Japan Books

"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 Wisely, there is little in the way of pricing information, as this is quickly outdated.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.

An easy, quick, helpful and entertaining read. I've recommended this book to several business associates and friends who were travelling to Japan for the first time. This book's multiple short chapters format makes it ideal for quick reads during trip preparation -- or on the long plane ride over. Charles Danziger captures and eloquently explains much of what is uniquely Japanese.

52 anecdotal stories about the everyday life in Japan. An entertaining read that mixes humor and real experiences with insightful ananlysis in non-technical terms. An excellent introduction to Japanese culture for the casual reader or world traveler.

This book has long been my best resource for travels throughout Japan. My 1983 version is tattered from use. I am thrilled with the updated version!

Of the numerous reference guides I read previous to going to Japan, this is above and beyond the most comprehensive book I came across. J.D. Bisignani excels in providing in-depth and detailed accounts of all aspects of this country. One of the greatest strengths of this reference guide is its ability to provide an accurate perspective on the nation without getting trapped in the stereotypes of other travelling guides. The analyses of each prefecture (state or province) of Japan are remarkably rich in information, particularly cultural details. The author leads the reader off the beaten path of normal tourist attractions which many guides or websites put too much emphasis on. Rather, you explore tiny hamlets and isolated towns usually neglected by foreigners to savor the real Japanese experience. The time and effort J.D. Bisignani puts into pointing out particular buildings or sites of interest - even if they are as miniscule as a small roadside shrine or quaint teahouse - truly pays for the price of the guide itself. It is difficult not to stress the value I gleaned from the Japan Handbook. I remained in Japan for a little over a month, and the Handbook granted me insight into a foreign culture that I would otherwise have been without. Along with the expected summaries of hotels, restaurants and attractions, this guide covers essential points oft forgotten. Appropriate haiku or other poetry usually begin each chapter, as do the delicate drawings. The cultural notes included amongst the numerous chapters are especially important for the first-time visitor to an area and can save major embarassments. Compared to some other guides, the Japan Handbook might be a bit pricey. However, it makes up for the difference with rich descriptions and numerous tidbits ranging from local stories and legends to maps. For anyone considering travelling to Japan, even for a brief time, or for those with an interest in what makes this country tick, I highly recommend this book.

I wish I'd read this book before my experiences with Japanese hospitals in the late eighties (the book was published in 1995). The front page contains emergency information and the Japanese vocabulary necessary for calling an ambulance. The rest of the book covers all aspects of health care, what to expect in Japanese hospitals and within the health care system, drugs and nutrition in Japan, exercise resources, and health-related lifestyle tips. There's even a chapter on dealing with death and dying in Japan. Extremely useful, with extensive listings of resources. This should be on the bookshelf of every expat living in Japan.

This book got me through pregnancy and labor with it's thoroughly researched and comprehensive advice on the Japanese medical system. Now I am relying on it to get my son through vaccinations and diseases. Hundreds of medical centers throughout Japan are listed, in both English and Japanese. If you are uneasy about seeing a doctor in Japan, this book takes your hand and guides you (even includes topical English-Japanese phrases).

this book is one of my required textbook, I ordered from Amazon, quick action and very good service!

Twenty years ago, Japanese management wall all the rage. Then came a long, protracted slump and attention turned elsewhere. Japan fell into oblivion. But while nobody took notice, an interesting thing happened. The Japanese model implemented its own transformation. It was remodeled into something new, but still distinctly Japanese. How this transformation occurred and what kind of new model came into being form the story of this book.

The Japanese traditional system differs from the liberal market model in important ways. It emphasizes the benefits of long-term relationships in labor, banking, and supplier relations. You have an active external labor market on the one hand, a lifetime employment system and a dual economy on the other. A market for corporate control dominated by shareholders' rights versus a main bank system and stakeholders governance. Free market entry and exit versus supplier networks. No model is intrinsically better, although the liberal model may be better adapted to a fast-changing economy at the technology frontier or to sectors where radical innovations occur, whereas the Japanese model has an institutional advantage in a catching-up phase or in sectors that rely on incremental improvements in production processes, such as automobiles and consumer electronics.

Contrary to what some expected, the Japanese model did not converge toward the U.S. one. Nor did it become an hybrid, although elements of flexibility were introduced at various levels. In fact, Vogel shows that liberal market reforms have very few natural advocates in Japan: even groups with the greatest apparent stake in liberalization, such as large manufacturing exporters or consumer associations, are reluctant to embrace reforms that might affect social stability or undermine relations with workers, financial institutions, other business partners, and the government. The Koizumi administration nevertheless succeeded in introducing important reforms, but with a distinctive policy pattern. Japanese authorities proceed with reforms slowly and cautiously; they package delicate compromises, including substantial compensation for those who might be disadvantaged by the reforms; they design reforms to preserve the core institutions of the model as much as possible; and they seek new ways to build on the strengths of existing institutions.

