Reddit reviews The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture

The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture is one hell of a primer on Japanese culture and society. It goes into the historical significance of how and why Japanese society functions in the way that it does and puts everything into context. Here's a list of some of the topics (copied straight from Amazon because I'm too lazy to type up my own list):

>Among the topics explored: aimai (ambiguity), amae (dependence upon othersÆ benevolence), amakudari (the nationÆs descent from heaven), chinmoku (silence in communication), gambari (perseverence), giri (social obligation), haragei (literally, ôbelly artö; implicit, unspoken communication), kenkyo (the appearance of modesty), sempai-kohai (seniority), wabi-sabi (simplicity and elegance), and zoto (gift giving), as well as discussions of child-rearing, personal space, and the roles of women in Japanese society.

This is a damn interesting book and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Buy this book and read it from cover to cover if you want to understand what is unique about the modern Japanese mind/culture. The book was written by Japanese, and it was incredibly helpful to understand my (then) Japanese girlfriend. We eventually got married and she confirms that the book is spot on.

Well, for a study abroad experience, make sure you do a home-stay. As for an excellent view into Japanese culture (as well as an entertaining read), I suggest "The Japanese Mind".

Also, click the context link and see my other reply.