Japanese Study Overview

Overview of Japanese Study

• Japanese study, also known as Japanology, is an interdisciplinary field of research that focuses on Japan and its culture, language, history, and society.
• It is a broad field that encompasses various disciplines, including linguistics, literature, history, anthropology, sociology, politics, and economics.

History of Japanese Study

• The study of Japan dates back to the 16th century, when European missionaries and traders first arrived in Japan.
• In the 19th century, Japanese study became more systematic, with the establishment of academic institutions and the development of Japanese language instruction.
• In the 20th century, Japanese study expanded to include social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, with a focus on understanding Japan's modernization and internationalization.

Key Concepts in Japanese Study

• Wakon-yōsai (): Japanese spirit, Western learning; a concept that emphasizes the importance of maintaining Japanese cultural traditions while adopting Western knowledge and technology.
• Yamato-damashii (): Japanese spirit; a concept that refers to the unique cultural and spiritual values of Japan.
• Honne and Tatemae (): The distinction between a person's true feelings and their outward behavior; a concept that highlights the importance of social harmony in Japanese culture.

Disciplines in Japanese Study

• Japanese Language and Literature: The study of the Japanese language, including its grammar, vocabulary, and dialects, as well as Japanese literature, including classical and modern works.
• Japanese History: The study of Japan's history, from ancient times to the present, including the country's cultural, political, and economic development.
• Japanese Society and Culture: The study of Japanese society, including its social structures, customs, and traditions, as well as its cultural practices, such as art, music, and food.
• Japanese Politics and Economy: The study of Japan's political system, including its government, politics, and international relations, as well as its economy, including its business practices and trade relations.

Research Methods in Japanese Study

• Fieldwork: Conducting research in Japan, including participant observation, interviews, and surveys, to gain firsthand knowledge of Japanese culture and society.
• Content Analysis: Analyzing Japanese texts, including literature, newspapers, and documents, to understand Japanese culture, history, and society.
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing Japan with other countries, including its culture, history, and society, to identify similarities and differences.

Overview of Japanese Study

• Japanese study, also known as Japanology, is an interdisciplinary field of research that focuses on Japan and its culture, language, history, and society.
• It encompasses various disciplines, including linguistics, literature, history, anthropology, sociology, politics, and economics.

History of Japanese Study

• The study of Japan dates back to the 16th century, when European missionaries and traders first arrived in Japan.
• In the 19th century, Japanese study became more systematic, with the establishment of academic institutions and the development of Japanese language instruction.
• In the 20th century, Japanese study expanded to include social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, with a focus on understanding Japan's modernization and internationalization.

Key Concepts in Japanese Study

• Wakon-yōsai (): a concept that emphasizes the importance of maintaining Japanese cultural traditions while adopting Western knowledge and technology.
• Yamato-damashii (): a concept that refers to the unique cultural and spiritual values of Japan.
• Honne and Tatemae (): the distinction between a person's true feelings and their outward behavior, highlighting the importance of social harmony in Japanese culture.

Disciplines in Japanese Study

• Japanese Language and Literature: studies the Japanese language, including its grammar, vocabulary, and dialects, as well as Japanese literature, including classical and modern works.
• Japanese History: covers Japan's history, from ancient times to the present, including cultural, political, and economic development.
• Japanese Society and Culture: examines Japanese society, including social structures, customs, and traditions, as well as cultural practices, such as art, music, and food.
• Japanese Politics and Economy: explores Japan's political system, including government, politics, and international relations, as well as its economy, including business practices and trade relations.

Research Methods in Japanese Study

• Fieldwork: involves conducting research in Japan, including participant observation, interviews, and surveys, to gain firsthand knowledge of Japanese culture and society.
• Content Analysis: analyzes Japanese texts, including literature, newspapers, and documents, to understand Japanese culture, history, and society.
• Comparative Analysis: compares Japan with other countries, including its culture, history, and society, to identify similarities and differences.

Learn about Japanese study, an interdisciplinary field that focuses on Japan's culture, language, history, and society, and its history dating back to the 16th century.