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Understanding Japan

By: Mark J. Ravina, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Mark J. Ravina
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Publisher's Summary

Japan's extraordinary culture is like no other in the world, and it remains mysterious to many of us. And that's unfortunate, because to truly understand Japan's influence on the world stage, one needs to understand Japan's culture - on its own terms.

In an exciting partnership with the Smithsonian, The Great Courses presents these 24 lectures that offer an unforgettable tour of Japanese life and culture. Professor Ravina, with the expert collaboration of the Smithsonian's historians, brings you a grand portrait of Japan.

From the dawn of Confucianism and the Meiji Restoration to World War II and the economic miracle years of 1955 to 1975, you'll explore landmark periods of Japanese history and learn how broad events and movements introduced, innovated, and revised everything from spirituality to popular entertainment. Along the way you'll get revealing insights into Shinto (Japan's indigenous religion), the art of Katsushika Hokusai, literary works like The Tale of Genji and the haiku of Basho, the everyday lives of samurai, the universal appeal of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa, foods like yakitori and tempura, and so much more.

You'll come away from Professor Ravina's final lecture with a stronger sense of the very soul of this one-of-a-kind nation.

©2015 The Great Courses (P)2015 The Teaching Company, LLC

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Fantastic broad coverage

Fantastic story interwoven through so many different parts of Japanese culture and history. Lecturer is obviously tremendously knowledgeable and is very easy to listen to.

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meh

light on comprehensive history and facts, heavy on feminist agenda and personal opinion, unfortunately seems to be a recurring theme with the great courses after trying 4 of them...

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Outstanding and Great Value

What does Professor Mark J. Ravina bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He speaks really well. The audio (sound quality) is extremely well produced. Everything is easy to understand. He speaks slow enough to fully understand the concepts but rarely speaks with unnecessary flair. He gets to the point - he has a lot of insights to share!

Any additional comments?

I know this course has gotten many 5 star reviews - It seems unrealistic right?

But honestly: It really is an amazing course.

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Interesting lectures on a fascinating country

I wish I'd listened to a series like this before visiting Japan, so I guess I will just have to plan another trip. Comprehensive and chronological with a range of topics. Recommended for anyone interested in Japan.

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Highly recommended!

This is a great introduction into the history and culture of Japan. I highly recommended this book.

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Great

Great breakdown of Japanese history and culture.
Wide range of topics. Not much else to say, Its just great.

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Informative and fascinating

I am a lover of all things Japanese and this series gave me clear, interesting and compelling ideas about the culture and development of Japan. Loved every minute. Thank you.

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Excellent historical overview of Japanese culture

Professor Ravina is a passionate and eloquent master of Japanese culture. His entertaining and informative course is a perfect introduction to Japan for general knowledge or prior to travel there. The detailed pdf accompanying this audiobook was very helpful to see the spelling of words I was hearing. For me, at least, this helps in my retention of the information presented. Highly recommended.

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Excellent

This is such a fine series of lectures for anyone interested in Japan. I can not recommend it more highly for those that want to dive a little deeper.

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Fantastic

I've been married to a Japanese for many years and listening to this series helped me with understand why many things are the way they are in Japan. will certainly help me to accept and assimilate easier in coming years when we move to Japan permanently. Thanks for a great book.

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