The Chrysanthemum and the Sword

More about the book

Exploring the complexities of Japanese culture, the book delves into the contradictions within traditional values as perceived during World War II. Written by anthropologist Ruth Benedict for the U.S. Office of War Information, it aimed to predict Japanese behavior and introduced the concepts of guilt versus shame cultures. Despite facing criticism, the work significantly impacted American perceptions of Japan during its occupation, offering insights that shaped cultural understanding and discourse.