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Popular Culture in Contemporary Japan, 2002.
Examines the effect of American and Western pop culture on Japan.
3,343 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
The western world, most notably the United States, is a massive producer of what is commonly called "popular culture", that is, culture that is easily accessible to large audiences of people. This paper analyzes the ways in which western popular culture has managed to penetrate the Japanese marketplace. The paper focuses on the globalization of culture, the perversion of the internet, western television and western movies. It concludes with remarks and observations. For the most part, the paper focuses on American pop culture. However, influences from European sources are also discussed.
From the Paper
"Staying in the music realm, Japanese popular culture has managed to turn one of the icons of "normal culture" (Beethoven) into a Japanese popular culture event. This happens each New Year in Japan, when hundreds of amateur choirs spend months of rehearsal and join in singing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (The Chorale). For weeks before the event, Japan's NHK television network dedicates entire programs to explain the meaning of Schiller's "Ode to Joy" and how to pronounce the words (Kazyuki, 1987)."
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Contemporary Japan, 2006.
This paper looks at contemporary Japan as it is summarized in an article in The Economist.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper examines B. Emmott's article in The Economist explaining how Japan is 'alive' and on the upswing. However, the writer mentions that Emmott minimized a number of important factors to do with foreign policy, regional relations, anti-Japanese sentiment, and sharp changes within Japan as it now features homelessness and poverty. Also, the writer notes that matters of Japan's militarization are minimized. The paper refers to various course materials and others to indicate the importance of what Emmott excluded. Further, this paper explains the soundness of The Economist's optimistic summary, in relation to weaknesses in the economy to be overcome.
From the Paper
"In the autumn of 2005, Bill Emmott, the editor of The Economist, asserted that Japan is back on course after a difficult decade following the 1990 crash in stock and property markets, a high debt load, plus different corruption scandals, government deficits and stagnant growth. Emmott continued that those who see Prime Minister Koizumi's reform as promising are over-powered by those who see large problems and little promise of full economic recovery."
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Day Laborers of Contemporary Japan, 2002.
A review of the Japanese book by sociologist Tom Gill, "Men of Uncertainty; The Social Organization of Day Laborers in Contemporary Japan".
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the socially marginal individuals in Japanese society, through the research by Tom Gill. It examines how Japanese day workers challenge our western assumption of the homogeneous Japanese culture and social structures. The paper illustrates Gill?s intensive study of ethnography of the day laborers, including factors such as their martial status, and age.
From the Paper
"What occurs when individuals are excluded and socially ostracized from an essentially community-focused society? This is the central research question that drives the perspective of the book authored by Tom Gill, entitled Men of Uncertainty; The Social Organization of Day Laborers in Contemporary Japan. The book uses the specific example of day laborers in contemporary Japanese society to challenge some of the assumptions of homogeneity many Westerners bring to larger Japanese culture and social structures, as well as to simply highlight aspects of the difficulties individuals experience when they live at the margins of any particular culture. Gill?s relatively narrow social focus is thus developed, through historical study and fieldwork, to challenge a larger set of expectations often held by Westerners. The existence of day laborers, for example, challenges the notion that Japanese society is homogeneous yet inclusive. Both ordinary Japanese individuals who deny the existence of day laborers in their midst as well as Westerners observing Japan from afar often hold such expectations."
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American Business Culture in Japan, 2008.
A look at the professional and work related customs and practices relevant to an American working in Japan.
1,556 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses workplace and organizational culture as it would be experienced by an American company operating in Japan. The paper also examines the unique experiences to which an American employee working in Japan would be exposed to vis-a-vis workplace culture and practices. The paper recommends the acquisition of some deeper cross-cultural communication skills that extend beyond the workplace.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Negotiation & Culture
Physical Space & Time in the Workplace
Conclusion
From the Paper
"For an American firm operating in Japan there are many considerations that must be made beyond the operational level. Perhaps the most important are at the organizational level where customs, culture, and host-national considerations must be made. This is because the subject of intercultural communication has become not just a politically correct topic in today's increasingly diverse societies, but a matter of necessity given the spread of the global economy and the degree of economic integration which finds companies now moving into foreign countries such as Japan where the Asian culture and work ethic becomes a vital consideration."
