Abstract The "Tale of the Heike" is a collection of tales of heroism, tragedy, and splendour surrounding the fall of the Taira. The literary work is a combination of fiction and historical fact and is not the work of a single author. The paper examines why the tale is considered to be one of the most valuable texts to represent Japanese literature. It uses references by literary scholar Herbert Plutschow, who provides insight into the importance of "The Tale of the Heike".
From the Paper "The Fight at Dan No Ura portion of the work describes the famous battle in which the Minamoto family defeated the Taira family and is a classic tale of self-sacrifice and loyalty. In a tragic passage, the story also illustrates how far people would go to obey their lords. Lady Nii, whose sovereign lord has been killed, is determined not to fall into enemy hands and says, ?I will accompany my Sovereign Lord.? She also decides to take the seven-year old Emperor with her. ?The Lady Nii took him tightly in her arms and with the words, ?In the depths of the ocean is our capital,? sank with him at last beneath the waves.? This loyalty is described in The Famine segment of the work as it related to ordinary people. When husbands and wives decided not to separate, the partner with the greatest love for the other one would die first."
This paper discusses the novel, "Rickshaw", written by Lao She and translated by Jean M. James, which focuses on the function of the rickshaw as a symbol in the text.
Abstract This paper explains that the rickshaw is a symbol of what is wrong with Chinese society and how it allows good men such as Hsiang Tzu, the protagonist in "Rickshaw" by Lao She, to evolve into pathetic survivors, who litter the streets and die meaningless deaths. he author points out that the rickshaws appear throughout the story; in fact, they could be considered other characters in the story because they are so important to the rickshaw drivers' lives. The paper states that owning your own rickshaw is a symbol of status in the rickshaw community. It symbolizes how hard the driver has worked to earn the money to pay for a new rickshaw and the driver's freedom from those who rent rickshaws to drivers; therefore, the rickshaw itself is a symbol of freedom and hope.
From the Paper "To the drivers, the rickshaws are their lives (Lao 12), and so, they take on special significance as the story continues. When Tzu loses his rickshaw, his life takes another turn, for the rickshaw is his livelihood as well as his hope for the future, and he must start all over again on his quest for success. The rickshaw takes on special significance when the reader understands that the rickshaw could make the difference between life and death to its driver. Rickshaws are in fact the story, for the story would not exist without them. They symbolize freedom, but in Tzu's case, they also symbolize bondage, because as he works and works to buy his own rickshaws, he has no life other than work, and no desires other than the elusive rickshaw."
Abstract Many countries in the Asian market have shown remarkably rapid economic growth with the expansion of business methods and companies across national boundaries. India, however, although it presents the world market with a population that is second only to China, offers a more complicated picture in which threats are assessed as well as opportunities. This paper examines India from a global perspective to see what are perceived as the positive and negative effects of globalization on the country's fiscal and trade sectors. The perceived gulf between India's potential and reality are explained. Those who have been observing the nation's Gross Domestic Product for many years have seen India lag behind other Asian countries that have shown comparatively phenomenal economic growth. Changing economic policies that lifted many Indian trade restrictions in the early 1990s are assayed in terms of both the increased opportunities they present for many individuals in the nation as well as, internally, the increased weaknesses that are represented by political interference and what is seen by many to be an increasing gap between rich and poor in the nation.
From the Paper "The Indian market, the second largest national market in the world, was essentially closed off from the outside world by the strictures of a quasi-socialist control system. Imports were limited and foreign firms were not encouraged to enter the domestic sphere at all, as if they did so, the bureaucratic repercussions were often seen to be extremely prohibitive. At the same time, this bureaucratic government structure incurred its own costs and labor issues, which were not alleviated by the flow of multi-national capital. The public sector became a sort of economic monolith within the country, and increases in bureaucracy made this structure increasingly inscrutable, even to those within its sphere of operation. At the same time, the private sector was being virtually ignored in terms of economic opportunity."
This paper argues the need for Japan to assume responsibility, both morally and legally, for the use of the "comfort women", sex slaves in a systematic, planned system ordered and executed by the Japanese government during World War II.
