“Nature” as a concept and word is extremely elusive, yet it is commonly taken for granted that “the pristine nature” is “out there.” This book explores the factors that have naturalized the idea of nature as “pristine” into our psyche, and as something that has a spatial, visual, and temporal dimension for “seasons”. Much emphasis is given to the inhabitants demonstrating the dynamic characteristic of nature. As a study done over a long period of history, Representations of “Japanese Nature” shows the mutual support between conceptual principles of nature and the daily activities of the people .
Dedication
Acknowledgements
List of Illustrations
Part I: Foundation
Introduction: “Nature” in Anthropological Theories
Chapter 1. Inhabitants of the Universe
Part II: “Japanese Nature” by the Elite
Chapter 2. Rice Paddies with Pure Water: Birth of “Japanese Nature” in Early Nara Period (710-794 AD)
Chapter 3. Agrarian Four Seasons to Culturally Defined Four Seasons: Late Nara Period (710-794) and Heian Period (794-1185)
Chapter 4. Rock Garden as “Japanese Nature: Medieval Period (1185-1603)
Part III: “Nature” as the Symbol of the Japanese Collective Self
Chapter 5. Rice Paddies, Cherry Blossoms, and Mount Fuji as “Japanese Nature”: Edo Period (1603-1867)
Chapter 6. Nationalization and Militarization of “Japanese Nature”: Modern Period (1868-1945)
Part IV: “Nature” Consumed
Chapter 7. Domestication/Commodification of “Japanese Nature”: Contemporary Period (after 1945)
Chapter 8. Rice as Pure Money: Cultural Bases for Consumerism.
Conclusion
References
Index