Japan Books

I am planning a trip to Japan next spring; after examining many guides, I am glad I bought this one. It's current, beautifully organized and well illustrated with nice photography. I never bought Insight guides before, but this one will not be my last.

We just got back from Japan 3 days ago it was a wonderful two weeks. This book was a tremendous help. It has wonderful maps details of things to see on the maps. It even mentions train stations to help you get to where you are going. It goes thru the history of Japan as well a great section on the most popular places to see and eat at in Japan.

It gives wonderful information like the Shinjuku Station is the busiest in Japan with over 3 million people passing thru it each and every day. We experienced that when we went to see the Shinjuku Gyoen. There were so many people everywhere and you felt packed like a sardine but it was exciting to be apart of that experience. They actually have people there that will shove people into the train so that they can get as many people on as possible. Its crazy!

Every night we would sit in our room with this book and our train map and plan out what we were doing the next day. With this book and an english train map Japan was at our finger tips! I am actually purchasing the compliments to this book on Tokyo and the street map all made by insight for our return trip in June.

This book arrived on time and in excellent condition. The seller was great and the book everything I expected it to be.

Michael Dunn's vast knowledge and expertise of Japanese applied arts takes the reader on a unique journey of image and space. Rich in sophistication and full of vivid photos, Dunn writes about the Japanese sense of simplicity. The selected works represent a glimpse of Japanese treasures often kept from public view, thereby making Inspired Design a book that must be read by anyone interested in understanding the history and tradition of Japanese artistic expression. Tremendous effort was taken to show how applied arts have evolved as Japanese craftsmen refined their techniques. It is an exquisite book appropriate for the novice as well as those possessing deep knowledge of Japan.

David Wagner
Tokyo Japan
September 2007

I like buying my niece and nephew books that teach them about different cultures. The Invisible Seam will not only give the reader insight into what life was like in Japan in the early 1900's, but it teaches children that everyone has unique talents and that being jealous of others' abilities can do no good. The illustrations are wonderful, too -- this book will not disappoint.

While aunt recovers from a broken leg, young Michi apprentices to Mistress Shinyo, an aging kimono maker. Before leaving, Michi promises her aunt that she will do her best work and keep free of bitterness. Mistress Shinyo's hands, damaged from arthritis, can no longer sew as they once did, but she promises to teach Michi to sew seams that small and tight.

Two other girls also work with Michi, and they resent her ability to learn quickly and supercede their own skills. If Michi makes them look bad, Mistress Shinyo will be angry and expect them to practice more. If they all do poorly, the two girls will have more time to pursue their own pleasures.

Based on a true story, all readers will treasure THE INVISIBLE SEAM. In a world filled with instant gratification and getting something for nothing, parents will appreciate the values taught in this story, including working hard, respect for authority, and forgiveness. Exquisite watercolor illustrations include historically accurate detail. bringing the story a stately beauty. THE INVISIBLE SEAM comes very highly recommended!

This is Lensey Namioka's first novel, and I think she's done anoutstanding job. The story is about a ronin, or unemployed samurai,sent to spy on the governor of an island. He finds himself caught in a case of mistaken identity - the locals believe him to be a samurai of legendary status - while discovering something very eerie going on nightly near an Abbey by the shore. A wilful girl, dangerous samurais, stealthy traitors, fat cats, and of course ogres also turn up in this enchantingly spun tale. I'd compare this book to a decadent chocolate - sweet, dense, and delightfully, ever-so-slightly dark. There's also a properly chilling element to it. All in all, it's a wonderfully original book, with many plot twists and complex character relations. Spectacular!

"Island of the Ogres", is a fictional novel by Lensey Namioka. Namioka was born in Beijing, China. Namioka attended Radcliffe College and University of California, Berkley. She now resides in Seattle, Washington. This novel, which was published in 1989, takes place in 16th century Japan. Namioka, in the jacket of the novel, claims that she wrote this novel for herself. Namioka says, "I wrote the kind of story I enjoy reading myself. Maybe I write these books because I never really grew up."

