DOCSLIB.ORG

Preparing for Japan| a Practical Guide for Navigating the Web of Culture, Communication and History

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Preparing for Japan| a Practical Guide for Navigating the Web of Culture, Communication and History University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 2000 Preparing for Japan| A practical guide for navigating the web of culture, communication and history Matthew A. Taylor The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Taylor, Matthew A., "Preparing for Japan| A practical guide for navigating the web of culture, communication and history" (2000). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 3290. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/3290 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Maureen and Mike MANSFIELD LIBRARY The University of Montana Permission is granted by the author to reproduce this material in its entirety, provided that this material is used for scholarly purposes and is properly cited in published works and reports. **Please check "Yes" or "No" and provide signature** Yes, I grant permission No, I do not grant permission Author's Signature: Date: * ^ Any copying for commercial purposes or financial gain may be undertaken only with the author's explicit consent. MSThesisVMansfteld Library Permission Preparing for Japan: A practical guide for navigating the web of culture, communication and history. by: Matthew A. Taylor B.S. The University of Montana-Missoula, 1993 B.A. The University of Montana-Missoula, 1996 presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts The University of Montana-Missoula December 2000 Committee Members: Dr. George Cheney (Chair) Dr. Philip West Dr. William Wilmot Approved by: Dean, Graduate School 12 - Q.\-oa Date UMI Number: EP34339 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oisssftaten FHidlsMng UMI EP34339 Copyright 2012 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Taylor, Matthew A. M.S. December 2000 Communication Studies Intercultural Communication, Japanese history, economics, politics, communication and culture, Organizational culture. Interpersonal Conflict, Mediation and Negotiation Director: Dr. George Cheney Cultural differences between the United States and Japan, particularly in the realm of interpersonal communication and business negotiation, commonly prove problematic for Americans traveling to Japan or interacting with Japanese individuals on home soil. Numerous, well-informed scholarly studies and popular readings have dealt with this issue in light of the increased interactions and interdependencies of the two nations. Unfortunately, much of theses scholarly works and the accessible, popular literature that is written for the "busy" person often only highlight specific communicative contexts. Such works typically leave aside the importance of understanding the historical and cultural underpinnings behind such contexts. In this primer, the author covers broad ground in order to inform the reader of the numerous intersections between Japanese organizational culture, national culture, and history as they bear on intercultural communication processes commonly problematic to Americans. Throughout, the author underscores the centrality of Confucian values on this process and, though utilizing numerous important and necessary cultural generalizations, the impact of individual sense-making and the reciprocal influence of Japanese and American values and interactions. Grounded in interpersonal communication theory and historical studies, the work is written in a highly accessible style intended for those with little previous exposure to Japan. ii Cross-cultural interactions between Japan and the United States often reveal that the most basic concepts regarding self, society and communication found in the two countries are radically different from one another. Of course, in both countries these concepts are extremely varied and can only be accurately studied when the preferences of individuals, not group generalizations are considered. This would be a daunting and almost unimaginable, if not impossible task. And so, as is the case with this work you are about to read, broad generalizations are commonly made which attempt to paint a uniquely Japanese modus vivendi or way of living. Such generalizations are made in the hope that these macro strokes will provide you with a road map or, more accurately, a legend. Through this you will hopefully be able to successfully interpret and understand the communicative actions of your Japanese colleague and yourself during the complex web of interaction and interpretation that joins you both. If this all sounds like an obtuse apology: it is. Some would in fact say that an apology is itself a very Japanese quality and a fitting way to start such a paper. It comes as both a caveat and a plea. It is a caveat to make sure an impression is not given or taken that the lists and examples here are in any way exhaustive. As a plea it comes to remind that every cross-cultural exchange is filtered through the interpretations and life experiences of the individuals present in a way that generalizations, scholarly or not, can never capture or predict. Despite these cautionary notes, if there is to be a predictor of success in cross-cultural relationships it will come about primarily through individuals with flexible worldviews who possess broad understandings of the cultural context behind such interactions. These understandings commonly find their grounding in works that provide cultural generalizations and then are filtered through the interpretation and knowledge of specific situations. So, while wrought