I love this book, it is a great inspiration! Each time I pick it up, I see something new and artistic in the techniques. The illustrations, photos, examples, and steps are wonderfully laid out. It is well worth the cost, as one can tell there was much passion put into completing the book. It is a favorite!

If you have one book on Shibori, this should be the one (reviewers opinion)! Yoshiko Wada covers the scope of Shibori, its history, artists and techniques with expertise and beautiful photos. There are only a handful of books on traditional shibori in English. Here you will find an easy to read, well laid out format. Techniques are covered with clear, detailed instructions and diagrams. This is most helpful for beginners yet allows the advanced to become more proficient and precise. Complimenting the above are excellent color photos; close-ups of patterns (a vast selection), garments, ancient, traditional and contemporary artists and their works. Yoshiko's book takes the reader from the historical through creating a completed piece of art. Fact: This reviewer was introduced to this book in an art class. Five years later, now a shibori artist, I still use Yoshiko's book on an almost daily basis. The wealth of information she provides is invaluable as both guide and reference. Thank you Yoshiko and Amazon for offering this book.

This book must be The Definitive volume on Shibori. It contains a wealth of information on the creation and development of the art, background information on the culture which nourished it, and biographical information on some of the principle artists responsible for its evolution. The illustrations are at least as impressive as the text. The book contains hundreds of photographs, both of completed garments and of swatches created through the use of the various techniques detailed in the book. The instructions for re-creating those patterns are clearly explained and easy to follow. Most remarkably, this book would serve equally well as a reference work or even a "coffee-table" book for those with an interest in textile art or art history, or as a manual for the textile artist. Although it is costly, the book represents an excellent value since it would take a lifetime (literally) to begin to exhaust the creative possiblities presented in it. It is a most worthwhile investment.

The story of the cute, spunky heroine Uriko-hime who was born from a melon will surely delight children of all ages. It is actually a retelling of the Japanese folktale Momotaro. Judy Sierra's narration is lovely. Tontoko-tontoko--I could hear Uriko-hime's wooden sandals. And Meilo So's illustrations are a real eye-candy.

As a Japanese language teacher in a Primary school, I have always shared the story of Momotaro with my students who are really fascinated with the oni (demons) and Momotaro's bravery and kindness. I was thrilled to find this new reworking of the traditional story with a female "hero" who was born from a large melon rather than a peach, and sets off to Onigashima to rescue the babies from the oni, accompanied by the dog, pheasant and the monkey, all sustained of course by the famous kibidango. A really enjoyable and fun read-aloud and a good teaching tool for comparing traditional stories with reworkings.

As a fourth grade teacher, I plan to use this book as an introduction to folklore. It is especially appealing to find a book with an Asian heroine.

Don't be shocked of the thickness of the book. I still have my (paperback) copy from '95,and flipped when I saw the price on Amazon.Com. Exellent book,and very deep and thorough information on (Sengoku Jidai era) 16th century Japanese history. This book is for the serious history student,and I mean money no object. Book talks about the military government of Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo Bakufu's.

Warrior rule in Japan is a compilation of essays by well-known authors on history of Japan: Jeffrey P. Mass, Ishii Susumi, John Whitney Hall and Harold Bolitho. This is a serious academic book on history of institutional development of Bakufu (the warrior government, or, as it is widely known, the Shogunate) in Japan from the times of Minamoto Yoritomo through Tokugawa Bakufu). In contrast to books by, for example Steven Turnbull, who wrote extensively on military strategies, tactics, campaigns and concentrated among other things on personalities of samurai leaders, this author goes into the in-depth analysis of the development of Bakufu as an institution and describes governance of Japanese society, gives some insight into economic and judicial powers of its branches.

"Warrior rule" is a serious reading for a serious scholar. Due to abundance of Japanese terms, it is not easy to read. However, without getting an exposure to the subject of this book, it is not possible to understand, what really stood behind many military campaigns and moves famous people of those turbulent times and feel the atmosphere of samurai age. The life of famous daimyo was not 100 per cent war, but also administration, politics, influence, economics, rituals, law and justice.

In addition, Harold Bolitho provides a general outline of the concept of Han, or local government, or the government of a daimyo, his area of administration and source of power and structure of loyalties. One learns here concepts of local samurai, fudai (or hereditary retainers, although this concept is quite described by other authors as well), shugo, jito and other concepts necessary to learn history of this legendary age.

This is a great alternative for those who wants to get the extensive "The Cambridge History of Japan Vol.3" Most of the contents were culled from the later. I find this book very helpful, and concise. It offers alot of good information of the Kamakura Bakufu and the invasion of the Mongols. Plus it's priced moderately. A must for students of the Sengoku Jidai.

