Japanese Books

Everything I thought I knew about Japanese gardens, especially so-called "Zen Gardens," was turned on its head by this enlightening gem. I will never look at, or think about, Japanese rock gardens in the same way. Highly recommended for a completely fresh approach to an old subject.

A collection of photographs of nothing more than raked gravel and sand, Leonard Koren challenges the many myths surrounding the `Zen gardens' of Japan in short essays interspersed throughout this book. He shows that their special context as part of temple precincts does not necessarily imply that these gardens were meant as `spiritual' installations, but only that they grew in the context of a specific aesthetic and function that developed in Japanese ritual and society.

While Koren's book is bound to ruffle the feathers of traditionalists that would like to idealize these gardens as an expression of Zen philosophy, I believe he contributes to the demystification that is going on in contemporary writing about Japanese gardens. In that regard this book is an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue and discussion about the origins and history of the dry landscape garden in Japan.

This calendar is a beautiful way to chart the passing of a year. The photographs are simple but profoundly beautiful, and can be kept and used in other ways after the year is over. The space for writing in events etc. is generous, and even ordering from the UK the calendar is no more expensive than those available here.

This calender shows beautiful photos of Asian-type landscapes and some thoughtful proverbs for the calm and zen-oriented mind.

Girocho: A Gi's Story of Bataan and Beyond

I had a special interest because John Henry Poncio is/was a relative, but even more because he bore no enmity for the Japanese. That still amazes me. The story of what our troops endured should be required reading in our schools.

Poncio's story from Bataan to Hirohata, written with total context of the war. An outstanding and complete story.

Every so often, one discovers a "POW" book that is not only accurate, but well written. Each line, each paragraph, each page weaves a complete tapestry of a Prisoner's life under the Japanese. Add to this, one sees beautifully crafted typography that makes this a classic. Of the more than 1000 books w have on the subject, this book ranks in the top ten.

Poncio adds depth and meaning to the history of our POWS, especially the guerilla and public support by foreign nationals and Filipinos. His is one of the rare books that even acknowledges the support from the legendary Madame Utinsky, a heroine who deserved the Medal of Honor. No phase of the experience is slighted nor any detail ignored as the writers weave a tapestry of horror endured yet an inspiring and unending battle to survive and sabotage the Japanese war effort. Poncio's description of desperate hunger alone is worth the price of the book. On a scale of one to five stars, Poncio's book deserves seven extra large stars.
Center for Research
Allied POWS Under the Japanese

If you wish to own a single book about the contributions of the 100/442 this is it.

This book probably should rate at least 588 stars. 588 stars because that is the number of Silver Stars won by these fine AMERICAN fighting men in WWII.

A lot of folks probably know the 100/442 was the most decorated unit in WWII. In fact, this fighting team was the most decorated unit in AMERICAN history. This great volume goes a long way to perhaps explaining why this was so. These AJA men were fighting a two front war. Hitler and Germany tried this and failed. The fighting men of the 100/442 prevailed on both fronts they were fighting on. These men proved their were good Americans with their bravery and with their blood.

Mr. Tanaka knows, he was there! He was one of the few men to make it through all of the major campaigns with the 100/442. His personal experiences appear to have been invaluable in putting the story together.

The men of the 100/442 had the Germans and their allies to deal with in Europe and the stupidly cruel actions of the American government and people to deal with back in the US and they prevailed.

Mr. Tanaka skillfully weaves first person remembrances into the story, and this coupled with the many fine pictures personalizes the AJA men of the 100/442 and the two battle fronts they were engaged on in WWII. The reader will come away knowing war is hell if they had missed the point before. The reader will come away with the idea that courage and spirit applied in liberal doses to any situation will win out.

Mr. Tanaka's book provides a fitting tribute to those members of the 100/442 who did not live to come home, men who fought and died while their families were imprisoned back at home.

The Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion and 442ndRegimental Combat Team were among the finest units of World War II.Their astonishing exploits, decorations awarded, and casualties taken are legendary, but when the cheering subsided the discrimination they and their families suffered did not disappear.
Their story is well told here in this fine pictorial record of their achievements, with 240 photos, 8 maps, and informative endpapers, tied together with a good narrative, to form an admirable tribute to these brave soldiers.
Highly recommended for military history readers, students of the ETO campaign, and WWII buffs in general.

(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of this page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

Life in Peking (Beijing) China before World War II was the ultimate big frog in a small pond experience for Europeans and Americans. Persons of modest means and position, such as Marine Captain John Letcher, could live like pashas on a modest salary. Moreover, Peking had fabulous art, architecture, food, and a glorious culture to enjoy.

Life was not nearly so good for the Chinese and that was why Letcher was there. He was a member of a US Marine Corps contingent with the mission of protecting foreigners and property. The Chinese had the disconcerting habit of rising up occasionally and killing the Westerners enjoying their bounty. Captain Letcher's tour in Peking was made memorable by the beginning of World War II when Japanese and Chinese troops clashed at Marco Polo Bridge, just outside Peking. What is perhaps most remarkable is how little the war between China and Japan disrupted the good life of the foreigners inside the walls of Peking although there is a sense of gathering doom in Letcher's account.

This book consists of Letcher's letters and diary entries from 1936 to 1939. A lengthy introduction, a few photos and maps, extensive footnotes, and a bibliography supplement the text. Letcher has no startling insights or wisdom to impart, but his stories of daily life conjure up life in Peking pretty well and his eye-witness observations of the war are interesting. "Goodbye Old Peking" is a well done book of interest to scholars and those of us who are fascinated by old time China and the Westerners who lived there.