with limitations, such works clearly have their value and serve as a strong springboard for deeper knowledge. Some terms used in this paper deserve mention. Gaijin, the Japanese term for foreigner, is used often and is, in fact, quite revealing to the Japanese view of both themselves and foreigners. When this word is written in the traditional script of kanji, you can see two Chinese characters come together: soto (outside) and hito (person). To be soto is in direct contrast and even conflict with being uchi (inside). Both of these terms dive much deeper to the heart of Japanese culture than mere words that reference physical proximity would suggest. Uchi is also the same word for "home" and thus is understood as a place of grounding, sincerity, and trusted relations. That said, to be soto hito (again, standing in stark contrast to uchi), or gaijin is particularly awkward position for an individual wishing to strike good accord with a Japanese colleague. Japanese make a clear distinction between these concepts and in most cases distinct psychological lines are drawn around an individual's soto and uchi relationships, even among their fellow countrymen.' This is not to say that a foreigner cannot create long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. You clearly can, and being a foreign visitor to Japan can be quite a flattering experience given the gracious attitudes often extended to temporary visitors. In fact, to be soto can have its particular advantages in negotiations. However, as any seasoned foreigner who has lived in Japan for many years will tell you; once a gaijin always a gaijin and it is not uncommon for such graciousness to slowly dissolve iv and ultimately swing like a pendulum to a more isolated and guarded position. As you read this paper and see the word gaijin used, or when heard in conversation, it will serve you well to remember its implications in Japanese society. The words foreigner, Westerner and gaijin are used interchangeably here since, for the purposes of this paper they refer to the same thing; you and me. "Westerner" is intended to refer to North Americans and, in particular, citizens of the U.S. who orient primarily to the cultural norms of the county This is all a slippery slope since, as I will discuss, a definition of "culture" is difficult to pin down and culture and cultural norms are neither monolithic nor static. Similarly, use of the term "American" is intended to refer to residents of the U.S. even though it is far more accurate and less ethnocentric to realize that "American" could or perhaps should refer equally to anyone from North, Central, or South America. Finally, in this paper Japanese names are written with the family name first as would be spoken in Japan. If you can become accustomed to reversing names in this way and if you are also able to add the appropriate honorific suffix, tj^^ically -san, both to the degree that they become second nature, you will have come a long way in understanding Japanese society and furthering your chances for success in the fascinating, finstrating, and undeniably rewarding journey that awaits you. ' Distinctions among Japanese terms here have been simplified in order to be less confusing to the layperson. In actuality, Japanese refer to their inner or uchi relationships as uchi no hitto or, more commonly mi-uchi. Regarding, soto relationships among Japanese, the term tanin is used. Although the concept of soto still bears, it is realized that there are common points of reference and understanding. If nothing else, the member's Japanese-ness is shared (and that goes a long way). When viewed this way, the Xeim gaijin takes on even more weight because it is considered so far removed from Japanese society and the Japanese ways of understanding relationships.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Japanese Immigration History
    CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE EARLY JAPANESE IMMIGRATION TO THE UNITED STATES DURING MEIJI TO TAISHO ERA (1868–1926) By HOSOK O Bachelor of Arts in History Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 2000 Master of Arts in History University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma 2002 Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the Oklahoma State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY December, 2010 © 2010, Hosok O ii CULTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE EARLY JAPANESE IMMIGRATION TO THE UNITED STATES DURING MEIJI TO TAISHO ERA (1868–1926) Dissertation Approved: Dr. Ronald A. Petrin Dissertation Adviser Dr. Michael F. Logan Dr. Yonglin Jiang Dr. R. Michael Bracy Dr. Jean Van Delinder Dr. Mark E. Payton Dean of the Graduate College iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS For the completion of my dissertation, I would like to express my earnest appreciation to my advisor and mentor, Dr. Ronald A. Petrin for his dedicated supervision, encouragement, and great friendship. I would have been next to impossible to write this dissertation without Dr. Petrin’s continuous support and intellectual guidance. My sincere appreciation extends to my other committee members Dr. Michael Bracy, Dr. Michael F. Logan, and Dr. Yonglin Jiang, whose intelligent guidance, wholehearted encouragement, and friendship are invaluable. I also would like to make a special reference to Dr. Jean Van Delinder from the Department of Sociology who gave me inspiration for the immigration study. Furthermore, I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Dr. Xiaobing Li for his thorough assistance, encouragement, and friendship since the day I started working on my MA degree to the completion of my doctoral dissertation.
