Japan-The Living Culture

The book edited by Professor Sushama Jain of the Centre for Japanese Korean and North East Asian Studies, SLL&CS, was released by Prof B.B. Bhattacharya on August 17, 2009 at a function held in the New Cafeteria of J.N.U. attended by Guests of Honour Amal Allana, Chairperson, National School of Drama,  Arjun Asrani, former ambassador to Japan and Kojiro Uchiyama, Director, Japan Information Centre and by writers, academicians, representatives from the Japanese Embassy, Japan Foundation,  and by J.N.U faculty members.

The Dean of the School, Prof. Shankar Basu welcomed the guests to the function. The Vice Chancellor, was requested by Prof. Manjushree Chauhan, Chairperson of the Centre to release the book and address the gathering.

Vice Chancellor, congratulating Sushama Jain, said that being an economist his own readings on Japan have mostly been on Japan's economy but he looked forward to reading the book to get an understanding of various facets of Japan's culture reflected in the chapters. Referring to the so called economic miracle of Japan Prof Bhattacharya particularly commended Akio Morita's book "Made in Japan" and observed that excellence in manufacturing has paid Japan rich dividends. However,  to overcome its present economic stagnation Japan has to look for a different growth trajectory that can simultaneously deal with the problem of an aging population.   Referring to Prof Jain's book he said that though the book does not cover the contemporary changing culture of younger generation,  it will certainly provide, to all those interested in Japan, an  understanding of core features of Japan's culture.  In conclusion he said that he was particularly happy that this academic event had been organised in the New Cafeteria.

Smt. Amal Allana quoting the sentence from the book "I could discern the sensitivity for the 'other' being manifest in all aspects of living of Japanese people, in the way they act and behave and encounter the world, a sensitivity that pervades the Japanese society almost as a 'culture of living'…" said that this indeed is how she herself relates to Japan. Attraction to Japan, she said, came indirectly to her during her study tour to Germany, emerging from influence of Japanese Noh and Kabuki on Brecht. That led to her first visit to Japan along with her husband Dr Nissar Allana, a stage designer, to study Japanese theatre. Smt. Allana said that while in Tokyo, studying and experiencing Japanese theatre day in and day out, Sushama and Ashok's residence was often the place to return to and share experiences. That was the time when friendship with Sushama and Ashok took roots and continued to grow over the years.  Returning to the theme of sensibility to the 'other', Smt Allana said that this is also inherent in Japanese theatre and the entire environment in which it is performed; the theatre has to immerse itself into the audience. Smt. Allana concluded by complimenting Sushama Jain and all the contributors for bringing out an excellent book on Japanese Culture.

Ambassador Arjun Asrani appreciating the book said he was particularly happy that a chapter on Business Culture was also included, an aspect the understanding of which in India is far from adequate although it is becoming increasingly important in view of the expanding business relations between India and Japan. Based on his understanding of Japan acquired through his long and continuing interaction with Japan at several levels Ambassador Asrani drew attention to some other aspects of Japanese culture such as culture of 'passivism', the culture of younger generation, cultural changes forced by the aging population as agenda for subsequent publication on the theme.  Complimenting Prof Sushama Jain on a very timely book, Ambassador Asrani said that he would recommend the book to Japanese corporations and business houses he is in touch with to create a more cohesive and efficient work environment.

Mr Uchiyama from the Embassy of Japan, thanking Prof Sushama Jain for sending the book in advance, said that he was able to read the book from cover to cover. Appreciating the insights into Japanese living brought out in the book, he said that though he was a Japanese he had remained ignorant of some of the cultural aspects of Japanese living and the book should therefore be of interest not only to Indians but to Japanese also. Mr Uchiyama added that strengthening people to people contacts between Japan and India is being increasingly emphasised by the Government of Japan and his Embassy. The book has, therefore, come at a very appropriate time.

Prof Sushama Jain expressed her sincere thanks to all the contributors and the publisher, Har Anand for their whole hearted cooperation in bringing out this book and mentioned how the idea of bringing out this type of book on Japan's culture originated and matured tracing it from her first exposure to learning Japanese language at Delhi University to living and studying in Japan, interacting with students at J.N.U. and visits to Japan from time to time. She then highlighted salient features of each chapter.

Prof. Jain concluded by thanking Prof. B. B. Bhattacharya, special invitees and all the guests for their encouraging response to her invitation.

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