Asian Books

I'm hapa and I got this for my little sister who is 13. She really really likes it. There's not a lot of stuff out there for hapas so I really appreciate this book!. Why can't there by more books like this out there for us???

A fresh perspective on Japanese American culture with voices from multiple generations as well as mixed ethnicities (more realistic of America today!). The author moves towards why JAs are both Japanese and American and neither all at the same time. An excellent resource for anyone interested in Asian American cultures as well as a superb guide for chronicling one's own family history.

Written by a third-generation Japanese American, being Japanese American: A JA Sourcebook for Nikkei, Hapa... & Their Friends is a straightforward introduction to the history of Japanese Americans, including the legacy of the American government's forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and basic Japanese culture, customs, and etiquette. An especial note reflects on the how the high rate of mixed-race marriage has and continues to affect the Japanese-American community. Being Japanese American a superb guide to avoiding breaches of tact around Japanese friends, family, or visitors, regardless of one's own ethnic heritage or background, and is also chock-full of helpful ways to embrace, preserve, and treasure one's cultural identity.

A wealth of knowledge and an amazing resource for anyone who wants to learn more about J-A culture and history. It's funny, hip, incredibly informative, and full of "I didn't know that!" details that will delight and surprise. If you've lost touch with your roots and want to rediscover them, this book is the perfect place to start.

Morris is a unique seeker of truth and a punctilious historian and scholar who is not encumbered with the usual agenda that accompanies the vast majority of writers on this topic.

Interestingly, Morris, an Israeli historian, is frequently quoted by Arab and anti-Israeli authors and sources, such as, the pseudo-academic, Norman Finkelstein, most often entirely out of context (as one examines the quotes), and he provides a breathtaking perspective of truth that embodies the absolute pathos of the dramatic history of this region, in stark contrast to the various fantasies that have been generated by both sides of the conflict.

This book is an absolute must for any true student of this conflict

Review of The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited, by Benny Morris

Israeli historian Benny Morris largely succeeds in his intention to present a "complex and nuanced" history of the birth of the Palestinian refugee problem. His extensive research, which led to the first version of this work published in 1988, was derived from archived records in Israel, England, the United States and the United Nations. Given the lapse of time since 1948 he found oral recollections inadequate and of dubious reliability. There is a torrent of detail in the book and there are hundreds of endnotes following each chapter.

Many readers will be shocked by the numerous detailed descriptions of the violence exercised on Palestinian non-combatants by Zionist forces. Even the most pro-Zionist readers will no longer be able to deny that a massive ethnic cleansing occurred in 1948. In fact, there are repeated references to "cleansing" in orders given to Haganah units, sometimes explicitly giving instructions to kill adult males, expel the women and children and destroy their homes to prevent return. Often units were not faced with the onerous task of killing and expelling because the Arabs had fled in anticipation of violence. The infamous massacre at Deir Yassin was not unique; Morris states that there were some 20 massacres, two of which were revealed for the first time in the 1988 version of this book.

About 700,000 persons (Morris's estimate) were displaced beyond the boundary of the part of Palestine allotted to the new state of Israel and beyond the additional area taken by Zionist arms. Figure 2 in the book is a map with some 392 numbered dots representing the Palestinian villages evacuated and destroyed. The legend to the map gives the Arab names of these former villages with estimates of the motivation for their abandonment.

Morris recognizes that the motivation for Arab flight varied among different segments of the Palestinian population. In December 1947 and early 1948 the exodus began when those of the upper classes who had resources fled to safety in Arab cities outside Palestine. The loss of actual and potential leaders undermined Palestinian morale, already suffering deep divisions from the 1936-39 revolt against British rule. In spring 1948, Haganah, Irgun and Stern Gang operations began to terrorize the Arab population, and the massive outflow of all classes began. (Menachem Begin boasts in his book, Revolt, that without the instructive example of the Deir Yassin massacre by his Irgun boys there would be no Israel.) Murder, raping and looting by Jewish combatants shocked both Arabs and many Jews who witnessed it.

Morris could find no evidence for the often-repeated claim that Arab leaders broadcast appeals to Palestinians to leave their homes to expedite the killing of Jews by Arab forces. The appeals from the largely feckless Arab leaders were contradictory and had little effect.