    [Show full text]
  • The Significance of Anime As a Novel Animation Form, Referencing Selected Works by Hayao Miyazaki, Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Oshii
    The significance of anime as a novel animation form, referencing selected works by Hayao Miyazaki, Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Oshii Ywain Tomos submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Aberystwyth University Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, September 2013 DECLARATION This work has not previously been accepted in substance for any degree and is not being concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree. Signed………………………………………………………(candidate) Date …………………………………………………. STATEMENT 1 This dissertation is the result of my own independent work/investigation, except where otherwise stated. Other sources are acknowledged explicit references. A bibliography is appended. Signed………………………………………………………(candidate) Date …………………………………………………. STATEMENT 2 I hereby give consent for my dissertation, if accepted, to be available for photocopying and for inter-library loan, and for the title and summary to be made available to outside organisations. Signed………………………………………………………(candidate) Date …………………………………………………. 2 Acknowledgements I would to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my supervisors, Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones and Dr Dafydd Sills-Jones for all their help and support during this research study. Thanks are also due to my colleagues in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, Aberystwyth University for their friendship during my time at Aberystwyth. I would also like to thank Prof Josephine Berndt and Dr Sheuo Gan, Kyoto Seiko University, Kyoto for their valuable insights during my visit in 2011. In addition, I would like to express my thanks to the Coleg Cenedlaethol for the scholarship and the opportunity to develop research skills in the Welsh language. Finally I would like to thank my wife Tomoko for her support, patience and tolerance over the last four years – diolch o’r galon Tomoko, ありがとう 智子.
    [Show full text]
  • Copyright by Maeri Megumi 2014
    Copyright by Maeri Megumi 2014 The Dissertation Committee for Maeri Megumi Certifies that this is the approved version of the following dissertation: Religion, Nation, Art: Christianity and Modern Japanese Literature Committee: Kirsten C. Fischer, Supervisor Sung-Sheng Yvonne Chang Anne M. Martinez Nancy K. Stalker John W. Traphagan Susan J. Napier Religion, Nation, Art: Christianity and Modern Japanese Literature by Maeri Megumi, B.HOME ECONOMICS; M.A.; M.A.; M.A. Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Austin in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Texas at Austin May 2014 Acknowledgements I would like to express the deepest gratitude to my advisor and mentor, Dr. Kirsten Cather (Fischer). Without her guidance and encouragement throughout the long graduate student life in Austin, Texas, this dissertation would not have been possible. Her insight and timely advice have always been the source of my inspiration, and her positive energy and patience helped me tremendously in many ways. I am also indebted to my other committee members: Dr. Nancy Stalker, Dr. John Traphagan, Dr. Yvonne Chang, Dr. Anne Martinez, and Dr. Susan Napier. They nourished my academic development throughout the course of my graduate career both directly and indirectly, and I am particularly thankful for their invaluable input and advice in shaping this dissertation. I would like to thank the Department of Asian Studies for providing a friendly environment, and to the University of Texas for offering me generous fellowships to make my graduate study, and this dissertation, possible.
