Understanding Japan: A Cultural History

Japanese culture is shaped by powerful cycles of globalization and isolation; the earliest human habitation of Japan; the origins of its rich culture; the perfect starting points for dispelling common Western misconceptions about this island nation.

An introduction to ancient Japanese myths, collectively known as Shinto; the oldest written compilation of Japanese oral tradition, the Kojiki; stories about gods and heroes; the origins of the universe, the Rock Cave of Heaven and rival clans.

In the late 500s, Japan begins a project of state building that evolves into the emperor-led Ritsuryo state; the state's laws and accomplishments; how this political centralization is inspired by the emergence of powerful states in China and Korea.

A complex writing system; how spoken Japanese reflects a long-standing concern with order, hierarchy and consensus; social context is important when speaking Japanese; the linguistic consequences of adopting Chinese characters in Japanese writing.

Professor Ravina explains why Buddhism is so appealing in ancient Japan; three key observations about the religion's earliest form; the two main strands of Japanese Buddhism; the more esoteric tradition of Shingon; the more accessible Pure Land.

Japan's first period of isolation; the rise of the Heian court, ancient Japan's cultured and exclusive aristocracy; the powerful Fujiwara family; how the novel "The Tale of Genji" reveals the court's penchant for scandal and intrigue.