Japan Books

Every now and then there are gifted individuals who come along who see and understand with new eyes and have a thorough understanding of their subject, not only in its own right, but in the context of how that topic fits into the whole. Fukuoka is such an individual and his understanding and practice of farming is genius and he explains how using his methods will make your farm easy to run, outproduce typical American farming methods without the need for chemicals that have been destroying the soil and poisoning our water and poisoning the farmer as well. His methods are incredibly simple, require no special machinery, no big equipment mortgages, are applicable to all size farms and produce results. Not only that, his methods improve the soil and he has simple ideas on how to bring back areas that we have turned into desert due to bad farming practices and animal grazing. I wish his writing would spread to the whole farming community as I suspect his books have not been noticed. His books are priceless and a real gift to food production.

After reading the one straw revolution i really wanted to see how Fukuokas' system worked. I was not disapointed by this well layed out and functional guide to his methods. While his philosophy claims that no list of rules and time tables can acturatelly set out how natural farming should work, the publication of the hystory and methods of his experiment proves vital to the unhinging of common industrial theories on the subject.

Doing nothing, being nothing, becoming nothing is the goal of Fukuoka's farming method, an approach to agriculture which he has pursued for over forty years with resounding success. With no tillage, no fertilizer, no weeding and no pesticides he consistently produces rice, barley, fruit and vegetable crops that equal or exceed the yield per acre of neighboring farmers who embrace modern scientific agriculture. The basis of his philosophy is that nature grows plants just fine without our interference so that the most practical approach is to get out of the way. In the course of explaining his reasoning and methods, this do-nothing farmer delivers a scorching indictment of chemical agriculture and the human assumption that we can improve on nature. He explains the beneficial role of insects and plants usually characterized as pests, the fallacy of artificially boosting fertility with petrochemical concoctions, the logical error implicit in the use of farm machinery or draft animals, and why pollution is an inevitable result of misguided attempts to improve on nature. Calculation of the energy input versus the caloric output of various farms results in the surprising discovery (perhaps it shouldn't be) that (minimal) human labor is the most efficient way to produce food. Draft animals add more work and more energy input, small scale machines compound the problem and large scale mechanized agriculture proves to be a vast waste of energy. He calls modern American farmers "subcontractors of the oil industry," and claims that traditional Japanese farmers on 3-5 acres achieve a real net income higher than American farmers on 500-700 acres. (A skeptical friend of mine wondered if Japanese farm price supports were a factor here. Obviously a complex issue, that, but the declining economic viability of petro-chemical farming is obvious when we note that the onslaught of monster tractors and oil based fertilizers and pesticides has paralleled the collapse of the family farm. The author, to his credit, rejects any artificial manipulation of food prices and believes they should naturally be more or less the same worldwide.) Nor is this text pure philosophy, including as it does specific practical advice on the transition from scientific to natural methods. Crop rotation programs for cold or warm climates, and a ten year rotation system for grain and vegetables make this a practical manual for husbandry. As Fukuoka eloquently suggests, the universe is a circle returning to nothing. Nothing is the most profitable object of our meditations. Doing nothing is simply going with the flow. (See also his "groundbreaking" (literally) ONE STRAW REVOLUTION, Other India Press; 1992)

This book has great ideas for Japanese inspired homes. Beautiful photos and unique design ideas.

When friends tell me they are building a new home with Asian themes, I buy them this book! I receive enthusiastic thank you notes from everyone. Two friends bought copies for their designers and contractors. This should tell you something about this great book!

This book strikes the perfect balance between pictures and descriptions, as well as varying geographical locations. The pictures are sumptuous. There are pictures on nearly every page. I wished I could step into the book and live in the homes pictured.

This is an unusual book--short, succinct but filled with first person accounts of marines who were there, and writing/speaking in their own words, not paraphrased. My father was with the 1/21st of the Third Marine Division and I have his letters which describe his experiences as a Bn Surgeon with that unit (3d Division). He describes his experiences in letters in a kind of fragmentary way, but this book gives a picture of the flow of action as they move across the island, especially around the Motoyama #2. Well worth reading. Harry Mustard

I highly recommend this first-hand account to anyone who enjoys WWII history or history in general. One of the best books of the battle for Iwo Jima ever written. This is a well written book. Patrick Caruso was a true hero and patriot. An extraordinary man from the Greatest Generation. You will thoroughly enjoy and love reading this book. I wish the publisher would have included a map of Iwo Jima as the author had intended.

Now in a new edition with a forward by David G. Rathgeber, Nightmare on Iwo Jima: A Marine in Combat is the true-life memories of author Pat Caruso, who was a green lieutenant in the Marines who rapidly became the company commander when the five officers who ranked above him were killed or wounded in the bloodshed of the Pacific Theater. Unflinchingly honest descriptions of terrible fighting, incredible bravery, and the intense stress of being in constant contact with an implacable enemy characterize Nightmare on Iwo Jima. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this eyewitness account, not for the weak-stomached yet highly recommended.