The remodeled Japan differs from the earlier version in at least three important ways. It is more selective: In the face of hard times, companies have become more discriminating in their Partnerships. They have reevaluated their long-term relationships with workers, banks, and other firms, and they have loosened some and tightened others. They have shifted from a reflexive acceptance of these partnerships to a more rational assessment of their costs and benefits. It is more differentiated: Companies have become more variable in their practices. There never was a uniform Japanese model that applied equally to all sectors and all companies, but the model has fragmented further. And it is more open: Japanese corporations have more foreign owners, managers, and business partners than ever before, and these foreign actors bring with them different practices and norms.

Apart from telling a compelling story, this book also distinguishes itself by its extensive use of the comparative case method. It compares patterns of institutional change across countries (Japan versus the United States and Germany), across policy issues (labor market reform versus financial reform, for example), across industrial sectors (automobiles versus retail), across companies (Toyota versus Nissan, etc.) and across time (Seiyu before and after allying with Wal-Mart). This variation across issue areas allows the author to test several hypotheses about the impact of reforms, with sometimes surprising results. The author's scholarship also spans across disciplines, and the result is a fine example of how political science can blend with business studies and institutional economics.

I first spotted this book in the late 1990s. I recently got it because of my interest in the release of the recent film version from 2006 called "Nihon Chinbotsu".

Is this book worth it? Yes. It is not only a fantastic work of Japanese science-fiction--which is very rarely translated and brought to the US--but as a disaster novel, it manages to capture the confusion and outright terror brought about by the sinking of Japan. This event, brought about by a major shift of the tectonic plates, causes a series of devastating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, including the eruption of Mt. Fuji. The book is a fast read, with the last few pages being the equivalent of a punch in the gut as the Japanese struggle to deal with the inevitable outcome. Other issues are brought up, such as, what will the Japanese be without their home country? How will the world react to such an unprecedented disaster? And how does one go about evacuating over 110 million people?

Ironically, I finished the book right before a major quake struck Japan recently. To say that I got one hell of a chill down my spine is an understatement. Strangely enough, this 1995 translation has an introduction written by Sakyo Komatsu that spoke about the tragic Kobe earthquake which had occurred earlier that year.

In the end, I highly recommend this book.

It's a classic convention of literature - and perhaps life - that people reach their clearest insight only when death is at hand. By creating a model of Japan's death, Komatsu deftly exposes the how the Japanese see themselves, how they believe the world sees them, and who they are. As a foreigner in Japan for nine years who has read copiously on this country, this novel is among the most penetrating I've read. For those who aren't interested in dissecting the Japanese, they'll still be thrilled by this compelling tale of an entire nation's doom.

This is a book about the Japan that even Japanese urbanities unfortunately do not know. I recommend it for anybody seriously interested in the anthropology of the different native people of Japan and their heritage. It is easy to read and first hand report. I felt touched by the interviews. However, to have a whole picture, I suggest to read it after you know the stereotypes of Japan that are written in most of introductory books in the market, or better, after you live there for some time. I have read other books about indigenous people of other lands, and many times I finish with sadness, for the loss of their treasures and way of life. Preface of this book mentioned something that I felt very valuable. It said that Mr. Suzuki purported to show that such native people may provide a clue to the future, to our survival. I appreciate your message very much, Mr. Suzuki.

Abe-san's review elsewhere on this page focuses on the treatment of the Ainu in Hokkaido -- Japan's indigenous people -- and indeed, this is one of the issues that Suzuki and Oiwa's work takes up; but it IS only one of the issues. Suzuki, for those of you who don't know, is a Japanese Canadian who, like many others, was forcibly relocated with his family as a child during the Second World War. The Canadian government, in a move they since have apologized and made token reparations for, confiscated the property of all persons of Japanese ancestry on the west coast and sent them into the interior of the province to camps, similar to Manzanar in California. Suzuki, driven to excel by these experiences, to prove himself as a Canadian, grew up to become a political activist and passionate environmentalist (and TV celebrity, university professor, etc). Oiwa, the co-author, believed himself ethnically Japanese until discovering that his father was a Korean -- a revelation, since Koreans are not treated as equals by some Japanese, and there are enduring tensions from the days when Japan occupied Korea. Together, the two writers travelled to Japan to probe into many current political problems, with considerable concern for the environment and aboriginal issues, but also dealing with political problems in Okinawa, the tendancy in some circles in Japan to deny guilt for war atrocities, the treatment of the burakumin, Japan's "untouchable class," and issues that spring up from the Japanese concern for treating "outsiders" differently from "insiders" (Japanese who grew up in South America are interviewed, for example, about being treated like outsiders in their own country). Everything they write is supported by excellent interviews. The emphasis of the book is NOT on criticising the Japanese right or such, however, but rather speaking with people in Japan who are fighting to change things -- including Katsuichi Honda, a controversial author who has written a substantial book on the Nanking Massacre (and who actually visited China for purposes of research). Suzuki's main concern in his work has been the environment, so much attention is given to farmers experimenting with alternative, back-to-nature methods of farming - more than interested me, but environmentalists might feel otherwise. I'd recommend this book for anyone concerned about Japan.