num_pages: 184
description: Japans extraordinary culture is like no other in the world. The 2000-year-old civilization grew through periods of seclusion and assimilation to cultivate a society responsible for immeasurable influences on the rest of the world. What makes Japan so distinctive?The answer is more than just spiritual beliefs or culinary tastes. Its the ongoing clash between tradition and modernity; a conflict shaped by Japans long history of engagement and isolation.Were all aware of Japans pivotal role in global economics and technological innovation. We know that the future of the West (and the entire world) is inextricably linked with the island nations successes and failures. But Japanese cultureits codes mores rituals and valuesstill remains mysterious to many of us. And thats unfortunate because to truly understand Japans influence on the world stage one needs to understand Japans cultureon its own terms.Only by looking at Japans politics spirituality cuisine literature art and philosophy in the context of larger historical forces can we reach an informed grasp of Japanese culture. One that dispels prevalent myths and misconceptions we in the West have. One that puts Japannot other nationsat the center of the story. And one that reveals how this incredible country transformed into the 21st-century superpower it is today.In an exciting partnership with the Smithsonian The Great Courses presents Understanding Japan: A Cultural History24 lectures that offer an unforgettable tour of Japanese life and culture. Delivered by renowned Japan scholar and award-winning professor Mark J. Ravina of Emory University its a chance to access an extraordinary culture that is sometimes overlooked or misrepresented in broader surveys of world history. Professor Ravina with the expert collaboration of the Smithsonians resources and brings you a grand portrait of Japan one that reaches from its ancient roots as an archipelago of warring islands to its current status as a geopolitical giant. Here for your enjoyment is a dazzling historical adventure with something to inform and delight everyone and youll come away from it with a richer appreciation of Japanese culture.
language: English
title: Understanding Japan: A Cultural History
publisher: The Teaching Company