Morris that argues that forced expulsion and destruction of homes and villages was not pre-planned by Zionist leaders, saying that Plan D of the Haganah, which prescribed exactly such measures, was not implemented until April 1948 in anticipation of attack by surrounding Arab states after the British leaving on May 15. He believes that it was opportunism driven by events, the seizing of a one-time chance to cleanse the new state of Arabs. Arabs, and some other Israeli historians, believe it was pre-planned. I'm not sure that there is an ethical difference whether ethnic cleansing was pre-planned or improvised. Certainly the idea of transfer of Arabs from Palestine was rife in Zionist circles before partition and Morris includes a chapter documenting this thinking.

On the Zionist left voices were raised against the policy and there are diary entries of horrified Jewish observers, one of whom concluded, " I hide my face in shame." However, David Ben-Gurion kept national unity intact by being careful not to expose in writing any draconian intentions and by telling different things to different people. In the case of the violent wholesale expulsions from Lydda and Ramle, a hand gesture to his staff conveyed his real intention.

The Israelis were so taken with the success of Arab removal that they adopted a resolute policy of no return of the refugees. United Nations Moderator Count Folke Bernadotte was dismayed that Jews with their history of persecution would themselves act so unjustly. Morris reports a conversation in which Bernadotte was trying to persuade Moshe Sharett, then Israel's Foreign Minister, to make at least a gesture of conciliation by allowing a partial return. Sharett replied that such idealism had no place in a world dominated by men of action (such as himself, presumably), and that Israel would be regarded as foolish by such men if it discarded the favorable situation created by war. A day after the release of Bernadotte's report on refugees, men of action from the Stern Gang murdered him.

This is not a history of the 1948 war, but Morris in summary blames the victims for their disastrous fate because, "They started the war", certainly a contentious conclusion considering that the refugees were mostly non-combatants, and furthermore had no voice in the partitioning of their country.

It appears to this reader that Morris makes a strong case that the refugees were victims of Zionist drives for exclusivity and expansion of territory. As an historian Morris deserves great credit for his diligence in bringing light to this dark event whose legacy still troubles the region. An IDF intelligence officer observing the pathetic stream of refugees fleeing Lydda wrote, Occasionally you encountered a piercing look from one of the youngsters in the column, and the look said, "We have not surrendered. We shall return to fight you."

In short, this book, by precisely detailing the exact origins of the Palestinian crisis-town by town-,holds Israel at least partially or perhaps fully responsible for the refugee crisis and, by implication, the entire war on terrorism. It has particular impact because Benny Morris is a tenured Jewish Israeli scholar and therefore cannot be summerly dismissed as anti-Semitic. Moreover it makes us wonder why it is that America, despite virtually no international support, came to so blindly enable and supply Israeli aggression rather than to support, with an easily assembled and very powerful international coalition, an imposed wall or peace fence at the UN established and internationally recognized 1948 or 1967 borders. The book is a long, detailed, and fully footnoted 600 pages, but if it makes us wonder if we should rethink or, more accurately, be brave enough to think for the first time about Israel and the war on terrorism, then it is well worth every page. Please write to me if this doesn't make perfect sense.

A very thorough and detailed examination of the events surrounding the departure of the Arab community from the British Mandate territory of Palestine. At times, this book reads like a diary with very specific references to dates and times when particular events occured. A knowledge of the geography of the area, and a background in the political events unfolding at the time would be helpful in deciphering the numerous figures and reference points. Morris does succeed in conveying the variety of conflicting forces at play during this time and how they converged to create what was truly a chaotic situation for all parties in nascent Arab-Israeli conflict.

I just wanted to comment on the book. I thought it was very good. Justin Chin writes very well and his images are so brilliant. "Bitterness comes as revolution, cyclic, a snake biting its tail scales, a dog nipping its tatil hairs, bitter, continuity avhieved by subtlety, perceptions played out, questions followed by answers, ask, answer, some days you will know..."

Reading this collection as a first generation immigrant from Malaysia (as is Chin), I was pleasantly surprised by the synergy of our experiences as I paged through the pieces.