An engrossing, very well written book detailing the somewhat peculiar nature of the Japanese "failed hero." In contrast to the Western ideal, the Japanese do not seem to require their heroes to "win" or "succeed." Ten chapters describe ten different historical figures (or groups) throughout Japanese history who fit this oxymoronic label. Anyone interested in Japanese history would find this book at once fascinating, inciteful, and educational.

I lived in Japan for two and a half years, and cannot speak highly enough of The Nobility of Failure.

In TNOF, Ivan Morris provides a much-needed look at - to most westerners, anyway - one of the oddest aspects of Japanese culture - the self-immolating hero. TNOF offers a rundown of Japanese populist heroes from the past 2,000 years - all of whom are doomed to complete and utter failure - and provides a convincing analysis of why Japanese culture produces such men, and why their failures actually raise their status in the eyes of many of their fellow citizens.

Morris was perhaps the leading Japan scholar of his day, but even he finds many of his subjects bizaare. He deftly, though not necessarily disrespectfully, pokes fun at the absurdity of many of their situations. Not many scholars can make you laugh while they make you think.

I lived in Japan for two and a half years, have visited the country several times since, and cannot speak highly enough of this book.

In TNOF, Ivan Morris provides a much-needed look at - to most westerners, anyway - one of the oddest aspects of Japanese culture, the self-immolating hero. TNOF offers a rundown of Japanese populist heroes from the past 2,000 years - all of whom are doomed to complete and utter failure - and provides a convincing analysis of why Japanese culture produces such men, and why their failures actually raise their status in the eyes of many of their fellow citizens.

Morris was perhaps the leading Japan scholar of his day, but even he finds many of his subjects bizaare. He deftly, though not necessarily disrespectfully, pokes fun at the absurdity of many of their situations. Not many scholars can make you laugh while they make you think.

Not only is this book interesting, it is fun! The illustrations are creative, colorful, catchy and in the style of hokusai. Although it is probably a children's book, I love it. It is also a good read.

As a librarian I see many, many books and this is a definite favorite. The simple story of the great Ukiyoe master, Hokusai, and his young apprentice, Tojiro, is told with humor and feeling. Along the way, there are lessons about being young and old, about persistence and talent. Many of the stories about Hokusai and his artwork are based on fact, such as his most famous Great Wave of Kanagawa from the collection Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji and his "thought-up drawings" in Hokusai Manga. As wonderful as the story is, the illustrations may be the very best part of this book. Francois Place's paintings are a story in themselves. The illustrations are colorful, well executed, with a subtle oriental flavor. Interspersed with Hokusai's own woodblock prints, they appeal to adults and children who love art, Japan, or just a warm and heartfelt story. I recommend Old Man Mad About Drawing to children, parents, and anyone who loves interesting stories blended with captivating art.

Francois Place has cleverly built this story about a mentoring relationship between the revered artist, Hokusai, and a young apprentice he names "sparrow." In the process of learning to serve "the old man mad about drawing" the sparrow, Tojiro, is introduced to the progressive stages of Hokusai's art. At first the old man seemed scraggly & wild to the boy; then he grew to appreciate the humor & many-faceted talents of the artist. Tojiro was taught to read, make inks and serve in many capacities.

Each time I hold this book the 'feel' of it pleases me. The font, Perpetua, is discussed in the back. There is also a Glossary - illustrated, naturally! The book's illustrations are plentiful and filled with the energy of Hokusai's "manga" - - the sketchbooks which also brought him fame. Because Francois Place is both author & illustrator of "The Old Man . . ." he had the freedom to paint chapter headings as vertical 'capsules' showing what each chapter is about. Place has a strong individual style that has brought him success as an illustrator, & Reviewer mcHAIKU is eager to search for his other titles.

The warmth of the relationship between teacher and student is shown when, during a walk together, the master whispers to Tojiro, "Learn to look in silence, if you don't want noise to drive away the beauty of fragile things that are before your eyes." On page 96, Place has an amusing sketch of the master letting the boy leave to find his future, tethered by a rope inked in by paintbrush.

Hokusai's assessment of his own growth as an artist was added to his now-famous album of "One Hundred Views of Mount Fugi." (see page 100), This statement giving perspective on aging, persistence and achievement should be used at all seminars for 'seniors'. Long after his death in 1889, HOKUSAI IS A ROLE MODEL FOR TODAY.

Donald Keene is not only one of the WestÕs great literary and cultural translators of Japan, he is an important figure in the history of modern Japanese literature. In this readable and inspiring autobiography, Keene succinctly recalls his experiences with Japan, its language and its culture, and the numerous academic and literary figures he has encountered.