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New Cultures of Japan?s and China?s Young Adults, 2002.
This paper uses two sources, ?The Story of Noriko? and ?Golden Arches East? to examine how the younger generations from Japan and China, standing between the traditional identity and the new identity, are reacting to new cultures and mindsets.
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper demonstrates that the young generation from Japan and China has a mindset that is not quite similar to their parents? and traditional society?s expectations, which often cause a great deal of conflicts between the young and the old. The author shows that in ?The Story of Noriko? the traditional Japanese society is known to frown on the increase in the number of women pursuing a significant career goal, rather than minimal tasking individual, because the conservative and relatively older generations believe that women, especially young women, are not qualified to manage the responsibilities and tasks men perform. The author uses the book, ?Golden Arches East: McDonald?s in East Asia? to describe how the life style of Chinese customers, especially the younger generations, have changed as McDonald?s has entered the local Chinese society. The author concludes that, when a new lifestyle or culture develops, the young generation creates a hybrid culture to accommodate living in the 21st Century and traditional China or Japan.
From the Paper
"In ?The Story of Noriko?, Noriko is a young woman who resides in Tokyo who is forced to encounter one of her dramatic real crisis. She is looking for a career where she can actually utilize her potentials instead of being just another Office Lady whose task is minimal and enduring without any chance of obtaining a significant position at a corporation. The traditional Japanese society is known to frown up on the increase in the number of women pursuing a significant career goal rather than minimal tasking individual, because the conservative and relatively old generations of the society believe that women, especially young women, are not qualified to manage the responsibilities and tasks men perform."
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The Cultures of Japan, Taiwan, and China, 2002.
This paper critically examines the statement made by author Tessa Morris- Suzuki in which she suggests that being Japanese is "not constant or stable.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper supports Morris- Suzuki's belief that the culture of Japan was not a constant environment but instead was a static world in which the Japanese people assimilated various aspects of those peoples and cultures with which they interacted. The cultures of Taiwan and China are also discussed to better clarify this statement, where the culture of Taiwan appears even more prone to the assimilation of external influences. The author points out that China appears to maintain more traditional isolationist policies.
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Business and Culture In the U.S. and Japan, 1997.
Compares cultures (individual and society, personal space) and examines the effective American use of Japanese management styles (just-in-time systems, work groups) in General Motors Saturn division.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 9 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Introduction
Japanese management techniques, including just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing and quality circles (QC), have gained much attention in recent years as American companies have focused on improving their profit performance and their competitiveness in the international market. However, it is not possible to simply transport Japanese management approaches without taking into account some of the significant differences between the cultures of Japan and the United States. This research examines some of the critical cultural differences between the two countries and considers how those cultural differences affect business operations in the two nations, and, specifically, within the automotive industry.
Key Cultural Aspects Compared Between Japan and the USA
One of the greatest ..."
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Japans Pre-modern Cultural Tradition and the Economy, 2006.
An examination of the culture and economy in Japan.
3,937 words (approx. 15.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 107.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the author examines the differences in the culture of Japan to America. He looks at the significant differences between Western business culture and Japanese business culture based on studies taken and articles written. In particular the author looks at the work of Professor Yoshimori who tells us that the Japanese mind is complicated because of the archaic ways of thinking that still exist in the depths of the mind of an educated contemporary Japanese man or woman. The author proceeds to discuss the history of the Japanese economy and looks at its industrialization. The paper prudently points out that Japan learnt how to reinvent itself when it came into contact with various innovations, religious, economic and political, but never lost its national character. The paper continues to discuss the methods that the Japanese use to manage and develop their businesses. In conclusion, the author relates that many economists believe the rigidity of the national character has eventually caused Japan's economy to come apart in the past decade.