A enlightening history of role of Zen Buddhism in the Pacific War. Victoria analyzes how Zen and the Japanese military affected each other. He takes the writings of the leading Buddhists of the time to tell the story. A classical study on how religion and society influence each other., even a supposedly peace loving religion can be twisted into an instrument of the state. Sheds some light on one of the forefathers of American Zen, D.T. Suzuki

The problem with this fascinating book isn't that it had any quarrel with Zen, but that it tries to point, from the spirit of Zen, at one application of that very Zen spirit that, in today's common understanding, is false and evil. The topic are the more or less hidden underpinnings between (not only Zen) Buddhism and Japanese militarism, but, too, the resistance against that unholy alliance. The author is a professor at Auckland University, and for 30 years an engaged priest of the Soto school of Zen. So his interest surely is more than just casual and distant, and one cannot shrug it off as some 'clearing up the dark sides of Zen' business.

It is essential that not only the historical facts are listed, but that one may have a look at their causal nexus - so it's possible to perceive how a number of rather prominent representatives of the Zen sect with subjectively good conscience came not only to defend, but to call things good and just which aren't compatible with the tenets of Buddhism, or those of any general humanity for that. And that they aren't viewed as bloodthirsty monsters, but as people also stricken with a (only??) Japan-immanent mechanism. When reading, again and again the atmosphere reminded me of the first book I ever read about Japan, and on the deep mutual understanding between Germans and Japanese - from Nazi times.

There's one figure very central in the book - the 'Zen-missionary' so eminent in the West, D. T. Suzuki, and his changes of viewpoint, depending on time and audience - whether before, during, or after the war, and speaking to Japanese or to Americans - his stock of upaya seems to have been inexhaustible. And it seems he couldn't imagine a western oriented mind might be annoyed there and take that as insincerity - as also it didn't burden him that he not only contradicted others, but himself as well. But that's an attitude one meets rather often with masters (or would-be's) nowadays - "Why should I bother with that nonsense I've told you ! the other day!". On the other hand, a lot of his insights and oversights would be most interesting and, maybe, guiding. Especially I remember his saying "With satori alone, it is impossible [for Zen priests] to shoulder their responsibilities as leaders of society. Not only is it impossible, but it is conceited of them to imagine they could do so." (Zenkai Sasshin) There's a second question of course - do Zen priests really want to take the responsibility of being leaders of society, and if so, with what kind of a title?

The - quantitatively minor - resistance against the pocketing of Buddhism and, especially, Zen through 'Imperial Way Buddhism' is appreciated justly - that both sides are quoted in rather harsh tones, only contributes to the realism of description. Most interesting are the passages of those who first were active as hangers-on and flag-wavers, and later learned to critically reconsider and relativize their attitudes of wartime. The last part of the book deals with the working-up (or rather, not-working-up) of the facts inside and outside Japan after the end of WWII. These descriptions made me prick up my ears, and partly bewildered me. The league of inconvincables isn't unknown in Germany, too, but mostly they aren't found among the intellectual and spiritual élite... When 35 years after the war a high-ranking Zen master openly emphasizes that 'Japan destroyed itself in order to grandly give the countries of Asia their independence. I think this is truly an accomplishment worthy the name 'holy war'... I think the various peoples of Asia who achieved their independence will ceaselessly praise their accomplishments for all eternity' (Mumon Yamada), then it might be Suzuki's opinion isn't completely mistaken, that enlightenment attained is not necessarily sufficient to make unerringly correct statements in any given situation. There maybe the expectations of western Zen students play a role, as described in Stuart Lachs' essay 'Coming down from the Zen ! Clouds': "Unlike psychologically-based movements for personal transformation, whose leaders appeared as seekers themselves, Zen Buddhism promised, in the person of the teacher, a master who had actually realized the Buddhist goal of Enlightenment and manifested its qualities continuously in his daily life. American Zen students have tended to hold these teachers in awe, to the point of regarding their every action as pure and selfless. This tendency to idealize the teacher comes in part from the students' inexperience, but is strongly encouraged by the Zen organization and the teacher himself".

The last chapter picks up the thread and ties it to the 'Corporate Zen' of present, which isn't explicitely militaristic but is an offspring of the same spirit - 'Zen is obedience unreflected - reflecting neither the contents of instructions nor the person giving it.' Or, as a contemporary Japanese master says, "Sincerity [in carrying out orders] means having feelings and actions of absolute service, giving one's all [to the task at hand]. In doing this there can be no personal loss or gain... By carrying out our assigned tasks, we become part of the life of the entire universe; we realize our original True Self... This is the most noble thing human beings can do." (Sakai Tokugen)

Brian Victoria it seems has valued his book quite realistically - not as a compendium of answers, but a collection of unsolved - or possibly unsolvable - questions; and not as a conclusion, but an initiative to some examination of the corruptability of spiritual ways.

