While I look forward to watching this new TV drama in Japan, where I live, I thank you in advance for deciphering these 3 examples of non-verbal, high-context details.
The original novel by James Clavell has always been one of my favorite books, and it even played a role in my decision to begin to study Japanese more than 3 decades ago. I am especially curious about any cultural misappropriations and other anomalies from the book and miniseries.
I didn’t read James Clavell’s book but absolutely loved watching Shogun, in big part due to attention to detail, costumes, dialogue - so many silent scenes that spoke louder than words. Very much enjoyed reading your post
Thank you for this examination and for the background on the the work that was done to make the production so enjoyable. Your essay does a fantastic job of illustrating the “high context” language concept. It’s something that I’m more familiar with in the context of art/art history…love to see it echoed so well in the show.
Having walked part of the nakasendo last fall and having the opportunity to be immersed in the culture, I appreciated this perspective. My trip taught me an appreciation for the culture and the complexity of the language.
So this phenomenon is a type of Rashomon effect for a diverse audience. What one understands from within a culture will differ from another viewer, reader, listener from outside - whether they are high context or low context language-wise in their own culture(s). There will be yet others who have a foot or a toe in more than one culture. Each will form their own interpretation and understanding of what is said, heard, done, or seen.
I only recently learned of the concept of low and high context cultures. I spent my first 60 years in low context and the previous 10 in high context (Vietnam). Your first paragraph is enlightening and I just posted it (attributed, of course) to my Substack about life as an expat. Thank you so much!
A Japanese friend took me and my son to a Japanese restaurant here in Melbourne (Australia) and told us it was the most authentic Japanese place in the city. The food was spectacular and I asked our friend what made the restaurant "authentic" and she said, "see, for instance, the way that painting is set on the wall over there." I was never quite sure I understood what she meant, but this article makes it much clearer, thanks! Loved Shogun, btw, especially the way it was paced.
With many terrible movies that focused on various parts of Japanese culture such as “Memoirs of a Geisha”, “The Ramen Girl”, “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and so on, it was a real privilege to have such a show made as authentically as it could be. I do hope, as you say, that this can pave the way for more authentically made Japanese TV shows and movies around the world.
While I look forward to watching this new TV drama in Japan, where I live, I thank you in advance for deciphering these 3 examples of non-verbal, high-context details.
The original novel by James Clavell has always been one of my favorite books, and it even played a role in my decision to begin to study Japanese more than 3 decades ago. I am especially curious about any cultural misappropriations and other anomalies from the book and miniseries.
Thanks! I plan to cover more of this sort of thing in the future.
It's on Disney Plus in Japan, FYI. Final episode hits next week. Some of the best Japanese TV acting I have ever seen.
Thanks for the tip. I heard this show is good, too. Now the question is, is it worth signing up for Disney Plus?
I didn’t read James Clavell’s book but absolutely loved watching Shogun, in big part due to attention to detail, costumes, dialogue - so many silent scenes that spoke louder than words. Very much enjoyed reading your post
Thank you for this examination and for the background on the the work that was done to make the production so enjoyable. Your essay does a fantastic job of illustrating the “high context” language concept. It’s something that I’m more familiar with in the context of art/art history…love to see it echoed so well in the show.
Jidaigeki period dramas are kind of "out" in Japan at the moment. I've been missing them, and so surprised that such a good one came out of America.
Truly, it’s the rare remake that seems to iterate on the original in a good way…thanks for highlighting it!
Having walked part of the nakasendo last fall and having the opportunity to be immersed in the culture, I appreciated this perspective. My trip taught me an appreciation for the culture and the complexity of the language.
Attention to detail, in all aspects of life, is a quality worthy of praise.
So this phenomenon is a type of Rashomon effect for a diverse audience. What one understands from within a culture will differ from another viewer, reader, listener from outside - whether they are high context or low context language-wise in their own culture(s). There will be yet others who have a foot or a toe in more than one culture. Each will form their own interpretation and understanding of what is said, heard, done, or seen.
I only recently learned of the concept of low and high context cultures. I spent my first 60 years in low context and the previous 10 in high context (Vietnam). Your first paragraph is enlightening and I just posted it (attributed, of course) to my Substack about life as an expat. Thank you so much!
Fascinating. Thank you, Hiroko!
A Japanese friend took me and my son to a Japanese restaurant here in Melbourne (Australia) and told us it was the most authentic Japanese place in the city. The food was spectacular and I asked our friend what made the restaurant "authentic" and she said, "see, for instance, the way that painting is set on the wall over there." I was never quite sure I understood what she meant, but this article makes it much clearer, thanks! Loved Shogun, btw, especially the way it was paced.
Thanks for reading! I liked the pace of the series too - it’s very much like a period drama made for Japanese viewers.
excellent commentary. thank you.
Thank you for reading (and commenting!)
With many terrible movies that focused on various parts of Japanese culture such as “Memoirs of a Geisha”, “The Ramen Girl”, “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and so on, it was a real privilege to have such a show made as authentically as it could be. I do hope, as you say, that this can pave the way for more authentically made Japanese TV shows and movies around the world.