"Island of the Ogres" is a clear, well thought out, easy to read, good vs. evil story. However, it has many twists and turns along the way. The novel has everything in it to make it an enjoyable entertaining story to read. The novel is a story of legendary heroes, grotesque villians, and a love story. However, more than anything else, "Island of the Ogres", is a detective story. Throughout the entire novel we a constantly shown things and given clues as to what is "really" going on, on the island. Things that seemed rather unimportant and useless when they were first mentioned. However, at the end of the novel , those clues are clearly defined as the mystery of the island unravels. And then the reader realizes that those items were not trivial, they were key elements to the story that were well placed by Namioka.

The story begins with the Hero of the novel, Itoh Kajiro, on his way from mainland Japan to a small island, (the island has no name, it is simply called "the island"), a short distance away. Kajiro is a Ronin, an unemployed Samurai. Kajiro has been unemployed for so long his abilities and reflexes as a warrior have become slow, and he has taken up being an alcoholic as a hobby. However, for the first time in a long time he has found work. He is hired by the Chamberlain to the ruling family, on a short term basis, to go to the island and investigate the loyality of the Garrison Commander on the island. This is a secret mission and Kajiro is not allowed to divulge his true intentions of going to the island to anybody.

When Kajiro arrives on the island he is greeted by a viscious animal running at him. Kajiro pulls out his sword to defend himself against the animal. However, a girl of 17 comes out of nowhere and kicks Kajiro is the shins. She is yelling and screaming at him, he then realizes why, it is not a viscious animal at all but here pet, a very large strong housecat. The cat is named Raiko, after a famous 10th century warrior. Soon there is a great storm. Kajiro, the girl and the boatman that brought him to the island quickly seek shelter in the home of a friendly, local fisherman. The fisherman introduces himself to the boatman and to Kajiro. Then, due to a mistaken identity the boatman introduces Kajiro an Konishi Zenta, a legendary Samurai. Kajiro knowing that he is on a secret mission, decides to use the identity of Zenta to his advantage and plays along. The fisherman tells Kajiro, now using the name Zenta, the story of the ogres that are terrorizing the island. He tells Kajiro that there have been reports of missing dogs and chickens, all of which are said to have been taken by ogres.

Shortly there after there is a knock at the door. It is Gorobei, a high ranking officer on the island. He attempts to take the Kajiro and the boatman into immediate custody. The young girl steps out to confront the guards taking her, now friends, into custody. The girl is then identified as Lady Yuri, sister-in-law of the Garrison commander. Gorobei explains that all visitors must report immediately Garrison Mansion for questioning before they are allowed to remain on the island. He goes on to say that the former Daimyo, old lord and provincial ruler, has been exiled to the island by his son, the new Daimyo. Therefore in the interest of security all visitors must check into the Garrison for questioning.

Kajiro and the boatman go to the Garrison Mansion. They meet the island Commander, and his wife, Lady Sada. When Kajiro is introduced as Zenta, Lady Sada laughs at first, but then accepts him as Zenta. Due to their previous conversation in the fishermans' house Yuri tells her brother-in-law and sister that Zenta came to the island to stop the ogres that have been plauging the island for the past few weeks. Kajiro uses this cover story as a way of accomplishing his mission of observing the garrison commander and as a way to help the people at the same time. It is a chance for him to feel like a real Saurai again.

This was the setup for the rest of the novel. The remaing part of the story consists of Kajiro and lady Yuri building their relationship with each other. A plot to free and restore the former Daimyo to power. The secret of the mysterious guest of Lady Sada. The mystery behind the ogres. And what happens when the real Zenta is introduced.

I really enjoyed every aspect of this novel. This would be a great story for a small child to have read to them or for an adult just interested in a good book. The book keeps you guessing as to what is going on and makes you interested in the welfare of the characters. All and all, "Island of the Ogres" is one of the most entertaining books I have read in a long time.

