Kata: The Key to Understanding & Dealing with the Japanese!

by Boyé Lafayette de Mente and De Boye

A unique look at a unique culture. If you're trying to figure the Japanese out, this book provides another important piece of the puzzle.--Terrie Lloyd, CEO, LINC Media, Tokyo

In this first book ever to explain why the Japanese think and behave the way they do, veteran Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente, author of more than 30 books on Japan, unlocks the mystery of kata--the cultural molds that have traditionally shaped...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804833869
• ISBN13: 9780804833868
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating, insightful book!

This is one of the only books on Japanese culture that was written in such a fashion that I couldn't put it down. It covered a variety of topics I hadn't even thought to ask, and didn't address things like "Japanese people bow because it's polite", but "Japanese people bow because it's polite, this is why it's polite, it relates to their early culture because of this, and here are some examples of conditioning as it relates to the bow, etc etc". It's very well written, very interesting, and eye-opening to the westerner. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a genuine interest in Japanese culture that goes beyond anime, and would DEFINITELY recommend it to those pursuing Japanese and Asian studies in college.

One step closer to understanding.

Lafayette's revealing book is a survival manual for those who might feel lost at the unfathomable task of understanding the Japanese culture. The book focuses on the obstacles encountered in everyday life and business affairs, by almost every culture in the World when dealing with the japanese. It explains with first-hand experience how the culture has been changed and influenced by the Kata applied to every task from the art of Chado (or tea ceremony) to the miniturization of electronics, thus making the japanese such a unique culture. This book is a delight to read because of its objetivity and sociological insight. It is not a travel guide, it is a great work of cultural and sociological study.