Japanese Cultural History (Second Edition): Spine or cover has flaws

Author: Ye Weijue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Perhaps no other country in the world possesses such contradictory characteristics as Japan; it is both thrifty and passionate, sensitive yet resilient, harmonious yet extreme, delicate yet violent. This "Land of the Rising Sun," the "Land of Cherry Blossoms," offers the world not only its simple architecture, tranquil gardens, elegant haiku, and vibrant ukiyo-e, but also the wounds inflicted by firearms and the indignation arising from its isolation. It is especially necessary today to gain an in-depth understanding of this neighboring country just across the water. Professor Ye Weijue, 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 truly 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 exchanges between Japanese culture and foreign cultures—specifically, ancient China and Western culture since modern times—and the intrinsic autonomy of Japanese cultural development and its subjective agency in external exchanges. Thus, it unfolds the history of Japanese cultural development.