2,020 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
Abstract This paper explains that, until recently, the Japanese government has been able to deny responsibility for the part it played in the atrocities committed against the 'comfort women'. This denial of responsibility has had a huge impact, not only on the victims, but also on the collective community of Japan. The author points out that the Japanese government denied its responsibility for playing any part in the organized sex slavery. However, in the early 1990s, with the first lawsuit filed against the Japanese government and the surfacing of documents that directly implicated military officials in the organized prostitution of comfort women, the Japanese government had no choice but to take a new stance on the previous denial of responsibility for these crimes, recognize the moral responsibility for these crimes, and apologize for them. The paper stresses that legal responsibility is also necessary because Japan has made no reparations to the victims, no acknowledgment of legal liability, and has undertaken no prosecutions against the war criminals who committed these crimes.
From the Paper "The term "comfort women" was the official name given by the Japanese Imperial Army to the military's organization of forced prostitution across the Japanese Empire from 1931 to 1945. An estimated 200,000 women were recruited by force, coercion, or deception into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army in order to satisfy their sexual needs during the period of World War II. Women were taken from their homes in Korea, China, the Dutch East Indies, Taiwan, Malaysia, Burma and the Philippines and were sent to locations throughout Japanese occupied Asia where they were imprisoned in facilities know as "comfort houses". In these 'comfort houses', they were raped daily by soldiers, forced to endure torture and abuse and even murdered. By the end of the war approximately 25% of these women had died. Those who did survive were scarred both physically and psychologically for life."
Abstract This paper examines the differences between business culture in China and the U.S. The paper briefly touches on the implications of China becoming a member of the WTO, but mainly focuses on the differing social practices between East and West and how they impact business dealings.
Outline
China Now
Chinese Cultural Values and Implications for Business
Guidelines to Doing Business in China
Western Firms Doing Business in China
Reciprocity and Long-Term Business Relationship
Taking a Chinese Name
Conclusion
From the Paper "It can be more useful to regard China as a continent rather than a country. It occupies 9.5 million square miles (slightly larger than the United States) but is composed of a collection of regions. These regions are differentiated by culture, dialect and level of economic development and can be quite competitive with each other. China has 1.3 billion people and grows about 10 million per year. There are really two Chinas when a firm is looking at it from a business opportunity standpoint. 900million people live in rural areas with an average annual income of less than $100 US. 400 million people live in the more developed areas along the East coast and Yangtze River and have an average annual income of $800. US (www.uschina.org, 2005)."
Tags: business, implications, international, practices, social
Abstract Ayurveda is a form of holistic medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. The central tenet to Ayurvedic treatment is a focus on preventative health, similar to most concepts of holistic medicine. This paper examines its use as an alternative medicine and how the benefits of Ayurveda are simple, preventative maintenance of the body, mind and spirit, as one unit will prevent serious malfunction in the long run.
From the Paper "The pros of ayurveda are vast in their benefit to the individual and to the macrocosm surrounding the individual. Ayurvedic principles could be the solution toward world peace. Anger, tension and stress are all symptoms of a body, mind, spirit that is out of balance. Individuals may find less vehemence and more tranquility if they simply made an effort to define their own destiny through an inside out approach. Most men of transgression seek success through very external avenues. Where the ayurvedic brings success in the loss of an imbalance the depraved westerner finds joy in taking the belongings of another. The ultimate benefit of Ayurveda is not general good health it is a genuine sense of happiness."
This paper discusses that Malaysia is a region of the world which has a wide variety of environmental problems ranging from deforestation to air and water pollution, despite having a national policy of biodiversity.
Abstract This paper explains that Malaysia has been identified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as one of 12 mega diversity areas in the world, which means that these areas are very rich in plant and animal species; however, it is estimated that, because of environmental problems, by 2020, almost half of all mammals and a quarter of all birds in Malaysia will face extinction. The author points out that agriculture plays a very important role in the development of Malaysia; large-scale farming has caused thousands of acres of forestland to be ploughed up, destroying the habitat of wildlife. The paper relates that Malaysia entered the industrial age, but at the cost of the environment: (1) Industrial zones have been approved by the government to be set up in mostly forestland and uninhabited areas, (2) many rivers have become polluted by the wastes poured out into these rivers and (3) hotels and resorts are being built on the rivers destroying the forests, thus eroding the soil and polluting the water.