Keene, like many early Japan scholars in the United States, was initially trained by the military for intelligence work during World War II in the Pacific. Most of the book deals with his life between the war years, when he first struggled with the Japanese language, through the 1960s, when he was at the height of his associations with such famous Japanese writers as Yasunari Kawabata, Kobo Abe and Yukio Mishima. Keene was a great fan of Mishima, who is probably the most legendary Japanese writer in the West. Keene knew him well professionally, and openly discusses his efforts to lobby for a Nobel Prize for Mishima. He also talks about the dejection that overtook Mishima for never winning. Keene relates his own sense of loss at the suicides of both Kawabata and, especially, Mishima, and even finds fault with himself for not recognizing sooner the trajectory of MishimaÕs demise.

Keene's autobiography is highly recommended to anyone interested in the literature or scholarship of Japan, as well as to anyone interested in the life of an unusual and inspiring individual.

Donald Keene's personal story on his life-long devotion to the study of Japanese never fails to attract those interested in Japanese and Japan.

I find his accidental first encounter with a strange language, Japanese, quite amusing. A mistake to put a record on a player has eventually led young Keene to dare to learn Japanese and finally to write one of the most comprehensive history of Japanese literature several years ago. My vivid memory is that on a new-year TV program Keene and a notable Japanese poet talked about Japanese literature. The Japanese poet was never equal to Keene on topics in Japanese literature. It might be true that Keene's profound knowledge and appreciation of Japanese literature has no rival even in Japan, maybe except Dr. Jinichi Konishi, Professor Emeritus of Tsukuba University.

In this work, Keene puts an exciting and enchanting account of mishaps, adventures, good luck with Japanese which fascinated and nurtured the author as a distinguished Japan scholar.

I especially love to read his struggle and clever strategy of how he finally reached Tokyo and then, without staying there for even a night he took a night train for Kyoto from which his literary quest originated.

I believe we can enjoy reading detailed episodes that reveal his solid dedication and patience in learning Japanese and Japan. The author's well-thought-out expressions often help us discover the best way to describe in plain English some peculiar aspects of Japanese culture.

As someone living in Japan I enjoyed reading this book. Donald Keene is one of the great scholars on Japanese literature and equally at home in it's many facetted culture. The work Dr. Keene has delivered with this autobiography has the feel of many years of being submerged in a fascinating as well as a, for a Westerner, incredibly complex literary culture written in a wonderfully easy to understand style. Not only for those interested in Japanese literature and culture, but also for those who just want to have a good read. While traveling or before going to sleep. Nothing deep, but personal and a joy to read!

He leído este bellísimo libro en español "Mas Grandes que el Amor". El contenido de este libro esá mas allá de las palabras. Es increible la terminología extraordinaria usada por el autor al explicar el descubrimiento del virus del SIDA "AIDS" y otras plagas que han atacado a la humanidad. Es tan Celestial como Madre Teresa creó una clinica de amor para los moribundos víctimas de estas plagas, con personas sin muchos conocimientos médicos, y aún asi, pudieron curar el alma de estos moribundos antes de morir. Un libro de similar contenido: Médico de Cuerpos y Almas" "Dear and Glorious Physician"

My father gave me a copy oth this book about six year ago. I was captivated by the way individuals around the world had a positive impact on each other. i am thinking of the young priest who was gravely injured, but found that he could connect to others through praying for them. The work of Mother Theresas sisters, the scientists studying AIDS, it was truly a human mosaic. The intertwining of people who may never have met! Truly, "No man is an island."

I must have read this book 4-5 years ago. And it left such an impression that after all these years...I realise that I have to reread the book and write this review. For everyone who have read ths review, my advice is to read the book, I will not give away the suspense. But the interactions of the characters, the emotions protrayed and the reality of it all will definitely strike a chord in everybody's hearts. For once, I am so disappointed that the book is out of print, because, it should be shared by all readers young and old. It not only opens your mind, it makes you see things in a perspective you never knew existed.

A little gem of a book brimming with great photos. Amy's text reflects her long time affection of Japan's jolly household goddess Otafuku. I'm smitten & blessed at the same time.

Japan is a country with a varied and populous pantheon of characters, both divine and otherwise. You see them smiling or frowning or laughing or scowling from almost every conceivable area. Packets of food, corners of rooftops, inside of cups and even your own underwear are all populated with a host of faces. Some are mere commercial creations, like Hello Kitty and Doraemon, while some, like Daruma, have a more ancient and venerable origin. Such is the case with Otafuku.