Chin's style is raw yet sincere; a titillation of all the senses. From the sterile scent of Dettol, the taste of spicy and MCG-saturated Chinese restaurant food, to familiar alliterations of "Manglish/Singlish", Chin at times teases us with love/hate sentimentalities, and at others, unapologetically shoves the practices and nuances of his desires down our throats. The book's cover and binding fail to stem issues of sexuality, home, memory, colonialism, betrayal, obsession, race, nationality, envy, and beauty from flooding out from the pages. All this is rolled compactly like a layered piece of candy, demanding that you not suck on it, but to BITE HARD! Take it all or spit him out. He demands no compromise.

You kept me awake and happy

Wow - I loved it...

I'd first seen Chin perform in San Francisco and this book is just as dangerous - it challenged my own comfort levels and at the same time left me in hysterics. These are real experiences I could relate to. Thanks!

The poetry is wonderful; the person is great. I have the honor of working with her during the course of my studies. It's refreshing to read something contemporary that exudes warmth and engages the reader.

Meaningful prose and a beautiful style. Good surprises here!

I used this book in a class, and we enjoyed it so much I am going to assign it. It is my new gift, also, to friends and folks. Very exciting poetry, incredibly gifted new voice.

I found this book by accident, and it must have been kismet. Sharma's impressive poetry is coy, witty, and still completely soulful. A welcome refreshment--I can't wait to see a new collection of her work.

Few Asian companies have been successful in developing international brands. It is now a sophisticated process that puts together and sustains a complex mixture of local and international attributes and values , something that is tangible.Its interesting how Temporal have chosen the different products ( over 20 )from leading Asian and Western brands to show good examples of how companies have used the fundamentals of branding to achieve global success. He has provided illustrative examples, techniques , exercises and invaluable advice for any company in Asia regardless of size that strives for more than being just another local household name.

Asian market is unique with their traditional cultural. Brands should be though for leading in this area. This book must be read for the company who : - want to build a strong image - want a competitive advantage - struggle in asian market

One of the ways to achieve sustainable growth in any market is a recognisable brand name. While many Western companies have successfully developed international brands, Asian companies have been slow to follow suit. How is it that Asia, a region that has such high brand appreciation, produces so few international brands of its own?

In this groundbreaking book, Asia's leading brand architect addresses this unusual situation, explains the fundamentals of branding and shows how companies can use them to achieve outstanding performance. Containing over 20 case studies of leading Asian and Western brands, this book is packed with illustrative examples, advice and exercises.

Branding in Asia is an invaluable book that is a must for anyone responsible for business growth in the 21st century.

Dr Paul Temporal is Asia's leading expert on brand creation, development and management, having lived in the region for over 14 years. He has worked with leading companies and governments, and is well known his results-oriented and hands-on approach. He is the author of Corporate Charisma.

My expectations were mainly about redressing the balance on geographical origins of brand case studies. Our literature suffers from being far too US centric. This imbalance is unfortunate for several reasons including: - living in the US for the last 2 years has taught me how atypical the US consumer is of any other I have met in 25 countries that I have worked - from the oldest brand models (which assumed brands were advertising led) to the newest ebrand models, there's huge share of voice reflecting the culture of corporate America and the case theories of its business schools. These powerful systems shouldn't be unquestioningly exported as being de facto paradigms for local organisational excellence or social value.

My expectations were exceeded because this book - unlike most on the brand which start with chapters on advertising and marketing communications - opens up from the very beginning on the leadership importance of branding. Here we are on pages 1-2: "Strong brands endure many challenges. This is becoming increasingly relevant in an era of unprecedented change, upheaval and uncertainty. This change is strategic, unlike the incremental change of more predictable times, and therefore requires a strategic response. Brand building is exactly such a response. If successful, it can be the strongest weapon in a company's armory and the best guarantee of corporate survival. The challenge that lies ahead is that of change management.

And by page 4, we're invited to join in a cataloguing of worldwide changes to marketing: -the breakdown of market boundaries -globalization and the development of global brands -increasing market fragmentation -product diversity and shorter life cycles -greater customer sophistication -digital business -economic instability and market volatility

So this book flies, and yet at the same time when you read it you will continually pick up useful advice whether your brain is looking for practical or academic stimulation. For example, the book closes with an appendix of very worthwhile brand exercises, and it resonates with case studies, 24 in all. Each case study ends with a summary of that brand's strengths.