Every Zen student, scholar, and especially every Zen teacher should read this sobering, stimulating, excellent book. "Do not put any heads above your own." "A disciple of the Buddha does not kill," two Buddhist fundamentals, violated deeply by well-known, well-respected teachers in the Zen school in pre-1945 Japan. This book is an incentive to the reader to re-examine one's own life and daily actions and decisions. The incredible ability of the human mind to rationalize away behavior that is immoral, and to intellectually contort Buddhist teachings in the same service, is vividly brought forth in this book. I want to keep this book always visible on my desk or altar as a reminder to never forget about living with integrity, true courageous integrity.

the main plotline of this story may not sound very compelling, but this is not the main attraction - what draws you into the story is the way that Mishima is so deft in his character portraits. he give descriptions of things like hand movements and facial expressions in such a subtle way that very early on in the novel you feel as if you intimately know and understand the main characters - so much so that you can see them clearly in your minds eye - not just their appearace, but expressions, feelings, and mannerisms. i think that this is a great strength of mishima's in the novel - in presenting a psychological portrayal of his characters.

After the banquet tells the story of a mature, successful japanese woman who gives up her restaurant business to devote herself to marriage with a politician. a politician you say - how boring - but noguchi is different, he has an honesty and vitality about him -"Why don't we drop all this talk about the old days? We're still young after all."

however the relationship is doomed because of an impotant diference - kazu has had to work very hard to gain success in life, even if it meant acting in an immoral way. her husband, on the other hand, has been born into an easier life; therefore respect and integrity are more important to him than 'commercial' success. this all comes to a head when kazu tries to revive her husbands ailing political career, using methods he cannot approve of.

even if you find the plot incredibly boring, you just HAVE to love Kazu. she's not just successful and streetwise - she can act despicably at times, causing us to wonder if she has any feelings at all. you'd think this would make you hate her, but it does just the opposite because although her behaviour can be devious and manipulative, it is at the same time chidish and has an innocence about it. if you've read Chaucer's Wife of Bath then you'll know wht i mean; somtimes you want to strangle her, at others admire her.
even if yu find yourself really not liking kazu, you have to admire her if only for the fact that she managed to make herself so successful having come from a very poor backround - she is a woman before her time.

i just gotta say one more thing - its very interesting to see hoe kazu and nouchi can both be innocent, but in different ways - noguchi in his trust in so-called 'friends', and kazu in her manipulation of people - although it could be argured this shows qualities that are anything but innocent and childish.

ultimately, kazu has to make a choice; unfortunately, she cannot have the successful career and 'wifey' role at he same time. she must choose between conforming and resisting, between acting in her own or others interests.

i loved the main character of this book,Kazu,who burned with ambition without an outlet until she met and married an elderly politician. She risked everything to help him succeed in office,with disasterous results. Her energy and optimism are an inspiration,especially when placed in the setting of post WW2 Japan.

i always enjoy a novel that leaves me reflecting upon emotions in relation to the cultural setting. this book is wonderful in the way the characters relate and try to grow within the confines of japanese society of the times.

Excellent book. Highly recommond for any one who would like to know "What is TPS?". As you see in this book one can try to copy a system but to understand and implement the philosophy behind such a system is very very difficult. Once you start reading it you will not put it down till you finish.

I thought the book was as informative as interesting. I learned a lot about Toyota, and management in general. More impressive was the writing I could not put this book down. It was exiting from start to finish.

This book will open your eyes to the unique story of men and machines in Japan, USA and Europe. There are also accurate accounts of the history of the automotive industry in the early days. You will come to realize a new appreciation for the honor and ethics of the Toyoda family and the companies and systems they founded and developed.