From the Paper "The dramatic losses of these species obscure equally large and important threats to genetic diversity as well. This could imperil agriculture too. Varieties of corn, wheat, rice, and other crops have rapidly squeezed out of land-races. Farmers and pastoralists bred and maintained a tremendous diversity of crop and livestock varieties. On-farm diversity is shrinking fast thanks to modern plant-breeding programs and the resulting productivity achieved by planting comparatively fewer varieties of crops that respond better to water, fertilizers, and pesticides. The loss of species stems from and invites the loss of cultural diversity."
From the Paper "Within the Japanese cuisine, there contains many strange meals but there are myriads of delights that would make anybody's tastes buds melt. Coming from a Japanese decent I have tried many of these tasty meals, but I would not take it too an extreme to say that I drink "snakes blood for longevity"(Steinberg 6). Japanese meals are actually considered very healthy and low fat considered to the traditional American, southern fried chicken. Japanese food is served in little portions and displayed in a very exciting way to liven up every aspect of each savory bite. To liven up these dishes we often cut vegetables or fruits into tiny designs or animals, or organize each piece of meat and each small vegetable in a way that flatters the plate. Cutting and Slicing, mostly vegetables into meticulous designs, makes a dish its own work of art. "
From the Paper "The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan contains sixteen stories that focus on the relationship among four Chinese born mothers and their American born daughters live their lives. Throughout The Joy Luck Club, Tan emphasizes the different ways of showing their love and respect towards each other; especially, how daughters do not seem to understand or appreciate their mothers? intentions and love hidden their actions. Tan does a wonderful job on portraying the different points of view the mothers and daughters have and different ways of loving each other into her masterpiece."
Abstract This paper takes a look at President Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb on Japan at the end of World War II, and explains why it was the right decision. The paper includes background information on World War II and the war between Japan and the United States.
From the Paper "Though the innocent lives of the Japanese civilians in Hiroshima are not be in anyway forgotten or looked over, President Truman's decision to release the Atomic bomb on Hiroshima was the right decision because immediately ending the war and bringing peace around the world was more important. If the war had continued, there is no telling how many more lives would have been lost on both sides. "
Tags: nuclear, war, ethics, civilians, Geneva, Convention
Abstract This paper takes a look at the role and function of the Geisha from the Edo period and the expectations of behavior and conduct of a geisha. As the numbers of geisha in Japan are declining, the paper also looks at a number of reasons to explain this decline
From the Paper "Entertainment in Japan during the Edo period (1600-1867), especially entertainment involving women, was considered to require close supervision by the government. Prostitution was legal if properly licensed and controlled. Shimbara and Yoshiwara were fenced-in districts on the outskirts of Kyoto and Edo where prostitution was contained and regulated until 1957. Of the numerous hours men spent in these districts, relatively few were devoted to sex. Most of the time was engaged in partying; the lure of the area was the romance, elegance and excitement that could be found in the one place in the structured feudal society where money, wit and charm combined to create a sub-culture rooted in evening recreation. Besides the prostitutes, a number of other classes of female entertainers and waitresses were permitted to work in designated entertainment areas. Geishas belonged in this category, and for them, engaging in sex with customers was officially prohibited. The term geisha literally means "artist". "
Abstract This is an insightful essay dealing with the impact of World War Two on two communities, which contain Japanese Canadians and Americans. The two novels, "Obasan" and "Snow Falling on Cedars", show the prejudice and racism of the Second World War, as well as the paranoia of the white community. The essay describes the impacts of the war, and also contrasts how memories and emotions of war can be suppressed by silence or resurfaced in everyday life. This essay shows both effects using the two novels to show the various outcomes.