This book will be good for you whether this is the first one you read on branding, or as in my case the twenty first, including two of my own. For example, I learnt a lot from Temporal's consistently strong advice on brand values and the way they shape corporate personality on its outside and inside.

I am a Muslim and the Quran says that those who believe in the one God will eventually be in heaven but those who did not follow they way of Islam are possibly going to be in Hell for a time. I hope the soldiers in this book will be spared hellfire. As I read it, I was amazed that I never heard of it before. These soldiers and their refusal to participate have been hidden from the public. They were on a segment of 60 minutes, but you will not find that video anywhere on the Internet, including Youtube and their website. Go ahead and try to find it.

In their own words, they say that Israel was "built on militarism racism" and "Many Jews have lost their Jewish souls" and The judges who order houses to be demolished are "prostltutes to the legal system" and about terrorism, the soldier in ch7 says boldly "We have sown the seed's, grown them, and nurtured them." He later says with courage "I refuse to be a terrorist in my tribes name." I am sure this book is banned in Israel but I wish that all Americans could read it at least once. If it was hard for me to find it, then I know the majority of concerned Americans dont know it exists.

This book has catapultited me into a new level of consciousness!
I have been waiting for a book to educate me on this topic and not only have I been educated, but moved to look into activism on this issue. I am neither Jewish nor very knowledgeable in politics. This book is right to the point and I found myself totally engrossed. The men in this book are awesome and I am proud to walk the planet with them. They are educated, brave, compassionate and passionate. I hope that you not only read Breaking Ranks, but go to the website afterwards and become involved in some way.

Several courageous Israeli reservists who have refused to serve in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories captured by Israel in 1967 tell why they have chosen not to serve. They are part of a group of several hundred Israeli reservists who have said that they will serve within Israel's 1967 borders but that they will no longer fight beyond those borders to "dominate, expel, starve and humiliate an entire people." Many of these brave reservists spent time in Israeli prisons for their principled actions.
The reservists speak of the brutalization of the Palestinian people by the Israeli army, a brutalization which in turn brought about the anger of the Palestinian people toward them and toward Israeli Jews. They speak of the humiliation faced by both young and old Palestinians at the ever present checkpoints when young Israeli soldiers would torment Palestinians by tearing up their required identification papers, making them sit in the hot sun without shelter, sending them back home even when they had a permit to visit the doctor or go to school or occasionally beating them just for sport.
This book is a real eye opener for those who get their information about Israel and the occupation from the main stream corporate press. It serves to help readers understand more of the Israeli/Palestine conflict and it is also important because it shows that there is a segment of Israeli society that knows that the occupation is reprehensible and unconscionable. They have been there.

Thought provoking essays that explore the conscience and consciousness of each `refusenik's soul searching, and their journey to refusal. To date 550 IDF soldiers have either refused, or pledged to refuse serving in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. That is a huge number!

The stories these soldiers tell, will often give you a glimpse into both Israeli and Palestinian society, showing how people's perception are shaped, and mindsets nearly paralyzed by governments and leaders ( on both sides ) that have cultivated only fear and hate over the years, why it must end, and how.

The author throws out tough questions to them, challenging both their patriotic duty and moral convictions. I feel they answer with great clarity and conviction. All the men in this book are well educated, and articulate. All have served in the occupied territories at one point or another, and have either committed or witnessed first hand, lets call them brutalities. They all are deeply devoted to Israeli society and believe that "the best way to serve their society is not to perpetuate its injustices"

There are some stark warnings to heed in this book. Many times American dogma and mindset after 9-11 and the `War on Terror' is cited as an analogy to give reference to the phenomenon of jingoistic thinking taking place.

This book was written before the recent refusal of 27 Israeli pilots who refused to take part in targeted assassinations, claiming that they resulted in civilan deaths, and that "the black flag of illegality is waving."

Do not think for a moment that the decision to refuse came easily for these men. It did not. Many will tell you it took years to shake off the deeply entrenched mindset that has gripped Israeli society, and is always being fed by a media that is one sided, and a government that is short-sighted.

