Culture: Understanding Through Verbs

2023/01/14

I would like to start with how I came to write this book. I took inspiration from a famous quote by Hisashi Inoue. I wrote about simple things deeply, deep things interestingly, interesting things seriously, and serious things cheerfully. Choosing "verbs" as the theme was part of the reason. However, sections that required precise expression ended up in a more academic style.

Having reached my 80th birthday, I found myself in a position that even Confucius did not attain, and I wrote about the wisdom I have gained so far from the perspective of culture. I included my experiences and encounters. I am editing material I have written over the course of ten years. It is divided into four parts, each with its own introduction. For more details, please read the "Afterword." As "Culture" also implies liberal arts, this book is written for university students in general education and the generation engaged in reskilling and lifelong learning.

Having served at an airline, I was exposed to and adapted to various cultures, with the exception of South America, which was too far away. The air transport industry possesses a technology and culture dedicated to the mission of safety and security. We provide convenience to passengers and ensure their comfort. Providers strive for excellence every day. After becoming a cabin manager, I enjoyed the performance while keeping emergency procedures in the back of my mind. I believe the essence of communication is for both parties to learn about each other's culture and, if possible, to visit the location and share that experience.

After passing middle age and reaching a point where my work was settled, I became obsessed with mountain climbing. I joined the Yunnan Konwakai (Kyoto University Academic Alpine Club) because its concept was filled with dreams and curiosity. This book is written as an extension of that. While recommending lecturers who interested me, I served as a planning secretary.

Another passion of mine is Thailand. After transferring to an affiliate company, I used my vacations to travel around the country with my Thai subordinates and friends. Once I became accustomed to it, I continued traveling alone. It became my second home after I became a rural teacher teaching Japanese. I have read and categorized approximately 2,500 books about Thailand (excluding academic papers) and made a habit of quoting interesting passages. That habit is reflected in this book. Eventually, I became close friends with a certain principal and published "The Genius Principal of Northeast Thailand." Six years ago, when I stayed at his home, his son's room was filled with Japanese manga translated into Thai. He has since studied in Japan and has decided to translate and publish this book in Thai. The story of this book seems to be ongoing.

Culture: Understanding Through Verbs

Susumu Akihata

Japan Community Research Centers and Institutes

224 pages, 1,740 yen (tax included)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.