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Reaching Japanese for Christ Academy/Z-Archived - The Japanese Mind - Part 1
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  • $25

Z-Archived - The Japanese Mind - Part 1

  • Closed
  • Course
  • 46 Lessons

This is the first of two four-week course that focuses on specific elements of Japanese culture, family and social dynamics, perception and worldview. We explore the ways in which these cultural characteristics could influence our interactions with and ministries to the Japanese.

 
Our next course begins July 18 and runs through August 13, 2022

 -This is an entry level course
 -No Prerequisite
 -Independent learning format with videos, reading and assigned interviews
 -On-line written class interaction
 -3 Video conferencing meetings

Week 1 - Family/Gender Issues
Week 2 - Rituals, Religion, Funerals and more
Week 3 - Cultural Concepts: Wabisabi, Bingaku, Kenkyo
Week 4 - Cultural Concepts: Bushido, Do, Gambari

The second course (Part 2) covers the remaining chapters of the book which look at dynamics of relationships and communication including ambiguity, silence, personal space, private vs public stance, gift giving and social obligations.


There are two required textbooks:
  • The Japanese Mind, edited by Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno
    • $10 (ebook), $13 (paperback) or audiobook at Amazon 
  • Operation Japan, A Prayer Guide for Japan, Fifth Edition
    • $7 (ebook), $9 (paperback) at Amazon
    • $5.00 PDF download through The Academy (provided when you register for the Class Community)
    • $5 greatly expanded and searchable digital web version download from Don Wright


When you enroll, please be sure to select the $5 "option" to access the course community (and receive a PDF download of Operation Japan). You need this community access to submit your written assignments!
Enroll Now

Course Syllabus

Before we get going on July 11th

Before we officially kick off the class we would like to have a class call via zoom to get to meet each other, go over the learning platform, course structure and expectations and answer any of your questions. 

Introductory Class Call - July 18
Introductory Class Call Recording
Have a look around

Week 1 - Family/Gender Issues

Ryosaikenbo, Danjo Kenkei, Ikuji, Ie
Watch: Understanding Worldview Changes Us
Reading 1: Family/Gender Issues
Reading 2: Blog
Reading 3: Newspaper
Writing 1
Writing 2
Pray

Week 2 - Rituals & Religion

Reading 1: Marriages and Funerals
Watch: Traditions of Japanese funerals
Reading 2: Foreign Culture and Folktales
Reading 3: Blog
Interview
Reading 4: Newspaper
Writing 1: Japanese Funerals
Writing 2: Itoko-Dori
Writing 3 - Broader Application
Writing 4
Pray
Optional Material

Week 3 - Cultural Concepts (1)

Reading 1: Cultural Concepts
Watch: What is Wabi Sabi?
Reading 2: Blog
Reading 3: Newspaper
Visit a Japanese Church
Writing 1
Writing 2
Pray
Mid-Course Class Call - Aug 1st
August 1st Class Call Recording

Week 4 - Cultural Concepts (2)

Reading 1: Cultural Concepts
Reading 2: Blog
Watch: Bushido
Reading 3: Newspaper
Writing 1
Writing 2
Pray
Writing 3
Class Call Aug 15th
Aug 15th Class Call recording

Next Steps

Continue Your Learning
Join The Broader Reaching Japanese for Christ Network
Support the RJC Network
Volunteer with The RJC Academy

Instructor: Riz Crescini

Riz is the instructor for Japan 102. Originally from the Chicago area, he and his family moved to Kyushu and have now been 20+ years in Japan as tentmaking missionaries. Both he and his wife currently work at a university and  have been doing ministry at a local church in Fukuoka, Japan. Riz has a deep interest in the intersection of culture, apologetics and worldview

What Students have said about The Japanese Mind

The text for this class was great! I liked the format of one key concept per chapter. It also worked well to read along a theme each week.

There were lots of “Aha” moments for me with the clear explanations. Things that I’d assumed were just my way of thinking turns out to likely have roots in Japanese culture. This was especially helpful on the communication ideas where general western and Japanese cultures were contrasted.

Jill

When I think about all the different topics we covered, I'm a bit overwhelmed. There are so many "forces" at play in the culture. I understand that Japanese people don't expect non-Japanese to act perfectly and I appreciate this grace. However, everyone needs to understand the "rules" in order to have meaningful relationships. This is one reason this course was created in the first place, right?!

There were many times I said, "Really, everyone thinks this way?"  Thankfully, I have a few people around me that I could ask and it was helpful.

Roni