Whether you agree with these soldiers or not, every American should read this book, because by virtue of our American citizenship alone, makes all of us a part in this struggle, whether we want to be or not. The time is now to truly understand the issues as they exist today, and reevaluate what America's moral role ought to be.

It's a very good book, good analysis of Nikkei life in Japan.

I read this book and I found that it was more than a simple academic book with statistics, and numbers...It's a realy good view of what is a migrant life in Japan .

Here is a short, simple book examining the role and place of the ever-growing Japanese-Brazilian population in Japan. Overall, it is a well written piece of work that I found helpful in my reseach. Although it is not the most comprehensive book on Japan's new ethnic minoritiy population,the Brazilians, Roth's work is worthwhile nonetheless.

The topic of Japanese Brazilian migrants in Japan is one that very few people outside of Japan or Brazil know about. I'm glad to see that there was a book written about this issue, especially since it involves the complexity of race vs. ethnicity and issues dealing with feelings of isolation, sense of belonging and cultural acceptance, something which we all strive for. Mr. Hotaka Roth did an excellent job of researching the experiences of these migrant workers and presented them in a very honest way. You could tell that he dove into this project fullheartedly by the fact that he made an effort to not only learn Japanese and about Japanese culture, but that he also learned Portuguese and the different nuances of Brazilian culture. Unlike a lot of research books, this book was not dry and did not drag on forever. It was quick paced and easy to read and understand. It keeps the reader interested and each chapter presents itself with new themes.

In Japan, a country that is thought to be "ethnically pure", the new phenomenon of return migration poses an interesting problem. Nikkei (those who are of Japanese ancestry outside of Japan) Brazilian nationals began migrating to Japan for economic reasons in the 1990s (the government made it particularly easy for them to enter the country, assuming they would adapt to Japanese culture better than those with no ties to the country), and many decided to stay, creating minority enclaves with a culture distinctly their own and NOT Japanese. Joshua Hotaka Roth provides an analysis of Nikkei life in Japan.

Although I read this book as part of a research project, I found that it was much, much more than a dry academic book with lots of statistics (although there certainly were plenty of statistics for anyone looking for solid numerical data). Roth didn't just write about this subject; he experienced it: he worked in a factory side by side with Nikkei Brazilians, lived and associated with Nikkei, and truly participated in his subjects' way of life in Japan. The result is an intimate view of the "return" migrant's experience, including sections on the actual factory work, injury and health insurance issues, and some ways in which Brazilian Nikkei in Japan maintain Brazilian identities while adapting to Japan.

This book is great for anyone who wants to know more about Japan in this time of internationalization, anyone who is interested in international migration, issues of national identity, or anyone who just wants an interesting non-fiction read.

This is a great collectible book. The Buddha paintings are presented in one long sheet, but because the book has an accordian fold, it possible to view the entire scroll at once. Also, the fold makes it possible to display the book, if so desired. Printing is fantastic and very fine and clear. A great find!

The writer of the review calls this scroll, ***An exquisite 36-foot-long full-color Buddhist scroll*** but gives it no stars?

Takeout that and the ranking is where it should be at 5 stars.

My guess is the reviewer meant 5 stars anyway...

A very original way of binding to keep the idea of a scroll. The quality of the paper and images is very good. A book to be collected.

While not a textbook or a 'fieldguide' to Buddhist practice and belief, THE BUDDHA SCROLL is an amazing visual treat, a fantastic technical achievement and a delight to all those who enjoy the study of iconology. Image after image unfolds before the eyes revealing Buddhas,Bodhisattvas,Dieties and Notables from every school of Buddhism- from the most familliar (Avalokisteshvara) to the more obscure (White Leaf Buddha Mother). An eclectic collection of imagery with a fascinating history which is well expounded in the consise introduction... you get more than you would expect from the price.

I picked up this book because I thought the cover was so beautiful. Now I'm in the middle of it and I am completely riveted. There are so many levels to the characters and to the story - that makes for a great read. I'm already buying it for friends.

This was an incredible novel, really. The storyline meanders at a measured pace towards the conclusion in what is a well-crafted modern tale of human weakness and repentance; the possibility of redemption is suggested in a subtle manner but still left ambigious enough not to browbeat one like a religious tract. Dostoyevsky is the only other novelist I know of who can pull this off so well.

