In 1944, the author was entrusted by the American government to complete a task aimed at recognizing the Japanese nation, and to guide the transformation of Japan after World War II. This book is the result of the project. In this book, on the basis of a brief account of modern Japanese history, the author explores the root of Japanese contradictory character, and explains in detail Japanese concepts such as "e;debt"e;, "e;human feelings"e;, "e;justice"e;, "e;loyalty and filial piety"e;, as well as other living habits such as child rearing. Especially, in this book, the author puts forward the concepts of "e;shame culture"e; and "e;guilt culture"e;, which have aroused great repercussions in later generations. This book is worthy of being a model of cultural anthropology.
