Japanese Gestures: Modern Manifestations of a Classic Culture [2004] – ★★★★

It is known that the Japanese communicate ideas through manners, as well as through language, and this book by prominent Japanese critic and academic Michitarō Tada cuts to the core of understanding Japanese mentality and culture as expressed through gestures, manners, and facial expressions. Much of the Japanese culture reveals itself through little nuances and details, rather than through sweeping generalisations, and in just around forty-two short chapters Tada elucidates the peculiarities of the Japanese, shedding light on their intricate traditions and behaviour. From posture, squatting and “standing to attention”, to smiling, laughing and crying, the book provides plenty of insight into the Japanese mannerism, while also talking about such concepts as mimicking, spontaneous gift-giving, and aizuchi (“unconscious” agreement with the speaker). Below I will focus on only three points discussed, having grouped and categorised them myself.

Continue reading “Review: Japanese Gestures by Michitarō Tada” →