Yoji Yamakuse (born in Oita Prefecture, Japan, 1955) has worked for major publishing companies in Tokyo and New York and has been active as a consultant for nearly 100 Japanese and American global firms, focusing on personnel management, staff training, and development of joint projects in cross-cultural environments.

• PrefaceOn Reading the Japanese HeartMaintain Harmony1.Harmony2.Entertaining a Guest3.Showing Consideration4.Modesty5.Space, Interval6.Moderation7.Lobbying8.Flexible ThinkingFollow Forms and Paths9.Form10.Etiquette11.Discipline12.Skill13.Craft14.Way, Road15.Reason16.The Way of the Warrior17.Self-Denial18.Training19.Seeking the TruthFeel Ki, Be Aware of Transition20.Energy21.Fighting Spirit22.Fate23.Sensing Danger24.Air, Atmosphere25.Period26.Restraint27.Marking a Break28.ModerationHave Feeling, Be Loyal29.Personal Feelings30.Obligation, Duty31.Social Debt32.Inside and Outside, Social Circle33.True Feelings and Facade34.Harmonious35.Loyalty36.Hierarchy37.Loyalty38.Filial Piety39.BarriersRevere the Gods and Buddhas40.The Gods41.Purification42.Defilement43.Integrity44.Japanese Spirit45.Buddhism46.Self-power and Other-power47.The Other World48.Pathos49.Transience50.Enlightenment51.Zen52.Worldly Desires53.Emptiness54.NothingnessRespect Relationship55.Relationships56.Reincarnation57.Cause and Effect58.Without TiesBuild Trust59.Trust60.Benevolence61.Moral CodeDevelop Virtue62.Virtue63.Shame64.Face65.Role66.Intuitive Communication67.ResignationUnderstand Beauty68.Beauty69.The Beauty of the Simple70.The Beauty of the Decaying71.Refinement72.Elegance73.Erotic74.Chic75.Profound Tranquility76.Cultured

"A provocative workbook for "decluttering the spirit"... An indispensable guide and reference for Americans wanting to understand Japanese culture and perspectives. Impressively well written, organized and presented, Japaneseness: A Guide to Values and Virtues is very highly recommended for community, corporate, and academic library collections."--John Taylor, Midwest Book Review "Valuable for the way it lets us look at humanity through a specific cultural lens... Japaneseness: A Guide to Values and Virtues, deserves a read."--Kris Kosaka, The Japan Times "The perfect introduction (or reintroduction) to many aspects of Japanese society you might find refreshing, fascinating or befuddling. Or at the very least, quintessentially Japanese."--JQ Magazine "If you are a student of anything Japanese - whether you are someone who wants to do business with the Japanese, live amongst them or live with them... you need to read Japaneseness."--Andrew Joseph, It's A Wonderful Rife 4.5/5 Stars "Western professionals who work with Japanese professionals may better understand some of the dynamics during meetings. People who enjoy Japanese literature, manga, and films may find deeper understanding of how culture affects the characters and their actions."--Portland Book Review "A fantastic guide to those who are both visiting Japan for the first time, as well as those who are adjusting to the lifestyle or differences in the work environment."--Japan Realm