    [Show full text]
  • The Jomon Clay Figurines of the Kaminabe Site, Kyushu, Japan By
    The Jomon Clay Figurines of the Kaminabe Site, Kyushu, Japan by Minako Togawa Department of Anthropology McGill University, Montreal June 2003 A thesis submitted to McGill University in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Arts © Minako Togawa 2003 InoGi!' Ur-v Bi \ * / ^f V ABSTRACT This study considers the phenomenon of the sudden and brief appearance of clay figurines in west-central Kyushu towards the end of the Jomon Period (13,000-2,300 C years BP). The baked clay figurines representing humans were made throughout the Jomon Period, but mostly in central and northern Honshu. Following a review of previous interpretations of the Jomon clay figurines in general, the study focuses on the case of the numerous figurines recovered at the Kaminabe (ca. 2,800 14C years BP) site in Kyushu. Data on lithic assemblages and plant remains at Kaminabe and the sites in the surrounding area during the period under consideration indicate that small-scale cultivation was being practiced in the region. It is suggested here that the Kaminabe figurines represent the females who played important role in production of plant resources. 11 RESUME Cette etude examine le phenomene de la soudaine et breve apparition de figurines d'argile dans le centre sud de Kyushu vers la fin de l'epoque Jomon (13,000-2,300 l4C annees BP). Des figurines de terre cuite representant des humains ont ete fabriquees tout au long de la periode Jomon, mais essentiellement dans le centre et le nord de Honshu. Apres avoir passe en revue les interpretations precedentes concernant ces figurines, cette etude se penche sur le cas des nombreuses figurines trouvees a Kaminabe (ca.
    [Show full text]
  • Japanese Nonconfrontational Conflict Strategies and Their Accompanying Nonverbal Behaviors
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 1998 Japanese nonconfrontational conflict strategies and their accompanying nonverbal behaviors Richard P. Meres The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Meres, Richard P., "Japanese nonconfrontational conflict strategies and their accompanying nonverbal behaviors" (1998). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 5388. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/5388 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Maureen and Mike MANSFIELD LIBRARY -t, ' The University of IM L O IM T A N A . Permission is granted by the author to reproduce this material in its entirety, provided that this material is used for scholarly purposes and is properly cited in published works and reports. ** Please check "Yes" or "No" and provide signature ** Yes, I grant permission No, I do not graj# permission Author’s Signature //L Date Any copying for commercial purposes or financial gain may be undertaken only with the author's explicit consent. J a p a n e s e N onconfrontational C o n f l ic t S t r a t e g ie s A n d T h e i r A ccompanying N o n v e r b a l B e h a v io r s B y R ic h a r d P .
    [Show full text]
  • Japanese Salarymen: on the Way to Extinction?
    Undergraduate Journal of Global Citizenship Volume 1 Issue 1 Article 2 5-31-2011 Japanese Salarymen: On the Way to Extinction? Kristin Wingate Fairfield University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/jogc Recommended Citation Wingate, Kristin (2011) "Japanese Salarymen: On the Way to Extinction?," Undergraduate Journal of Global Citizenship: Vol. 1 : Iss. 1 , Article 2. Available at: https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/jogc/vol1/iss1/2 This item has been accepted for inclusion in DigitalCommons@Fairfield by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Fairfield. It is brought to you by DigitalCommons@Fairfield with permission from the rights- holder(s) and is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/or on the work itself. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Wingate: Japanese Salarymen I. Introduction Lifelong employment has been an integral aspect to the Japanese lifestyle since the 1950s. However, due to new attitudes among young Japanese that emerged post-war, this tradition is gradually changing. More members of the younger generations are deciding on other career paths that express creativity or individuality instead of the life of a typical “salaryman” or “office lady.” The modernization of Japan that occurred during the 1870s has affected post-war Japan in the late 1980s. After 1955, the younger generations of Japan participated in what some scholars, such as Kawasaki, call soft individualism (1994, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan: Yayoi Period (About 300 BC - AD 300)
