A valuable key to unique aspects of Japanese culture, this work discusses Japanese attitudes to raising children, personal space and the roles of women in Japanese society. Topics explored include: aimai (amibiguity), chinmoki (silence in communication), and giri (social obligation). Japanese Chronology vii Introduction 3(4) Acknowledgments 7(2) Aimai: Ambiguity and the Japanese 9(8) Amae: The Concept of Japanese Dependence 17(6) Amakudari: Descent from Heaven 23(12) Bigaku: The Japanese Sense of Beauty 35(6) Bushido: The Way of the Warrior 41(10) Chinmoku: Silence in Japanese Communication 51(10) Danjyo Kankei: Male and Female Relationships in Japan 61(10) The Do Spirit of Japan 71(12) Gambari: Japanese Patience and Determination 83(12) Giri: Japanese Social Obligations 95(8) Haragei: An Implicit Way of Communicating in Japan 103(6) Hedataru to Najimu: Japanese Personal Space 109(6) Honne to Tatemae: Private vs. Public Stance in Japan 115(4) The Japanese Ie System 119(8) Iitoko-Dori: Adopting Elements of Foreign Culture 127(8) Ikuji: Childrearing Practices in Japan 135(8) Kenkyo: The Japanese Virtue of Modesty 143(10) Kisetsu: The Japanese Sense of the Seasons 153(6) Nemawashi: Laying the Groundwork in Japan 159(6) Omiai: Arranged Marriage in Japan 165(6) Otogibanushi: Folktales of Japan 171(8) Ryosaikenbo--``Good Wives and Wise Mothers'': The Social Expectations of Women in Japan 179(8) Sempai-Kohai: Seniority Rules in Japanese Relations 187(8) Shudan Ishiki: Japanese Group Consciousness 195(6) Soshiki: Japanese Funerals 201(16) Uchi to Soto: Dual Meanings in Japanese Human Relations 217(6) Wabi-Sabi: Simplicity and Elegance as Japanese Ideals of Beauty 223(10) Zoto: The Japanese Custom of Gift Giving 233(12) References 245(14) Glossary 259