My children loved this book when they were young and I read it many many times. My grandchildren are now having it read to them.

This is a beautiful and colorful re-telling of the Japanese folktale, Issunboshi, in English.

The oni, monsters in the story are pretty scary-looking, but my five- and seven-year-olds find the story exciting. The costumes and setting are from ancient Japan (Heian period,) and thus show another kind of kimono than that we often associate with Japanese tradition. The princess wears the twelve-layer kimono, like Masako-sama wore when she married the present Crown Prince of Japan. They also enjoy how he and his elderly parents cope with his minute size -- the use of a needle for a sword, and a bowl for a boat, capture their imagination. And they enjoy it all the more, because they`re familiar with the Japanese nursery song, included with translation at the back of the book, along with some additional illustrated information on ancient Japanese things.

Author Larry Smith says it himself in his introduction: "This book does not presume to offer a definitive account of what has been called the thirty-six days in hell of Iwo Jima . . . Rather, it is a series of snapshots offering a glimpse into the lives of twenty-two men who took part in various aspects rof the conflict and how they have faired since."

It is a remarkable and remarkably well done effort.

Smith groups the twenty-two stories into seven topical sections, each dealing with a specific aspect of the battle, except for two which deal with the aftermath and the use of Iwo Jima as a base for fighters and emergency landing field for B-29s flying back from bombing Japan.

Smith is both an excellent interviewer and writer. He truly does let each of the veterans speak for themselves and tell their stories. What is a bit unique in Smith's approach is that he lets the veterans tell of their experiences on Iwo Jima and their lives since then.

It is sad in a way to see the contrasting photographs for most of these men as they appeared when young and in their warrior prime and now when they are in their eighties and nineties.

It is good that Smith reached these men before they passed taking their stories with them. It was a different America back then, an America when young men were willing to give their lives in the name of freedom. Smith doesn't ask these veterans for their opinion of today's American society.

Several of the men received major awards for valor. Almost all received the Purple Heart, the medal signifying that the holder was wounded in combat.

From the pre-invasion jitters to the post-conflict burying of the dead by the graves registration unit, Smith and the veterans recall the battle. Pilots who flew after Iwo Jima was won tell their stories as well.

All in all, a unique and well done collection of personal histories and well worth reading.

Jerry

remember, with advantage, what feats he did that day."

Shakespeare was prescient with respect to 22 men who participated in this great battle, at least if they have an superb reporter like Larry Smith to listen to their stories and record their memories. Smith interviewed 22 men who were teenagers during that battle, "all in their eighties now." Somehow these 22 men -- and Smith -- make their memories fresh and true.

The book is divided into seven sections, each section focusing on from two to five participants. Throughout, Smith emphasizes four main themes: "the landing, the raising of the flags on Suribachie; the at times seemingly hopeless attempt to conquer the rest of the island; and the arrival of the B-29s, which had been one of the two major objectives of the invasion."

In the end though, Smith focuses on the stories of the 22 heroes of his book: "it is a series of snapshots offering a glimpse into the lives of twenty-two men who took part in various aspects of the conflict and how they have fared since. Their stories speak for themselves."

The words speak. The photos from 1945 speak. The recent photos speak.

Read and look. You won't be able to forget the "feats they did that day."

Robert C. Ross 2008

"Japan (The National Geographic Traveler)" is an above-average guidebook for those doing a tour of Japan, or for those who are interested in what Japan has to offer. Utilizing the National Geographic's excellent collection of photographs and information, they have assembled one of the most eye-popping and enticing guides to Japan that I have seen, and I have seen quite a few of them.

The various regions of Japan are well-covered, with an emphasis on major locations, sights and activities. There is not much "off-the-beaten" path type of information, but that is not what this kind of guide is for. The locations that are covered are covered very well, with both information, best times to visit and so one. Wisely, there is little in the way of pricing information, as this is quickly outdated. The experience of National Geographic is well-leveraged, giving a more informed picture over the "Eyewitness" guides.