From the Paper
"Schawecker's Guide also tells us that Buddhism originally was imported to Japan in 538 or 552 AD in form of a present from the king of the friendly Korean kingdom of Kudara (or Paikche). The ruling nobles welcomed the new religion while the common people did not understand its complex theories. After a few conflicts with the native religion Shinto, the two religions soon were able to co-exist harmonically and even complemented each other. During the Nara period, the great Buddhist monasteries in Nara, for example the Todaiji, gained strong political influence which was one of the reasons for the government to move the capital first to Nagaoka (784) and then to Kyodo.
Nevertheless, the problem of politically ambitious and even militant monasteries remained a main issue for the governments during many centuries of Japanese history."
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Cultural Aspects of Doing Business in Japan, 2000.
5,290 words (approx. 21.2 pages), 22 sources, $ 131.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the cultural aspects of doing business in Japan. The paper looks at the Japanese economy and why Japan is important, then discusses the Japanese business cultural framework and how it differs to the US society and values. The paper looks at aspects of Japanese society such as homogeneity and etiquettes, collectivism and interdependence in order to show their implications on the business world and work out how to bridge the gaps.
From the Paper
"Understanding Japanese business practices and the Japanese market has become a necessity for the American executive. Knowing how Japanese business people think and what factors influence decision-making is essential for conducting business with Japanese firms. The business person working to gain a foothold in Japan faces two major problems with regard to Japanese business customs: how to go about making an initial approach to a Japanese company and how to maintain and develop a business relationship once it has been established. In essence, business success in Japan hinges on the businessperson?s comprehension and appreciation of Japanese customs and values. Although business people from different cultures are becoming increasingly knowledgeable of and familiar with each other's customs and business practices, the application of such knowledge is often superficial. In many cases, the very familiarity of a custom or mannerism merely serves to mask the underlying deep-seated differences."
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Contemporary Music, 2002.
A paper which evaluates contemporary music and what constitutes good and bad contemporary music.
1,049 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper argues against the cliche that contemporary music is without lasting significance. It shows that contemporary music is made up of a multitude of facets, including jazz, country-western and rock and roll. The paper discusses what constitutes good contemporary music, from its style to the source from which it springs. The paper also explores how one judges the cultural strength of a particular style of contemporary music. Finally, the paper looks at the inventive side of contemporary music, such as the use of instruments and lyrics.
From the Paper
"A good example of contemporary music that served our culture well were the anthems and songs sung on 9/11/2001. A few songs were chosen again and again at ceremonies, gatherings, commemorations and fundraisers, and these songs had an even greater impact than the American flags that were waved in so many towns, in so many homes across the country. Although we have a national anthem, and a beautiful one, simpler songs often won the day. ?God Bless America? could not be more homespun in its words and simple melody. Like a poem of the people, it inspires and reverberates through the cultural fabric. Another song that was almost always performed was ?America the Beautiful.? The melody is simple and memorable, the words evoke the majesty and myth that is America?her spacious skies, her amber waves of grain?and the song inspires emotions that very few Americans can resist."
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Religion in Japanese Culture, 2007.
This paper discuses two major religions in Japanese culture---Shinto and Buddhism.
825 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that religion in Japan is an amalgamation of various historical influences that has evolved over the last approximate 2000 years. The paper states that the major religions are Shinto, Daoism, Buddhism and more recently Christianity. The author points out that the historical relationship between Japan's imperial symbol and the Shinto faith is causing an ongoing international disturbance in contemporary foreign relations between Japan and its war-time victims. The paper relates that Buddhism, which has been predominant in Japan's culture because of its very early association with Confucianism, was never complicated by any connection with the divinity of the Emperor; thus, for Japan's neighbors, Buddhism is largely viewed as a common cultural thread.
Table of Contents:
Overview
Shinto
Buddhism
From the Paper
"Japan's Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, has taken it upon himself to visit the Yasukuni Shinto Shrine in Japan on several occasions. Ostensibly, Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine are to pay respects to Japan's war dead, which is a fairly innocuous act in itself but because of the religious, national, and historical combination of Shinto and the Japanese state, this act is viewed as disrespectful by Japan's war-time victims. Although Shinto had been associated with the state and the imperial throne since the 4th century A.D., in 1868 Shinto was made the official religion during the Meiji Restoration and in 1869 the Yasukuni Shrine was erected."
