Japan's Cultural Codewords: 233 Key Japanese Terms and Expressions to Help You Navigate the Culture Successfully

"Boye Lafayette De Mente is a legend among writers on Japan. Other writers have directed their wisdom toward those who want to know something about Japan. De Mente's contribution has been to help those who want to do something in Japan." --Alex Kerr, author of Hidden Japan

Understanding Japanese cultural norms can be challenging for those unfamiliar with them. Interactions may seem open and friendly at times, and more reserved or even cold and distant at others. An effective way to gain insight into the traditional Japanese mindset is through cultural codewords--key terms rich with meaning that reveal and influence the attitudes and behaviors within modern Japanese society.

These key terms encapsulate a system of behavior that goes beyond the literal meanings of words and phrases, often requiring deeper cultural context for full comprehension. In this book, experienced Japan expert Boye Lafayette De Mente explains the nuances of 233 of the most important Japanese codewords--arranged alphabetically from ageashi ("tripping on your own tongue") to zenrei ("breaking the mold of the past").

Together, these terms provide valuable insights into the character and customs of one of the world's most fascinating cultures.

Author Boye Lafayette De Mente is an author of over 30 books on Japan. As a business consultant with extensive knowledge of Japan. His first book Etiquette Guide to Japan was a pioneer in its field, became an instant bestseller, and is still widely used by modern travelers as they navigate the cultural codes of Japan.

Author: Boye Lafayette De Mente
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Published: 06/03/2025
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 7.87h x 5.20w x 1.42d
ISBN: 9784805318812

About the Author
Boye Lafayette De Mente (1928-2017) was involved with Japan as a student, journalist, editor and "low-level military spook" for many decades starting in 1949. He is the author of over 30 books on Japan. His first book, Etiquette Guide to Japan, was a pioneer in its field and became an instant bestseller. His other bestsellers include Survival Japanese and Bachelor's Japan, which sold over 200,000 copies worldwide. Besides writing books, De Mente worked as a business consultant helping international companies set up offices in Japan.

Foreword by Hector Garcia. Born in Spain, he has called Japan his home for more than 15 years. His popular blog kirainet.com led to his internationally successful book A Geek In Japan. Along with Francesc Miralles, he is the co-author of the bestselling Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, The Ikigai Journey and Forest Bathing.