Smallchief

Mr. Letcher's letters were written in a style that gives the reader a "visual" description of pre World War II China. Although some of his opinions may not be politically correct by todays standards, I think he honestly expresses his feelings of the people and surroundings at the time. Some of his predictions regarding the upcoming war are almost right on--however his prediction that California would eventually be captured by the Japanese happily did not come true. Regardless of Mr. Letcher's personal opinions, his letters are well written and gives the reader the feeling of being there. A good story. The editors did a great job of keeping the story on track, and the footnote information was very informative (Their references led me to several other publications which I subsequently read). The copy I read was from the public library. I plan to buy the book for my collection in the near future.

I absolutly love this series! But I have to admit that I was a little dissapointed with the last book, but Murakami-san has earned my trust back with this book! So, about the story, I'm assuming you read the last 10 books. Eiri and Shuichi's relationship evolves and the battle between Bad Luck and Nittle Grasper heats up! If you read the last books you should definitly add this too your collection and if you are interested in shounen-ai (or pretty much anything, Gravitation has everything) you should definitly give this series a try! But it now!!!

Anyone who sees this book as an attempt at brainwashing the children of America needs a lesson in tolerance. They are acting in such an arrogant and childish manner. America's ideals, including majority rules, minority rights, freedom, liberty, and the right to pursuit of happiness, are simply pushed aside for our own beliefs and feelings. What upsets me most is when people see a gay couple and instantly think,"Wow, I wish those two weren't together; it upsets the natural order whenever I'm around them. For my own happiness, I'd like to see them gone." Anyone who sees gays as a distraction or disruption to the "natural order" is just as prideful and arrogant as the early white slave owners of America. It is that obscene; people should have a right to express themselves as they wish. Homosexuality is a freedom of speech, and so is marraige.
Now, on to the book review. I, personally, am not much a fan of yuri (I'm not gay or a boy, for that matter) and this book is targeted toward female readership: as such, I see this series as an excellent edition to yaoi/shonen-ai media. Gravitation is a must-get if you're a shonen-ai fan, and is also the best (in my humble opinion) shonen-ai book available in the United States. I won't say anything too book specific, all you need to know is that Shuichi's antics and Yuki's hard, cold demeanor make this a book of contrast...definitly worth the $10.00.
Anyways, ja ne, and I hope you live in a world of tolerance!

This book is an indispensible aide to anyone planning a trip on his own. This book contains over 50 individual entries describing the gardens of Kyoto and environs, grouped by geographic location within the city. Overview maps for the different districts show the approximate location of the individual gardens, so that the traveller can put together itineraries for daytrips in the Kyoto area.

Each entry gives details of opening hours, historic background and special features of the garden described. The name of the garden and its location are additonally specified in Japanese characters, making this book the ideal travel guide for those embarking on a trip to Kyoto.

There is a limited number of photos, so that those wanting to plan a trip using the guide might consider referencing other books with numerous color photos to pick the specific gardens they are interested in.

Don't leave home without this book! Anyone who is planning a trip to Japan (resident foreigners included) and has even the slighest interest learning about the Gardens of Kyoto should buy a copy of this superb book, which is small enough to carry in your shoulder bag. The book contains gives the balance of detail,giving good a historical background and landscape points overview. This is a buy you will not regret. Well done to the authors.

Left alone to my own vices one afternoon at a friend's loft, I happened upon A Haiku Garden which I devoured with delight and then made an excuse for my friend to invite me over again.

The woodcut reproductions are priceless and a source of inspiration to a non-artistic poet. A wonderful "tea table" book and a perfect gift. In fact, I plan to buy a copy for myself!

I recommend this wonderful book for the inspiration it gives. The poetry is accessible and charming. The reproductions of woodcuts are beautiful. Anyone who would like to try writing Haikus as a meditation, or for fun will find that it starts to happen almost automatically.

This is my favorite book of haikus. They are just beautiful and conjure up such beautiful images.

This books starts with an essay on the haiku form that briefly explores the history and consruction of haiku. The essay is short and avoids being too technical or pompous: a problem that some poets have when writing about poetry. I would have like to have seen a longer introductory essay, or perhaps a series of essays focussing on different aspects of the art. However, this is a minor complaint since there are many good books that already do this.

The real strength of this book,in my opinion, is that the rest of the book is made up of haiku on elemental themes. The division of the book is pleasing and Jackie Hardy has made very good choices about what material to include. I found that I enjoyed this book most when I dipped into it and read four or five haiku at a time. "Haiku: Poety Ancient and Modern" makes a pleasent diversion from the stresses of daily life. It is also a nice way to fill the commercials in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buy it. Put it on your coffee table. Enjoy it.

i just wish it was still in print because i hate buying things off of the interenet. because the of the waiting part. but i can wait. any one who is finnished with the bigging part of learning japanese, you must buy this book.

This wonderful text covers so many words and phrases that are missing from basic Japanese training. The sections on verb-following and noun-following expressions are invaluable. The abstract words that nevertheless are crucial in everyday speech are here. I'm not very articulate tonight, but I am so glad I stumbled across this book (ordered it here but found it in a new Borders by luck). I wish the author would write a workbook to go with it. Very, very helpful, even for a low intermediate speaker like me. (An English-Japanese index would be a good addition to the next edition.)