Writings on Culture and Style in Contemporary Japan

Japan is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and its people are known for their unique sense of style. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Japanese culture and style, and a number of books have been published on the subject.

Viewed Sideways: Writings on Culture and Style in Contemporary Japan

by Donald Richie

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	585 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages
Paperback	:	50 pages
Item Weight	:	2.88 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.12 x 9 inches

FREE

These books offer a variety of perspectives on Japanese culture and style, from the traditional to the contemporary. Some of the most popular books on the subject include:

• The Japanese Mind by Richard P. Dore (1978)
• Japan: A Cultural History by Donald Keene (1999)
• The Chrysanthemum and the Sword by Ruth Benedict (1946)
• The Hidden Order of Tokugawa Japan by Herman Ooms (1985)
• Japanese Aesthetics and Culture by Donald Richie (1983)
• The Japanese Way of Aesthetics by Yoshiaki Shimizu (2005)
• The Art of Japanese Living by Maria Kondo (2014)
• Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren (1994)

These books provide a valuable to Japanese culture and style, and they can help readers to understand the unique ways in which the Japanese people view the world.

Japanese Aesthetics

One of the most important aspects of Japanese culture is its aesthetics. The Japanese people have a deep appreciation for beauty, and they have developed a unique set of aesthetic principles that govern their art, architecture, and design.

Some of the key principles of Japanese aesthetics include:

• Simplicity: Japanese art and design is often characterized by its simplicity. This is due in part to the Japanese belief that less is more.
• Asymmetry: Japanese art and design is often asymmetrical. This is because the Japanese believe that asymmetry is more natural and pleasing to the eye.
• Imperfection: Japanese art and design often incorporates imperfections. This is because the Japanese believe that perfection is unattainable and that imperfections add character to a work of art.
• Transience: Japanese art and design often reflects the transience of life. This is because the Japanese believe that all things are impermanent and that beauty is fleeting.

These principles of Japanese aesthetics are evident in a wide variety of Japanese art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and design.

Japanese Style

Japanese style is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It encompasses everything from the way people dress to the way they behave. However, there are some general characteristics that can be said to be common to all Japanese style.

Some of the key characteristics of Japanese style include:

• Refinement: Japanese style is often characterized by its refinement. This is evident in the way people dress, the way they decorate their homes, and the way they interact with others.
• Modesty: Japanese style is also characterized by its modesty. This is reflected in the way people dress, the way they speak, and the way they behave.
• Tradition: Japanese style is deeply rooted in tradition. This is evident in the way people celebrate holidays, the way they perform rituals, and the way they dress for special occasions.
• Innovation: Japanese style is also constantly evolving. This is evident in the way people incorporate new technologies into their lives, the way they adapt traditional styles to new contexts, and the way they create new forms of art and design.

These characteristics of Japanese style are evident in all aspects of Japanese life, from the way people dress to the way they live.

Japan is a country with a rich and diverse culture and style. The Japanese people have a unique way of viewing the world, and this is reflected in their art, architecture, design, and style.

By understanding the principles of Japanese aesthetics and style, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Japanese culture.

Viewed Sideways: Writings on Culture and Style in Contemporary Japan

by Donald Richie

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	585 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages
Paperback	:	50 pages
Item Weight	:	2.88 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.12 x 9 inches

FREE