I recommend this guide to anyone who is interested in or considering a trip to Japan, but is somewhat unfamiliar with the country and what it has to offer. There is plenty here to pique your interest.

Whoever glances through this book will automatically be stunned by the top-notch pictures that reveals the scenery of today's Japan. By saying so, I shall break the neck to a widespread idea in Western countries that Japan is merely an industrial dump with Mt Fuji overlooking it. One has to acknowledge that this (false) statement is true in Tokyo and Osaka-Kobe, but the 95% portion of the country remaining is just scenic, as portrayed in the book.

National Geographic's long experience in combining excellent information feedback and outstanding pictures, has resulted in this series "National Geographic Traveler" that revolutionizes the way to dicover far-away countries and cultures.

I very strongly recommand you to buy this book as soon as you're slightly keen on Japan and its culture. I'm now planning a trip there for next summer!!!

Massey and West deserves five stars for their loving presentation of this early twentieth century travelogue, which should be of great interest to historians and serious Japanese culture buffs.

Japan and Her People, Anna Hartshorne's 1902 book on her experiences in Japan (along with its history), is an entertaining and informative volume that will be an excellent addition to any historian's library (with the added benefit of being a lively read).
Hartshorne, the daughter of a Quaker missionary, was a longtime resident of Japan, spending many years as a teacher in schools such as the Joshi Eigaku Juku. As such, she came over time to develop an appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture that gives her book an insight lacking in similar books written by short-term visitors. It would be unfair to label the book a travel journal, guide, or history-it's all of these and more.
The book begins with chapters on traveling to Japan ("...not a formidable matter...ranging from twelve days to three weeks") and a description of the Yokohama area, which at the time was the area most frequented by foreigners. The next two chapters feature an excellent introduction to Japanese history. Hartshorne relates the history of Japan from its earliest legends in the Kojiki and Nihongi through the Bakumatsu and Meiji Restoration. Touched upon along the way are the Minamoto, Taira, Go-Daigo, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and many more figures of note. At times the history proves to be false (as in the story of Tokugawa Ieyasu dying of wounds suffered at the Summer Battle of Osaka, or the many legends surrounding the 47 Ronin that were for years accepted as fact and since disproved). This in itself is helpful, however, for showing what the accepted views were at this particular point in time. Cities such as Tokyo and Kamakura are examined as well as overviews of several regions (including Oshu, Hokkaido, and the west coast). There are chapters on Japanese households, the tombs of the Tokugawa, Buddhist temples, hot springs, Japanese inns, and more. In each of these chapters Hartshorne generally gives a description of the subject as it was in her day and then examines its history. For example, the story of Will Adams (the so-called `English Samurai') is brought up in the Yokohama chapter and Hosokawa Gracia is examined in conjunction with Confucianism during the Japanese Household chapter. Hartshorne tends to stray off topic, but as she brings up one interesting story after another, the effect is generally quite engaging. Legends and folklore merge with observations and fact, giving the reader a feeling of how it must have been to live in and experience Japan in the early twentieth century. Many of the book's best passages come when Hartshorne expresses her dismay with certain elements of Japanese history and culture. The interior of the Kamakura Buddha is said to be "disenchanting" with "a sort of unnecessary ugliness that one resents", while she finds Gompachi (of the famous legend of lovers Gompachi and Komurasaki) to be "as cowardly a young cut-throat as ever got his deserts".
Despite her affiliations with Christian missionaries, Hartshorne is quite respectful regarding Buddhism and Shinto. She also brings to life the setbacks of Buddhism during the Meiji Restoration (as Shinto became the favored `religion' of the new regime).
Even the natural and man-made disasters that routinely swept Japan are reflected. In a post scripted note, Hartshorne relates how a fire burned down many of Ikegami temple's structures after she had visited and wrote at length about it.
Interspaced throughout the text are black and white period photos, enhancing the book's descriptions and helping to capture the unique feel of Japan at a time when it was still moving away from traditional values and lifestyles towards the modernity of the West.
An added bonus in this edition of the book is a Forward by Lian Hearn, author of the best selling Tales of The Otori series. Hearn is well-steeped in the history of Japan and provides valuable background and historical perspective to Hartshorne. In particular, I found Hartshorne's possible influence on Nitobe Inazo, author of the 1900 Bushido:The Soul of Japan (a book instrumental in shaping early Western misconceptions of Japanese culture and history), quite interesting. Hearn's Forward reads more like an historical analysis than the traditional congratulatory forward. The editors have also cleaned up spelling errors from the original 1902 edition. The only possible drawback to the book is the lack of an index; it's understandable since it's not a straight out history.
As Hearn laments, "It's sad that Anna wrote no other books". Thankfully, we once again have this one to enjoy.