"Otafuku: Joy of Japan" is an ode to joy for one of these characters, a chubby, cherubic luck-goddess whose smiling face is one that I have seen for years but never known its name. Of no particular religion or station, Otafuku is simply a spreader of happiness and good fortune, seeking to make everyone as fat and jolly as herself. Often found in the kitchen, or above doorways, she is a smiling babies face, or an old grandmother offering you homemade sweets.

The author Amy Katoh is a super-collector of Otafuku. Living in Japan for more than 30 years, she has amassed a museum's worth of nicknack's and artifacts, ranging from 15th century Kyogen masks to modern toothpick holders. With the practised eye of an artisan (Katoh runs an artist's shop called "Blue and White" in Tokyo), she has haunted the flea markets and back-alley vendors selecting the finest and most charming Otafuku-wear available.

Highlighting her collection and a few choice pieces, Katoh has accompanied the photos with text, telling the origin and history of Otafuku, relating some stories of how she has brought luck and fortune into Katoh's life, and telling the lives of some others whom Otafuku has touched. The writing is as light and friendly as befits the subject, and her enthusiasm in infectious. Along with this are some beautiful haiku poems that give a feel for the pictures, creating atmosphere as haikus do.

Everything about "Otakuku: Joy of Japan" is authentic Japan. The text is bilingual, in both English and Japanese. The objects and images are things you will encounter in daily life in Japan. I love the flow of the ancient to the modern, and how no matter how many centuries pass, simple pleasures like Otafuku's happy face continue to keep smiling away.

This charming book about Otafuku, a Japan deity of good cheer, is delightful! The photographs of her, in all her little guises, warms the heart and the stories of Amy Katoh captures a tiny sweetness of Japan. If you are looking for something to spread (or find) the joy that can be noticed in small things in daily living, this is the book.

The first time I glanced trough this book I was dissapointed.
Having read it a few times, I now cannot understand why -probably because the photos that could have been better (white clad practicioners on white background. Not much contrast which makes it hard on the eyes).

Shigeru Oyama was one of the finest and most respected teachers in kyokushin karate (known for its full contact, bareknuckle competitions), until he left and founded his own style known as world Oyama karate.

This book is one of very few to focus on the fighting aspect of full contact styles. Tactics, theory and fighting combinations is the core of this book, and it is all very good.
While many combinations shown would be fouls in any knockdown bout (the full contact, bareknuckle rule system used in kyokushin, world oyama, ashihara and several other full contact styles), it is the tactics and foot work that gives a glimpse of how Jissen kumite (all out full contact karate fighting) should look like.

I highly recommend this book to any practicioner of any style that use knockdown rules in competition (you know who you are). Practicioners of other styles might find it interesting to see aswell, even if they might not use most of the information due to rules restrictions and the difference in tactics that it leads to.

Excellent photo-packed guide with explanations that will guide the student from the basics to full-contact sparring. This book is excellent in reinforcing what you learn in class.

If you are looking for real Japanese Karate Instruction, this is it. Look no further. Great book! Highly Recommended for real Karate Students.

The movie Princess Mononoke has impressed me a lot, I have had the opportunity to see the version original subtitled to the Spanish one and from then on, as animator, I have a concept very different from the animation. The characters capture to the audience for their personalities, only and completely believable, far from hero's / villainous typical stereotypes, in this film, it lines her that they separates it is narrowed until disappearing, giving place to an unique and personal experience. The animation of the film is simply delicious, and Hayao Miyazaki's master like storyteller are clearly patent. I have the Japanese Artbook of this movie and it is simply wonderful, and I wait my copy of this fantastic edition of Hyperion impatiently.

I have viewed the subtitled edition of the animated film Mononoke Hime and I must say it is absolutly magnificent!! ^_^ I was totaly absobed by it's great storyline. The storyline of this film is indeed very deep and carries with it many messages and thoughts on society and the nature of man as well as his relationship with Mother nature . Mononoke Hime, though it does contain violent scenes and much of it's plot involves battle, too portrays a beautiful love story. With this film scheduled to be released in the U S in October, I encourage all able to go see it. I belive that those who view Mononoke Hime in the theaters this fall will be just as impressed and touched as I was after viewing it. Those who view Mononoke Hime in theaters this October will also be able to view animation in a whole new prespective. Hopefully it will make some realize that though they are only "cartoons", animated pieces are very capable of portraying human ideas, thoughts and emotions in a very mature, adult fashion. So well are these emotions portrayed that they are made tangible. It is for this very reason that I have become a fan of japanese aniamted works (anime), for in the US, many people including animators, are under the impression that animation is truthfully only a field built for the amusement of children. I must thank Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of Mononoke Hime, for producing such a wonderful animated film which I am lucky to have been able to see. This film will always have a place in my heart.

I saw the movie "Princess Mononoke" subtitled and I must say it is fantastic! Not the best of Miyazaki's works (Nausicaa is my favorite) but still a good movie! Cant wait for it to come out!