This is an extremely valuable course for non-Japanese as it explores the uniqueness of Japanese interpersonal relations and relationships. Many foreigners come to surprising realizations that the Japanese operate from a different set of interpersonal "rules" than westerners with a European background. Maybe you have heard or experienced some of these questions yourself:

"I see a lot of gift-giving going on whenever we meet with new people. What is that all about? Should I have a gift to give to them in return? What would I give?"
            "Why won't they tell me what they really think?" 

                           "I've been here for 5 years and I still feel like an outsider! Will I ever be 'one of them'? 

With a little cultural insight, these interactions can go from confusing and bewildering to comfortably navigable. 
 
This four week (4 section) course covers the remainder of the topics in the textbook not covered in The Japanese Mind Part 1. This course focuses on the topics of relationships and obligations within Japanese society including:

• Uchi to Soto 内と外 “Dual Meanings in Japanese Human Relations” 

• Giri 義理  “Japanese Social Obligations” 

• On 恩 "Indebtedness"

• Zoto 贈答 “The Japanese Custom of Gift Giving”

-This is an entry level course
 -No Prerequisite (you can take Part 1 without taking Part 2)
 -Independent learning format with videos, reading and assigned interviews
 -Online written class interaction



Registration is open through August 31th, 2025 with 365 days of access to the course material.

There is an optional webinar that will be offered on these topics later this summer (The exact date is yet to be determined), which students are invited to register for separately.

Explore the course outline and preview lessons for the first week of this course in the course outline section below.


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