The Japanese Have a Word for It : The Complete Guide to Japanese Thought and Culture

Rating:
Summary: Informative and Entertaining
Review: He may not be Reischauer but Mr. De Mente packs enough cultural and historical background into this book to make it a worthy read for Japanese scholars or anyone with an interest in Japan. The author presents the reader with about 150 Japanese words and phrases that have special meaning for the Japanese. For example, he translates the word "kamatoto" into English as "The Dumb Blonde" i.e the Japanese propensity to feign innocence in order to gain the upper hand in a relationship or business deal. "Wa" or "harmony" is succinctly though brilliantly explained and would be something any foreign businessperson dealing with Japan should appreciate. I have read other books by Mr. De Mente but this is by far his most informative and well written. Recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent roundtrip into Japanese spoken lifestyles.
Review: Knowing that Japan uses it language differently than English, but not why, I found this presentation provided numerous insights.