Schedule for the class “Beauty in Japanese Thought”


Prof. Joseph N. Rostinsky, (Ph.D. Brown University, M.A. Harvard University); Professor Emeritus
Tokai University, Tokyo.  (Room: G23)



1.-2. The Concepts of Beauty and Thought in the Context of Cognitive Semiotics (A Case Study of
Japan).

3.-4. Mishima Yukio: Golden Pavilion (金閣寺) and Yukio Mishima on Hagakure (葉隠れ): The Samurai Ethic
and Modern Japan.

5.-6. Miyamoto Musashi: The Book of Five Rings. The Influence of Zen Buddhism on the Japanese Arts
(No and Kabuki Theaters, Tea Ceremony, etc.).

7.-8. Junichiro Tanizaki: In Praise of Shadows. European and American Fin de Siecle (Japanism in
the Arts and Architecture: Alfonse Mucha, Frank Lloyd Wright et al.) within the Context of the
Christian Influence.

9.-10. Natsume Soseki’s Kokoro (こころ), Theory of Literature, and Other Writings (The Grass Pillow).
Japanese Thought and European Framework.

11. The Paradox of Beauty in Japanese Thought: A Modern Perspective and Survival of Traditions:
Shintoism, Buddhism, and Christianity in the Present Society.

12. Japanese Ghosts (e.g., Zashikiwarashi), Spirits, and Folklore.

13.-14. Discussions on the Theme: Beauty in Japanese Thought. Assignments.

15.-16. Evaluation and Suggestions.

Internet Information:

Kabuki: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLFK9uQihWA

Wabi-Sabi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmHLYhxYVjA

Ihara Saikaku: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCCJsMAKv7Q

Samurai: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdvdRuNgMA

Basho Matsuo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=90-2Dg2Cjdw

Secondary Literature:

Barthes, Roland: Empire of Signs (New York:Hill and Wang, 1982)

Nathan, John: Mishima. A Biography (Tokyo:Charles E.Tuttle, 1987)

Suzuki,Daisetz T.: Zen and Japanese Culture (Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle,1988)

Davis,F.Hadland: Myths and Legends of Japan (London:G.G.Harrap,1920)