Japan Society of Fairfield County
Lecture at Univ. of Connecticut by H. Sakamaki
November 10, 2011
I was cordially invited by Professor Michael M.
Ego on November 10, 2011 to talk at his class of "Asian Pacific
American Families". My lecture is part of its broader topics which
covers the Overview of the demographic, educational, social,
cultural, structural and historical aspects of Asian Pacific
American (APA) families in the United States at the University of
Connecticut.
Specifically I was asked to cover the following two
topics:
(1) My experiences in the United States with Japanese ancestry, and
all of my efforts to educate Americans about Japan and its culture
and society are topics important for students to learn about.
(2) The impact of Japanese culture is a global issue, as well as one
that affects local communities, and the transnational relationships
which you have so such expertise, especially via the Japan Society
of Fairfield County and other organizations.
My presentation entitled “Japonism – Light and Shade –” was
particularly focused on the following five points:
1. The Japanese Professional & American Major League Baseball
Introducing the unique aspect of the Japanese arts and culture I as
icebreaking brought up the examples of the Japanese professional
baseball comparing with the American Major League Baseball. The
emphasis was on the mentality of the Japanese baseball which is
based on the Samurai or Bushi-Do philosophy.
2. Japanization of
Socioeconomics, Arts & Culture
Covered how and why Japan introduced the socioeconomic systems of
China and Korea and modified and adjusted to her society. Examples
were the unique government of Emperor and Shinto, Shogun and feudal
vertical society called “Mura”(village) based on the rice
farming economy. As for the art and culture, focussed on the
underlining important concept of “道“ or “Way” .
3. Living & Adjusting in U.S.
Touched upon my personal experiences in consulting business
explaining and training the way of Japanese doing businesses to my
counterpart American consultants including the unique decision
making mechanism and “Nemawashi”. As for my family living in the
American community, emphasis was on the differences in the education
system and the value of volunteer and philanthropy
spirits.
4. Roles of our Japan Society
Introduce the mission and arts and culture programs of the Society
and our value to the community.
5. Why Japanese Arts & Cultures?
Among the students discussed the value of the Japanese of arts,
culture and philosophy by examining the flower arrangement, tea
house architecture, samurai sword, Haiku, and Buddhism and comparing
with that of the Western.
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