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The Contemporary Fine Art Markets, 2007.
This paper is an anthropological analysis of the contemporary fine art market based on Stuart Plattner's study, titled 'A Most Ingenious Paradox - the Market for Contemporary Fine Art' from "American Anthropologist".
2,270 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Plattner's article, 'A Most Ingenious Paradox - the Market for Contemporary Fine Art', reports trends in the North American contemporary fine arts markets and in the commodification of fine art that reflect a neo-liberal environment of considerable new wealth and the culture of consumerism. The author points out that Plattner's orientation is one of participant-observation; a person exposed directly to the phenomenon of local fine art businesses and those who produce for them. The paper concludes that the local fine art markets are well established and profitable and that its artifacts may indicate a great deal regarding consumer tastes and behavior.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
An Informal Ethnography
The Decline of Authority
Economic Anthropology and Fieldwork in Toronto
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Few consumers can know much of why one piece of fine art in a local venue costs more than another, as producers know that few seem to purchase with an eye to buying something to appreciate in value, as opposed to buying due to personal preference. In local and regional markets, the artists that Plattner refers to as identity producers can have an involved philosophy towards what they produce of which consumers need not know, featuring ideas of contributing to a total cultural heritage rather than pursuing artistic fame or monetary success."
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Burdett A. Loomis' "The Contemporary Congress", 2006.
This paper discusses Burdett A. Loomis' "The Contemporary Congress", which examines the dynamics of the contemporary Congress and how these have changed from the ideal embodied in the Constitution and from the practices of earlier eras.
1,785 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Burdett A. Loomis' "The Contemporary Congress" begins his examination in the Thirteenth Congressional district in Pennsylvania, from 1992 to 1997, when the Republicans changed the make-up of Congress and gained control of the House of Representatives for the first time in years. The author points out that, although he also finds that a reasonably homogeneous party can overcome these tendencies, Loomis refers to the centrifugal Congress because there are a number of forces decentralizing it. The paper stresses that the forms of political institutions should serve the needs of the people they serve and should uphold and promote the values that these people want to elevate to special status.
From the Paper
"Loomis discusses the changing nature of congressional politics, with the growth of lobbying as a way for special interests to reach legislators and to wield influence. Various social and economic pressures also operated to change the way policy is made and the budget is created and passed. The idea of balancing the budget is often raised, but this is rarely achieved. Even when it is, other forces may prevent a balanced budget from achieving what leaders think it will achieve."
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Japanese Geisha: A Disappearing Culture, 2007.
A look at the history and culture of Japanese Geisha, with reference to the book and movie "Memoirs of a Geisha".
1,904 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Geishas are still active in Japanese society today and how they have been a part of Japan's culture since ancient times. It contends that the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" does not come close to adequately representing the life of a geisha-an important and guarded piece of Japanese culture and history. In contrast, it looks at how Arthur Golden's novel, by the same title, seems to much more adequately provide an insiders look into this fascinating world.
From the Paper
"Many of the geisha community's top clients were military leaders and the leaders of huge companies and factories with homes in Japan. Many of these clients were killed in the war. Those who survived often lost everything they had after losing entire factories and companies to bombs and air raids. Not only did the geishas lose clients--many practicing geishas were lost as well. Thousands of lives were taken from Japan in World War II. Unfortunately, social status did not save anyone from the attacks. "
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The Flourishing of Silla Culture, 2002.
This paper discusses the Silla dynasty and its process of cultural renewal.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Silla dynasty and its process of cultural renewal. This was a period of political stability, as well as of intensive political, commercial and cultural exchanges. The essay demonstrates that this phenomenon was inter-connected with the good relations that the Silla dynasty was able to establish with China and Japan. Because of this contact with other cultures, especially with Chinese culture, Korea was able to prosper under Silla rule and the culture flourished.
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