From the Paper "Many memorable events in people's lives have the power to affect their memories, emotions, and relationships later in life. These events may be positive or negative and are dealt with in various ways, such as silence, anger, denial or confrontation. In "Snow Falling on Cedars", by David Guterson, and "Obasan", by Joy Kogawa, the event of World War II creates lasting impressions on all the characters, which are evident even many years later in both plots. In "Snow Falling on Cedars", a man named Kabuo Miyamoto is charged for the murder of a well-liked fisherman. While he and others are on the stand, memories of World War II surface, revealing a complex plot containing separated lovers, a battle for land, and the island's always present, racism. In Kogawa's novel, a schoolteacher named Naomi Nakane visits her Aunt Obasan because her uncle has passed away. During the visit she remembers her family's separation and relocation during World War II through the reading of diaries, and eventually learns the details of her mother's demise after thirty years. Both novels deal with the prejudice toward the Japanese in North America during the Second World War, as well as show the lasting effects that war leaves on its survivor."
Abstract This paper looks at the Buddhist elements in the Herman Hesse story, "Siddhartha". The author relates his own experiences as a teacher of Buddhism in analyzing Hesse's treatment of Buddhism in the book.
From the Paper " The beauty of reading this novel is in the students' instinctive identification with this mysterious despair which Siddhartha is experiencing. It may seem distracted and diffuse, both to my students and to Siddhartha, but that does not minimize its reality. Pedagogically, it is often more effective for students to identify intuitively with a protagonist without too much overt teacher invitation or intervention. Many students do identify with Siddhartha quickly because they sense what he is experiencing, even if they cannot name it."
Abstract "Acupuncture, Qigong, and Chinese Medicine often called oriental medicine or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism. It holds that the body's vital energy (chi or qi) circulates through 14 channels, called meridians that have branches connected to bodily organs and functions. Illness is attributed to imbalance or interruption of chi. Ancient practices such as acupuncture and Qigong are claimed to restore balance. Traditional acupuncture, as now practiced, involves the insertion of stainless steel needles into various body areas. A low-frequency current may be applied to the needles to produce greater stimulation. Other procedures used separately or together with acupuncture include: moxibustion (burning of floss or herbs applied to the skin); injection of sterile water, procaine, morphine, vitamins, or homeopathic solutions through the inserted needles; applications of laser beams (laser puncture); placement of needles in the external ear (auriculotherapy); and acupressure (use of manual pressure). (Knipschild, 1990)"
From the Paper "Acupuncture, Qigong, and Chinese Medicine often called oriental medicine or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism. It holds that the body's vital energy (chi or qi) circulates through 14 channels, called meridians that have branches connected to bodily organs and functions. Illness is attributed to imbalance or interruption of chi. Ancient practices such as acupuncture and Qigong are claimed to restore balance. Traditional acupuncture, as now practiced, involves the insertion of stainless steel needles into various body areas. A low-frequency current may be applied to the needles to produce greater stimulation. Other procedures used separately or together with acupuncture include: moxibustion (burning of floss or herbs applied to the skin); injection of sterile water, procaine, morphine, vitamins, or homeopathic solutions through the inserted needles; applications of laser beams (laser puncture); placement of needles in the external ear (auriculotherapy); and acupressure (use of manual pressure). (Knipschild, 1990)"
Abstract This paper is on the Peter Brook production of the "Mahabharata", the Indian epic. The author contends that the process of de-contextualization of characters, plot elements and pieces of narration out of the Mahabharata's original context and into a Western mode of performance, plot construction and interpretation exhibits the latent Orientalism of the Brook production, and represents the profound and perverse commodification of the India classic. The author further explains how it was Brook's perspective and alteration of this epic that reached a broader Western audience.
From the Paper "As a world defined by over 200 nations, and thousands of cultures, an incredibly rich history and set of traditions exists. The last century has marked a turning point in our planet's history. As never before, the distance and separation of cultures is becoming ever smaller, due to better transportation and communications infrastructures, and a desire to conduct business on a global scale. There is also an interesting and concerning adoption and synthesis of cultural practices and traditions. One could debate rather academically the merits of cultural encounter and interaction, and to say that perhaps with a synthesis of different cultural practices, a new culture is born. That may be, however the focus of this essay is to critically investigate and discuss the adoption or representation of other cultural traditions, without comprehending their meaning or significance. This is demonstrated through the Western commodification of cultures, the notion of Orientalism, and specifically focusing on the Brooks/ Carri?re production of the Mahabharata."
