Chapter Notes on Confucius Lives Next Door by T.R. Reid :: Confucius Lives Next Door Asia Essays

Chapter Notes on Confucius Lives Next Door by T.R. Reid Chapter 1: THE OTHER MIRACLE 1) Japan still has the largest foreign currency reserves in the world even after years of recession. This fact was important because later it was explained that everyone in Japan had money and that it was more equally distributed than in the east. 2) East Asia has been extraordinarily successful. They have the safest streets, the strongest families, and the best schools in the world. This statement was important because it showed how this country surpassed other countries especially America. It also showed how safe it was for children to walk around by themselves even when it is at nighttime and with far distance. 3) It is shameful and humiliating in Japan if a couple gets a divorce. Shows how Japan?s high emphasis on morals impacts everyone on a daily basis. 4) Confucius was a big influence and explained the region?s low rates of crime and family breakdown and relatively high level of economic equality and social civility. Shows how Confucius teaches individuals of both high and low birth to strive for success in their lifetime. Chapter 2: EASTERN FLAVOR 1) Baskin Robins in Japan is the biggest ice cream chain in Japan. Also the Thirty-one in the name is pronounced ?Satay-wan? since the Th. is not pronounced in the Japanese language. Interesting to state this because they also say San-kyu instead of Thank You. San-kyu also means 3-9, which gives them their most thankful day of the year March 9. It?s just interesting to point out. 2) Kentucky Fried Chicken was the most successful food chain in Japan. Showed how Japan easily accepts and institutes foreign markets and ideas without hesitation or humiliation. They adapt so well to the outside world. 3) Stealing was very shameful so a mountain bike that was not locked would be considered very safe in the streets. Showed their high standards and respect for others which has contributed to many successes in Japan. 4) There is a different language for greeting somebody who stands above you in hierarchy and a whole different language for ordinary conversation. This shows how language plays a role in Japan by the maintenance of the hierarchical structure of the society.