Author(s)

Qin Yin, Zhang Hongyong, Li Nianrong

Corresponding Author

Zhang Hongyong

Abstract

The chrysanthemum and the sword is a classic written by Ruth Benedict，a renowned anthropologist. This article analyzes why the book is regarded as a classic, how Benedict expands field investigation from mainland to foreign countries by "distance research method", and how she successfully interprets the national character of Japanese people with her meticulous insight. Her research findings have played an important role in the decision of keeping Mikado after World War II by American government, and in the successful governance of Japan later, which is thought of as a paradigm of applying academic research into government decision-making.

Keywords

Classic; "distance research method"; insight