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Understanding Japan
- A Cultural History
- Narrated by: Mark J. Ravina
- Length: 12 hrs
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Understanding Japan
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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.
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What listeners say about Understanding Japan
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Marcos Henson
- 27-02-22
Excellent
Wasn’t sure at first, was this going to be a dumbed-down lecture about a foreign culture?
Not at all. I was pleasantly surprised at how knowledgeable the professor is about Japan, and how engaging the presentation was.
This is definitive overview for any English speaker interested in learning more about Japan’s fascinating culture & history.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anthony
- 04-02-18
Overview of japan
Good overview of japan. It feels a little general but it makes sense given the scope of the enterprise. I would suggest to listen to it on 1.25 or 1.5x
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Blank
- 12-02-18
excellent
Really enjoyable, felt like a learned a lot, plus confident clear delivery. Really great resource.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nephrite
- 09-10-16
A lesson on how Japan became Japan
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would definitely recommend this to any friends or listeners who want to learn about the real Japan, as opposed to the image of Japan thst Westerners give themselves through some niche elements of Japanese culture or history - such as Japanese anime or the pop culture versions of samurai and ninjas - which can give a completely wrong impression.
I admit I have never been to Japan myself but having listened to this excellent series of lectures - I particularly enjoyed the theme of the different phases of globalisation and the lectures on the true history of the samurai - I feel that if I ever went I would find it much easier to understand why certain things were the way they are.
The lectures were all at a perfect pace and I came away from each one feeling like I knew more about the subject having listened to it and looking forward to the next one. I would not be surprised if I listened to these again in the near future or recommended them to some close friends in particular.
What about Professor Mark J. Ravina’s performance did you like?
Professor Ravina was a man I coukd have listened to for hours. His voice was very measured and calm befitting the subject matter but his clear interest and passion was infectious and obvious. Half the time I couldn't help but smile.
By the time I finished the lectures I felt sad to be leaving his virtual classroom. If he ever gives another series of lectures for The Great Courses I will be sure to get them from Audible.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes completely and totally. I was enraptured from beginning to end and found the entire thing fascinating. I truly hope they release more lectures focused on Japan or Asia in general as I'm sure I would love every minute of it like I did these. I have come away truly thinking I know far more about Japan's history and culture than I did when I entered. I cannot recommend these enough.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A reader
- 08-01-24
Excellent Choice of topics and narrative
Right balance of history and culture with very enjoyable dictation. I recommend this to anyone visiting Japan.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Manish
- 25-05-18
Japan - Culture and History
This was absolutely brilliant. I loved it having been a consumer of Japanese culture. However I feel it should have been much longer. o would have preferred double. Much more on history esp 1900 onwards and more on the Japanese psyche again with reference to modern Japanese culture. Would have loved half hour lectures on Yakuza and origami as well as onsen. Overall this is the only audio set / book on Japanese culture and history and essential for everyone.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Miss
- 13-04-16
Really excellent introductory course.
This proved to be an excellent companion to my first trip to Japan, and I'll be looking for similar courses on other countries for future travels!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Fabrice Saenger
- 06-03-16
Japan cultural history
The author describe Japan history and culture. He is obviously passionate about Japan. So I am. So I love this course. One of my favortite chapter was about food. I regret that the world war 2 and imperial Japan was not discussed in more details. The angle (phases of globalisation vs. isolationism) is deep and profound.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ruth K
- 18-12-21
Sublime
I have learnt so much from this series of lectures. Absolutely fascinating. Highly recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Soraia
- 04-06-18
Learning on the walk
I have simply adored this. Heard the entire book during my trip in Japan and it was amazing walking by the places mentioned. the lectures were very informative but never boring. i felt like I was understanding better the way Japan came to me and it helped my journey to be more culturally informed. I found myself laughing at some of the stories in the train. The narrator is absolutely amazing. Loved it.
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