    Japan: Yayoi period (about 300 BC - AD 300) The Yayoi period takes its name from the Yayoi district of Tokyo where simple pottery differing significantly in style from earlier Jōmon wares, was first discovered in 1884. The Yayoi period was a time of significant change, from hunting and gathering to a settled, agricultural way of life. Wet-rice agriculture and bronze and iron were introduced from the continent (Korea and China), probably by individual peaceful settlement, rather than hostile invasion. With the establishment of small kuni (farming settlements) came the beginnings of complex regional politics and a simple class system. There was a systemization of animist religious beliefs. Armed conflict over territory dates from about the third century AD. Most of our knowledge of this period comes through archaeology, but written Chinese documents also give valuable insights. The Han shu (late first century AD) describes Japan as a land of about 100 small kuni which sent tribute to the Han court. A gold seal found in Japan in 1784 was probably the one presented to a local ruler in northern Kyūshū by Emperor Guangwu (Kuang-wu) in AD 57. The third-century Wei zhi describes Japanese culture and mentions the kuni of Yamatai which became dominant during the Kofun period. Most of the pottery of the period, with its characteristic combed designs, was used for cooking, eating and storage of grain. However, burial urns up to 76 cm in height have also been found. Rice, millet, beans and gourds were grown around settlements of thatched pit houses, granaries and wells.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evolving Japanese: the Dual Structure Hypothesis at 30
    Evolutionary Human Sciences (2020), 2, e6, page 1 of 13 doi:10.1017/ehs.2020.6 REVIEW The evolving Japanese: the dual structure hypothesis at 30 Mark J. Hudson1* , Shigeki Nakagome2 and John B. Whitman3 1Eurasia3angle Research Group, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Kahlaische straße 10, 07745 Jena, Germany, 2School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 150-162 Pearse Street, Dublin, Ireland and 3Department of Linguistics, Cornell University, 203 Morrill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract The population history of Japan has been one of the most intensively studied anthropological questions anywhere in the world, with a huge literature dating back to the nineteenth century and before. A growing consensus over the 1980s that the modern Japanese comprise an admixture of a Neolithic population with Bronze Age migrants from the Korean peninsula was crystallised in Kazurō Hanihara’s influential ‘dual structure hypothesis’ published in 1991. Here, we use recent research in biological anthropology, historical linguistics and archaeology to evaluate this hypothesis after three decades. Although the major assump- tions of Hanihara’s model have been supported by recent work, we discuss areas where new findings have led to a re-evaluation of aspects of the hypothesis and emphasise the need for further research in key areas including ancient DNA and archaeology. Keywords: Agricultural dispersals; Bronze Age migrations; Japanese; Ainu; national identity Media summary: The ‘dual structure hypothesis’ of two genetic layers in the population history of the Japanese archipelago still remains widely accepted after three decades, but new research is starting to suggest more complex social relations between Neolithic (Jōmon) and Bronze Age (Yayoi) peoples.
    [Show full text]
  • Forsíða Ritgerða
    Hugvísindasvið Invisible Japan Are old Japanese values hindering further internationalization? Ritgerð til B.A.-prófs Birgir Bachmann Konráðsson Janúar 2012 Háskóli Íslands Hugvísindasvið Japanskt mál og menning Invisible Japan Are old Japanese values hindering further internationalization? Ritgerð til B.A.-prófs Birgir Bachmann Konráðsson Kt.: 220187-4119 Leiðbeinandi: Gunnella Þorgeirsdóttir Janúar 2012 2 Abstract Japan is facing a serious population decrease in the next forty years. People´s longevity and reduced birth rates put Japan in a situation where it is likely it might have to increase immigration. However, such rapid increase in foreigners is a delicate situation that should be looked at on a sociological level so as to avoid cultural clashes. Therefore it is important to look at the old traditional values in school and work life in Japan in order to gain a greater understanding of foreigner relations. There are many theories surrounding these traditional values but many tend to be oversimplifications. One such theory accredits the Tokugawa period (1600-1868) with many of the values found in modern Japan. The school system on the other hand, gives an insight into how values like cooperation enter the public mind, not to mention the senpai/kohai system of seniority. Contrary to what many believe, many of the values in the work place were only implemented in the early 20th century. It could perhaps be implemented to appease today´s international market. Foreign workers in Japanese companies are largely regarded as temporary workers, but are often given better benefits. Some traditions of the old work system like the strict rules regarding presentation of a business card can seem strange and unnecessary to foreign workers not used to such procedures.