The characters were complex and convincing...even the ones you think you have pegged as two-dimensional "types" will turn around later in the story and mildly surprise you. All of them come across as flawed, eliciting the reader's sympathy or disgust in turns but thereby gradually developing one's awareness that this is the human condition, warts and all; such a theme is 100% Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and could have come from the works of the founder Shinran himself, but Niwa has clearly made this worldview his own and skillfully evokes it in the hearts of his readers.

Naturally "The Buddha Tree" will appeal to anyone who loves a good novel, but those interested in Japanese Buddhism would also profit immensely by reading this, as it realistically portrays what real hometown down-to-earth Buddhism really is in modern Japan like nothing else I've seen.

Supposedly this guy has written a ton of other novels, stories, and essays. Why haven't these been translated? They need to be!

The literature of post-war Japan is relatively unknown in the U.S. with the exception of Kawabata and Mishima. This book is really a fine example from those years, and both it and its author deserve to be better known. The pace of the writing is unhurried, self-assured, and the sense of time, and place, is breathtaking. The setting is a Buddhist temple in a small town, and the illicit relationship between the priest and his domineering mother-in-law. By the time you finish reading it, you feel you know the people and the town like an insider. I feel like I can see the temple and feel the hush enclosed by its wooden floors and halls. If you've ever been to Japan and visited a temple, you'll recognize the feeling, and this book captures it as well as any I know.

This is an amazing book, set in a peaceful temple in rural japan this book surprises and delights as the reader is drawn into the torment of guilt the priest of the temple suffers because of his illicit relationship with his mother-in-law.

I savor my time to read "Buddhist Goddesses of India". The energy it brings me is very specific to the Goddess I am reading about. It must have been quite a journey writing it, connecting so deeply with each Goddess. Reading the book helps me stay centered in myself in what feels like a masculine world. Anyone like myself, who is sensitive to the many currents of energy in the world, or who would like to experience the energy of the Goddess, will have a good time with this book. It is also very useful for practitioners of Buddhism.

This book is more than worth it for the pictures alone. The images of Buddhist goddesses are simply gorgeous--whether clear black and white, or glorious color. Representing architectural elements, reliefs, gates, sculptures, painted cloth, and more, these images provide an invaluable visual document of the female images of divinity populating Buddhist history.

Even so, the book offers far more. Shaw not only gathers these visual images for us, she helps us understand them--why they exist, why they appear as they do, and what they teach us about Buddhist thought and practice. For each goddess, Shaw considers the visual representations alongside the goddess's appearances in literature, history, ritual practices, and other Hindu and folk traditions. Moving among these various representations, Shaw creates compelling accounts of each deity's religious significance. She also documents change over time, charting the ascension of goddess figures through three stages of Buddhist history, early, Mahayana, and Tantra. The female Buddhas of Tantra occupy the third section of the book. And all along the way, Shaw deftly moves from persuasively engaging issues in Buddhist scholarship to telling vivid stories about the goddesses themselves.

This comprehensive, accomplished book is for everyone and anyone who is interested in Buddhism, India, goddesses, South East Asia, Indian art and architecture, comparative religions, or the religious significance of art in general. Its stories and pictures engage and delight. At the same time, it is a must-read for scholars in all these fields for the ways in which it stretches and prunes our understanding of Buddhism. As Shaw persuasively documents, there is far more to the tradition than teachings of renunciation. Equally integral to the tradition are life-affirming, female-celebrating expressions of wisdom, creativity, and devotion.

This magnum opus will remain a serious resource for information about Buddhist Goddesses of India for decades. The scholarship is impeccable. Not only does it bring numerous texts and information into English for the first time, it explicates vast amounts of material loaded with insightful interpretations that only an expert authority can provide. This text will also reward those seeking inspiration from the Buddhist pantheon of goddesses. The prose is lyrical, compelling, and transports the reader into the powerful and colorful worlds of these ancient goddesses.

Ms. Shaw is an impeccable scholar whose transcendent writing captures the imagination. This inspired text is a compilation of unparalled research on an amazing array of Buddhist deities. Beautiful book.