There have been other fine books that show and describe bamboo in Japan, both plants and craft, but no other book has so effectively shown how this remarkable plant has shaped a culture in all of its aspects, from the roots of its language, to its cuisine, its art, and its commerce---from the most mundane tools of daily life to the most sublime aspect of art and spirit. Beautifully designed, the book itself is a work of art, with text and photographs woven together in such a way that one finds that one has not simply read a book about a topic, but has become a part of that experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

BAMBOO IN JAPAN is one of the most exciting and beautiful books I've read in years. During her many years of researching in Japan, Bess discovered that bamboo contributes to every aspect of Japanese life: from architecture to religion, from household goods to children's toys. Bamboo is made into fans, baskets, kites, fences, tea ceremony whisks and scoops; into rakes, blinds, lanterns, spoons, dolls, umbrellas, fish rods, swords, and even into musical instruments such as the eerie, reedy shakuhachi. The book is filled with fascinating facts and anecdotes. Ancient documents chronicle the use of a small bamboo knife that was thought to have magical powers, and so was used to cut the umbilical cord after birth. In the 17th century an ordinance mandated that peasants plant bamboo in order to use the leaves for fuel. Did you know that some varieties of bamboo grow so quickly that one can actually watch them grow? Or that the adult plant is strong enough to support traditional scaffolding tens of stories high, yet delicate enough to be cut into fibers hardly wider than a hair? A Japanese folktale describes a bamboo cutter's discovery of a beautiful miniature princess in a bamboo shoot. Additionally, Bess includes resources for observation and research in Japan and in the US. An internationally known textile and basket craftsperson, Bess has produced a book so vibrant and colorful, it will grow and grow sky high in your imagination.

What a pleasure to see the soul of bamboo portrayed with such insight! Many examples of bamboo in use, a feast for the eyes. This book is a treasure of bamboo knowledge.

I rated this Book 4 stars consider 5 if by the time you read this Sixty Seconds has become an Epitaph. Fine book, goes hand in hand with Late Night Radio ;-).....But in all seriuosness Mr Hadfield is building a dire scenario of what is more than just a dam good possibility. Look where the Island of Japan sits...on/at the convergence of several techtonic plates. In comparison, the Kobey EQ will be a walk in the Park...The aftermath of Financial Wreckage & Ruin would/will change the World Forever. Think not that we all off the hook, we still live on the brink of Edgar Cayce and Michelle de Nostradamus.... What about that generated Tsunami...? Prehaps time to get that board ready....Surf's up Dudes!

I am astonished this book is out of print. Unlike most books warning of future calamities, This one's subject, a great earthquake devastating Tokyo and surrounding towns on the Kanto plain, is virtually certain to happen. The only question is "When?".

I am astonished this book is out of print. Unlike most books warning of future calamities, this one's subject, a great earthquake devastating Tokyo and surrounding towns on the Kanto plain, is virtually certain to happen. The only question is "When?". The answer would appear to be, "Any time at all, now.", given the fact that detailed record-keeping shows a tremendous earthquake strikes this area about every seventy years, and that the last one was on September 1, 1923! Japan is the world's most severe-earthquake-prone area.

The author sets forth, in harrowing detail, not only what may be expected when the catastrophe occurs, but what may be expected to precede and, even more importantly, to follow the temblor.

A widespread cataclysm on the Kanto Plain will prove devastating to the economy all over the world, given Japanese overseas investment, which investment would naturally be withdrawn to rebuild the shattered megalopolis, and its varied heavy and light industry, as well as its many world business headquarters.

Indeed, given the inflated value of Japanese realty, every insurer around the globe will be jeopardized, not only through direct policies issued, but through reinsurance policies taken out by other insurance companies. This is the tip of the iceberg.

Loss of life may be astronomical. This would include countless business leaders and their families. also to be expected would be immense political chaos and instability in one of the world's leading economic powers. Yoour own stock portfolio, retirement fund, company pension and job may be greatly implicated. This is the one regional disaster that can easily shift history.

You should be informed about this ever-approaching calamity. Unless plate tectonics ceases to operate, and it won't, this disaster is going to happen, and it is going to affect you!!

This book doesn't have all the answers, and probably not even all the questions, given the complexity of Japanese society and economic structures. But it will make you think, and that's the first line of defense.

I'll bet your stockbroker or financial advisor doesn't know about this, but he or she should. After you read the book, have them read it too. Then decide how to protect yourself, and do it, because this is one disaster that is going to wait for nobody. It is going to make Kobe's earthquake look like small potatoes. I guarantee it.

The book is organized by themes. Each chapter is a group of symbols. The chapters are: 1 - Cosmos, Heaven, & Earth; 2 - Trees & their fruits; 3 - Diverse plants; 4 - Birds & insects; 5 - Land & sea animals; 6 - Demons, deities, and figural groups; 7 - Religion & good fortune; 8 - Objects of everyday life; 9 - Music, board games, and cultural pursuits;

Within each chapter, each subject is treated alphabetically. So for example for Ch. 4, subjects treated are: ...., Bamboo shoots, Beans, Bellflower, Bracken, Bush Clover, Chrysantemum,....