    [Show full text]
  • Robots Instead of Immigrants: the Positive Feedback of Japanese Migration Policy on Social Isolation and Communication Problems
    Asia-Pacific Social Science Review 19(1) 2019, pp. 90–104 RESEARCH ARTICLE Robots Instead of Immigrants: The Positive Feedback of Japanese Migration Policy on Social Isolation and Communication Problems Pál Koudela John Harsanyi Center and Archive for Social Studies, Hungary [email protected] Abstract: Demographic decline in contemporary Japan already leads to labor shortages, and there is still no existing fertility policy to stop the shrinking population. As an alternative, immigration policy could serve for replacement. However, the Japanese government opposes it mainly because of their idea of cultural homogeneity. Such thought has its historical and cultural background in the confrontation of centuries-long isolation and modern ethnic nationalism in the Meiji period. The recent plan of the Japanese leadership is to increase the role of robotics in affected professions such as caregiving. At this point, the social role of robots is going through a transformation and human-machine interactions increase the traditional communicational issues of Japanese people. Hikikomori is based on amae and receives positive feedback from a growing, more convenient non-human environment. As a long-term consequence, the already disintegrating Japanese society will face an extreme disaggregation in a not far future. Keywords: Demographic decline, migration policy, robotics, hikikomori, communication problems We can find plenty of news, several analyses, evolved and how can be managed in the direction of academic studies, essays, and books but also political better sustainability. For example, shrinking labor statements, journal articles, and many other types of force, especially in certain sectors, can be replaced by works in the topic of international migration about robots, such as in care giving or catering industry.
    [Show full text]
  • Social Conformity and Nationalism in Japan
    SOCIAL CONFORMITY AND NATIONALISM IN JAPAN by Chie Muroga Jex B.A., The University of West Florida, 2005 A thesis submitted to the Department of Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences The University of West Florida In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Anthropology 2009 The thesis of Chie Muroga Jex is approved: ____________________________________________ _________________ Rosalind A. Fisher, M.A., Committee Member Date ____________________________________________ _________________ Terry J. Prewitt, Ph.D., Committee Member Date ____________________________________________ _________________ Robert C. Philen, Ph.D., Committee Chair Date Accepted for the Department/Division: ____________________________________________ _________________ John R. Bratten, Ph.D., Chair Date Accepted for the University: ____________________________________________ _________________ Richard S. Podemski, Ph.D., Dean of Graduate Studies Date ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Terry J. Prewitt, Dr. Robert Philen, and Ms. Rosalind Fisher for their willingness to be my thesis committee members. My fellow anthropology graduate student, Trey Bond, also gave me many helpful suggestions. They have inspired and sustained me with insightful comments, patience and encouragement. I also wish to especially thank my bilingual husband, Timothy T. Jex for always taking time, and patiently proofreading and correcting my English grammar despite his busy schedule. Without these professional and generous supporters,
    [Show full text]
  • The General History of Japan
    The General History Of Japan < Jomon ～ Meiji Periods > Akito Igarashi Jomon Kamakura Yayoi Muromachi Tumulus Azuchi・Momoyama Asuka Edo Nara Meiji Heian Modern The Stream of Time and Changes of Life 時の流れと人の世の移りかわり NAU’UN-DO Preface When did the Japanese first appear, and when did their history begin? Chapter 1 The Jomon Period 4 These are big questions for those who study Japanese history, and needless to say for the Japanese themselves. There once were two ideas about the beginning of the Chapter 2 The Yayoi Period 9 Japanese: the northern origin and the southern. The northern origin was the idea Chapter 3 The Tumulus Period 14 that said the Japanese had come from the north, and the southern origin was the one that said they had come from the south. But today we do not maintain these Chapter 4 The Asuka Period (Part 1) 19 ideas anymore, because we have come to know that different people came to the Chapter 5 The Asuka Period (Part 2) 24 island chain of Japan through various routes, forming the Japanese people in the Chapter 6 The Nara Period 28 course of centuries of mixing. In fact, there are various types of modern Japanese: hairy, smooth skinned, round faced, square faced, with large eyes as well as narrow, Chapter 7 The Heian Period 33 etc. These physical characteristics are considered to be proof of racial mixing. Chapter 8 The End of the Heian Period and the 38 Therefore, it is a difficult question to pinpoint the beginning of the Japanese, Rise of the Bushi (Samurai) although we usually begin with the Jomon period for the historical study of Japan.
    [Show full text]