of the Rising Sun," the "Land of Cherry Blossoms," offers the world not only its simple architecture, empty and serene gardens, beautiful haiku, and vibrant ukiyo-e, but also the wounds caused by firearms and the indignation stemming from isolation. Deepening one's understanding of this neighboring country across the strait has become particularly necessary today. Professor Ye Weiju, dedicated to the translation and research of Japanese literature for many years, has long been immersed in Japanese culture. His discussions and writings are natural, approachable, and insightful. This book is undoubtedly the best read for understanding Japanese culture. It aims to explore the spirit of Japanese culture, showcase its rich dimensions, and trace its developmental origins. First, it examines the religious, academic, and artistic achievements autonomously generated by the Yamato people in their daily lives, as well as the cultural personality formed by these achievements. Second, it studies the exchange between Japanese culture and foreign cultures—specifically, ancient China and Western culture since modern times—and the inherent (autonomy) of Japanese cultural development and its subjective initiative () in external exchanges. From this, it unfolds the history of Japanese cultural development.