Chrysanthemum and the Sword

Author: Benedict, Ruth (USA), translated by Yan Rong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: The recognized best read on Japan and the Japanese. A classic work on Japan, hailed by Japan's academic and cultural circles as the "forefather of modern Japanese studies." Translated into more than 20 languages, including English, French, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish, with a total circulation exceeding 10 million copies. Japanese culture has a dual nature, like the chrysanthemum and the sword. The chrysanthemum is the emblem of the Japanese imperial family, while the sword is the symbol of the warrior culture. The Japanese love beauty yet engage in militarism, value etiquette yet are combative, embrace novelty yet are stubborn, obey yet are unruly, are loyal yet easily betray, brave yet cowardly, conservative yet innovative. — This book's author, Ruth Benedict
The author's knowledge and ability are astonishing. She vividly portrays the spiritual life and cultural panorama of the Japanese, and derives the decisive fundamental characteristics of Japanese culture. — Japanese renowned critic Takeo Watanabe
Japan is not an ordinary, normal country. It is an unparalleled ethnic group hidden beneath the facade of "ambiguity," with relentless, unscrupulous. Whether it is the "chrysanthemum" or the "sword," they are both means to maintain the Japanese ethnic community and expand aggressively—just different methods. In the world of the Japanese, two completely opposite things form a strange "complementarity." — Lee Kuan Yew, former Prime Minister and Senior Minister of Singapore
Japan is a complex society. Open historical reflection, reflection on war crimes may not be much, but ordinary people still know it well. Political reflection may not be much, but cultural reflection is strong. — Japanese-Chinese artist Fu Yiyao
This is a masterpiece that analyzes the spirit, culture, and personality of the Japanese nation. In 1944, the author, Ruth Benedict, was invited by the U.S. government to study Japanese culture to provide help and scientific basis for formulating policies toward Japan. In 1946, she compiled her research into a book, which became The Chrysanthemum and the Sword. After its publication, it attracted widespread attention in Japan and the world and was regarded as the most insightful work on Japan, recognized as a must-read for understanding the country. The title "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" uses Japan's most symbolic two things to reveal the dual nature of its culture and personality, imbued with profound philosophy and moving artistic quality. In the book, the author employs cultural anthropology research methods to analyze the spiritual life, cultural foundation, social system, and personality traits of the Japanese, and examines the important role these factors play in the historical development and current manifestations of Japan's politics, military, culture, and daily life. Additionally, this book is a model that perfectly combines profound thought and fluent language, highly praised by both academia and general readers. For the Chinese people who have suffered deep hardships from the Japanese nation in history, seriously reading and reflecting on this book holds even greater and more significant meaning.