This is a self-directed, self-paced mini-course looking into four topics from the textbook The Japanese Mind:

• Honne & tatemae本音と建て前: private vs. public stances

• Nemawashi根回し: quietly laying the foundation

• Amae甘え: closeness/dependence

• Hedataru & Najimu 隔たると馴染む: “Japanese Personal Space” 

Intended for non-Japanese, these topics explore the uniqueness of how Japanese communicate and interact with one another (and with us!). Many foreigners come to surprising realizations that the Japanese operate from a different set of interpersonal "rules" than westerners with a European background.

-This is an entry level course
-No Prerequisite (you can take Part 2 without taking Part 1)
-Independent learning format with videos, reading and assigned interviews
-On-line written class interaction
-Start when you want to and work at your own pace. (No defined start/end dates. Registration for this course is open until October 31, 2025.
-No group calls. All Interactions is written in the course comments online

-Students are invited to join an RJC Academy webinar which will further discuss the topics covered in this course. If you miss the live webinar, you can still register and access the video recording. Webinar date and time yet to be finalized.


This class is available Fall 2025. Sign up any time before October 31, 2025 and have 365 days of access to the course material.



Two required textbooks:

• The Japanese Mind, edited by Roger J. Davies and Osamu Ikeno

  • $10 (ebook), $13 (paperback) at Amazon 

• Operation Japan, A Prayer Guide for Japan, Fifth Edition

  • $7 (ebook), $9 (paperback) at Amazon

  • $5.00 PDF download through The Academy

  • $5 expanded digital web version  download from Don Wright

Enrollment is now OPEN!