The information is there, no question. I was looking into what the heck was that egg-shaped 'tama' that I've seen associated with the Inari fox several times on netsukes, now I know (it's a wish granting jewel.) The 2 reproaches I would make are the following:

First, the information is there but it's a very dry reading. So for example in the case of the tama & Inari fox, I know now what a tama is, but I would have loved a little bit more info on why it is associated to the Inari fox, why it's shaped like an egg, etc. Basically, I would have liked some info on the legend behind the symbol.

Second, the book hesitates between being a scholarly reference book (somewhat dry content) and an entry level one (1 inch deep and 1 mile wide.) For example, the Chrysantemum gets as much treatment as the Cherry Tree (FYI, a full page), but the author only mentions that it is an imperial emblem once, en passant, in the last paragraph (as if any reader, of course, would already know that.) She also doesn't talk about how the Kikumon is used by artists who had been such authorized by the imperial family as an endorsement / reward.

The book is quite well illustrated with generally at least 1 plate per page. Illustrating ALL themes would have required 2 more books! Some of the pictures are of unusual subjects such as modern jpz art pieces that I at least had not had the opportunity to see before, or a couple of amber netsuke. Loads of inro boxes, netsuke, and prints. I have not seen a single sword blade (but there's at least 1 tsuba.) There are a great quantity of small size example of mons, typically a couple for each key theme (e.g., 2 for each of Stars, Sun, Moon, Lightning, but none on Snow, Rocks, Mountains,...)

All and all I will give it a grade of 4 out of 5, as an entry level reference book for Jpz culture *generally speaking*. If you are looking for an treaty focusing on a specific art, or one that would give you more than the raw information and include legends and stories, you might be disappointed.

This is a long awaited book which succinctly lists and describes the symbolism seen in the Japanese arsts, making the viewing of the works much more interesting and enjoyable. The history , where they originated, how when and where they are to this day, used. The colors for different ages and seasons. How they have changed over the centuries. Surprisingly, I found some similarities in the our and other western ideas that are used in much the same way as the eastern. The information is deep and scholarly, yet reading it is not a chore.

Book review for Symbols of Japan.

Japanese and Chinese art have been a fascination for me for many years. However, I am continually frustrated by conflicting and confusing information about the symbolic meanings of these two artistic traditions, and an inconsistent use of terminology. "Symbols of Japan"--amazingly (and concisely) gives me the answers to these longstanding problems. As another reviewer said, this is an eye-catching book, well designed and with some extraordinary pieces of art illustrated. But for me, the special significance of "Symbols of Japan" is its text. The writing has great clarity and discipline. I found it is so very elegant and fascinating that I kept wishing I could read even more on the topics covered.

"Symbols of Japan," is a one-volume encyclopedia and has between one and ten paragraphs for each of the several hundred subjects, making it easy to maneuver. Each entry specifically addresses how the topic is treated in art, and also-and here is where this book is so unique-first provides a considerable amount of cultural background in a truly interesting manner. Some entries are predictable, like dragons and cherry blossoms. But others are off the beaten track or often examined in a light I had not even considered.

What kinds of subjects did I personally like best? Such topics as how the Japanese think of and depict weather, the degree to which demons are malicious and immoral, why ghosts of the deceased are usually female, and the role oxen play in fighting epidemics. Also how the Japanese typically paint tigers, why ropes and knots are so important in everyday life and art, why Japanese art shows clothing meant to make Taoist wizards invisible, and what it means if you see people in clothing patterned with swastikas.

I do not think that "Symbols of Japan" makes any pretensions that it is a history of Japanese art, and it does not examine any specific art media in depth. Still, readers interested in Japanese art (and others with specialized interests such as samurai history, tattoos, dolls, astronomy, mythology, gardening, and the theater) will surely want to make "Symbols of Japan" a foundation of their libraries and a first choice for learning more about Japanese culture. Moreover, it is truly beautiful to look at.

While the chapters are well written and logically organized, the absence of an index was disappointing and frustrating when we knew we had read about some item of interest somewhere in the 457 pages but could no longer locate it.

Amazing book..we have been 'on the road' for years and this is the easiest, best guide we have ever used in 40 years! Now we are hoping that other exciting cities will also have a guide like this...not necessarily for 'free' but organized in this manner!

There is just not another book like this one for anyone on their way to Tokyo, Japan. All of the airlines should offer it to their Tokyo bound passengers. Susan Pompian is to be complimented indeed for all her hard work in putting all of this important information into one compact volume. I wouldn't be without it! If you happen to be Tokyo-bound now or anytime in the future, my advise to you is...buy it!