Duty and Sentiment: How Culture Shapes Thinking and Behavior in Japan and the West

This book explores the core of Japanese culture by examining the interplay between sentiment and duty, drawing on experience from other countries and economic analysis to consider similarities and differences in human behavior across cultures. It covers topics such as marital life, education, sports, business, and culture in modern Japanese society, and offers insights into why linguistic heterogeneity affects FIFA rankings, the popularity of Bohemian Rhapsody in Japan, the portrayal of contemporary life in Yasujiro Ozu's films, tax increases for future generations, and the use of behavioral economics by the Japanese government to address COVID-19.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 135 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of Japanese culture, unveiling the profound interplay between sentiment and duty as its central pillars. It explores the intricate web of factors that shape people's thoughts and behaviors, including common sense, cultural influences, and social norms. While the book maintains a focused lens on Japan, the author's extensive travels and academic expertise in economic analysis allow him to draw parallels and distinctions across countries and cultures.

Spanning a broad spectrum, the book delves into various aspects of modern Japanese society, shedding light on intriguing phenomena such as the impact of linguistic heterogeneity on national soccer team rankings, the challenges of technology transfer in multilingual countries, the enduring popularity of the film Bohemian Rhapsody in Japan, the resonant themes in Kazuo Ishiguro's novels, the cautionary tale offered by Yasujiro Ozu's films about aging societies, the willingness of older people with grandchildren to support tax increases for future generations, and the innovative strategies employed by the Japanese government to appeal to public sentiment in the face of COVID-19.

Through a captivating narrative style, the author embarks on a journey of discovery, seeking answers to these thought-provoking questions. Readers are invited to accompany him on this intellectual odyssey, where they will gain a deeper understanding of the unique dynamics that shape Japanese culture and society. The book offers valuable insights not only into Japanese customs and traditions but also into the broader human experience, highlighting the universal themes that connect us all.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811697661
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022