Japan At The Dawn Of The Modern Age is a specialty item which is recommended for any collection concentrating on Japanese art. Woodblock prints from the Meiji era are presented in a series of over 90 color illustrations which go beyond the traditional perception of Japanese subjects as gardens and geishas. These prints depicted current events and were painted in vivid colors, and Japan At The Dawn Of The Modern Age captures their vibrant spirit, along with history essential to understanding their meaning.

For many years prints from the Meiji period have gotten a bad rap. Collectors have prefered the earlier Edo works that are justly celebrated. The artistic crimes alleged against the Meiji period artisans include harsher colors and dyes as opposed to the more restrained palate of earlier Ukiyo-e period. Travelers to Japan in the 19th century were offended by the supposed garishness of these modern works.

Luckily, the prints of this period were saved for future generations by collectors of vision who saw the artisitic merit in these examples of the Meiji period. The works detailed in this book are among the finest examples of the genre. They show a nation in transition. The forms are very similar to the earlier types of woodblocks, but the subject matter is not. These works celebrate the transition of Japan to a modern nation state. The emperor is shown indulging in a number of modern pursuits (going to the races or the circus). But the general patriotic tone of these prints is not limited to the emperor. Both the Sino-Japanese and Russo Japanese wars provide a rich source of illustration. Personally, I find these works more fascinating as they show how the Meiji period artists incorporate old forms in new genres.

This book celebrates woodblocks in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston and features a great deal of commentary. The essays by Donald Keene are up to his usual high standard of scholarly excellence and serve to put the period into context. However the most interesting is by Frederic Sharf which describes the deliciousness of building a world class collection of Meiji era prints. It is not just the joy of collecting he describes, but pleasure to be gained from learning the history of a cherished object. Sharf generously donated his collection to the MFA, making this unequalled collection available to the wider public.

This book is essential to anyone seeking to collect these marvelous woodblocks (many of the ones pictured in the book can still be acquired and remain within the reach of the ordinary collector).

This is an excellent reference book on over 90 different Japanese crafts from all areas. For each craft there is a history as well as the basics of how it is made. It is an encyclopedia rather than an instruction book.

Some types of crafts covered include ceramics, textiles, lacquer ware, bamboo craft, paper, woodcraft, metalwork, dolls, fans, lanterns, candles & items of calligraphy.

The photographs are numerous & all are in color. I loved looking at the textiles & kimonos. I also enjoyed the Kyoto ware, kutani ware, bamboo containers & decorative ink stones.

I found the extensive list of books to be invaluable in finding out how to make the crafts mentioned here. If you intend to visit Japan you will find the map of craft villages & list of craft museums, associations & centers very helpful.

For afficionados of Japanese crafts, this book provides a fine selection of popular crafts from different regions of Japan. From washi to woodwork, the featured items are beautifully photographed are accompanied by useful general information. As a coffee table book, it is informative and replete with photographs. Perhaps the greatest criticism is that it is on the small side for a book of its kind. Nonetheless, the photos are quite beautiful and will be worth it especially for those who have lived in Japan or who have an interest in the array of crafts presently popular in Japan.