
Understanding Japan
A Cultural History
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Buy Now for $38.99
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Narrated by:
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Mark J. Ravina
About this listen
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, LLCreally interesting and relevant to modern japan
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the 21st-century, and much has happened since that time, but it is still a fantastic introduction to Japanese history and culture.
Fine overall introduction to modern Japan. highly recommended.
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Fantastic broad coverage
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Really informative
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Excellent historical overview of Japanese culture
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Wide ranging and insightful
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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.
Outstanding and Great Value
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Just be aware that while there are some great chapters on more recent Japanese history, most of the course refers to events before 1900.
Superb introduction (albeit mostly pre-1900s)
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Excellent
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Highly recommended!
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