I grew up reading this book and loved the stories. Now, the copy I read is packed away, and I would love a new, hardcover copy! I'd buy this book in a heartbeat, and I'm sure several of my teacher friends would end up picking up copies, too!

I first read this book when I was 10. That would be 40 years ago. I've tried to find a copy of my own ever since. It was one of the best and most memorable children's books I ever read. It's right up there with Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

I got a used paperback copy of all Ooka's stories and still have it. I came online to see if there were any more collections- unfortunately I haven't been able to find any, but I would love to see this book reprinted! I'd really hate to wear out the one copy I own.

One of the best books on air combat I've read. Saburo Sakai's 500 mile trek back to Rabual from Guadacanal in his crippled zero is a testimony to the man and to the nature of war. "Samurai" is another book you won't be able to put down. It's the Japanese version of "The First and Last" and the reader follows Sakai's career from the early days of Japanese victory to the war's conclusion. I was particularly struck by the comparative decline in the Japanese Zero as America moved from P40s, P39s and F4Fs to Zero killers such as the F4U, F6F, and P38. *NOTE* Samurai has recently been under scrutiny for questions relating to its historicity. The climatic account of Sakai's encounter with US torpedo bombers has been singled out as particularly spurious. For more reviews see the "WWII Aviation Booklist" http://www.ampsc.com/~prophet/booklist.html

...read this book .... It was so good in fact, that I literally did not put it down. I have read it three times since, and it has lost neither its freshness nor its impact.

The highest scoring Japanese ace to survive World War II, Sakai's book was the first of its kind--a first hand account from the "enemy's" persepective. It was astoundingly popular and Sakai became somewhat of a hero in the United States, and until his death from a heart attack in October 2000, he received countless "fan" letters, all of which he answered.

His story chronicles the rise and fall of not only the Japanese Naval Air Forces, but Japan itself. The thrill of victory and the bitterness of defeat are crystal clear. It is amazing that a story translated from one language to another can be so vivid and engrossing.

For a brilliant history lesson about the Pacific War during World War II that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the one. Through it all, you are there with Sakai be it in the cockpit or on the operating table. The "Classics of Naval Literature Series" version is superior to all others (for reasons explained in its FOREWORD). Highly recommended.

I first read this book in in the eighth grade. It was so good in fact, that I literally did not put it down. I have read it three times since, and it has lost neither its freshness nor its impact.

The highest scoring Japanese ace to survive World War II, Sakai's book was the first of its kind--a first hand account from the "enemy's" persepective. It was astoundingly popular and Sakai became somewhat of a hero in the United States, and until his death from a heart attack in October 2000, he received countless "fan" letters, all of which he answered.

His story chronicles the rise and fall of not only the Japanese Naval Air Forces, but Japan itself. The thrill of victory and the bitterness of defeat are crystal clear. It is amazing that a story translated from one language to another can be so vivid and engrossing.

For a brilliant history lesson about the Pacific War during World War II that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the one. Through it all, you are there with Sakai be it in the cockpit or on the operating table. The "Classics of Naval Literature Series" version is superior to all others (for reasons explained in its FOREWORD). Highly recommended.

Of the many children's books that are available to us these days, it is extremely rare to encounter one with such depth and insight. The author dares to explore difficult issues in a way that is accessible to young readers. The two main characters develop a bond of friendship which is based on not only their deep concern for one another, but also a shared dream to help others. Daisaku Ikeda shows through the inseparable connection of these two friends that true friendship transcends time and space and can never be destroyed. Very inspiring!

I don't know how anyone could not like this and all of Daisaku Ikeda's children's books. Especially with this book, Kanta and the Deer, unless you like killing defenseless animals for fun or don't believe in the power of hope, you will love this little tale!

This book is great to teach children respect for all life, including animals. It also well illustrates the destructive power that guns can have in the wrong hands. My kids were so much more concernced about animal welfare and the protection of endangered species after reading this book.

It also reinforced their understanding of the evil nature of weapons in general. This book also helped them to understand the great wisdom the Buddha expressed so long ago that one should only kill animals when it is needed for one's own survival.

Jim Riva's book "The Geographer" is the hilarious tale of Winston Baldry, an Oregon State geography professor who ventures outside the comforts of his regular world for a year-long adventure as an high school teacher in Japan. Baldry finds himself in a variety of interesting situations, from a chance meeting with a Japanese mobster to a romantic affair to a chilling walk through the ruins of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. Along the way, Riva presents a Japan that you never see in Conde Nast Traveler or the Eyewitness Guides. This book is short and captivating, and laugh-out-loud funny to keep you turning the pages. You can easily read it on a flight to Narita, and when you arrive in Japan you'll feel as though you've been there before. This book is required reading for Japanese exchange students, adventurous world travelers, and anyone who wants an entertaining tale of life in Japan.

The Geographer is a great satire that could only be written by a non-Japanese who has spent considerable time in that country. The Geographer uses humor to capture the challenges you'll experience when you visit Japan as a foreigner. I found myself laughing repeatedly as I read the book. I enjoyed it so much that I read it twice in the same month.

OK, I bought this book on a recomendation of a friend; even though I'm more of a techno thriller kind of guy. I started reading it on an airplane flight home and by the time we leveled off at crusing altitude I was laughing out loud. It is the story of Winston Baldry the Geographer who had never been out of Oregon (!). After his wife's death he travels to Japan to teach. What follows is one of the funniest fish out of water stories I've ever read. I suggest that you buy and prepare to laugh.

"Made in Japan" gives us insight in to Japanese working ethos, their dedication and vision. It is a story of SONY, a company that is world leader in many electronic and IT products, told in simple manner by creator of SONY Mr Akio Morita. Coming from him, one has to believe every word of it. It is fascinating to read and travel along, as the story progress, with a small seedling's growth in to a big corporate giant that SONY today is. No brashness, no adoption of unfair means, no showing off its economic strength. It is a plain simple story of a dreamer who dared to dream and succeeded. An interesting reading.

This book is written by Mr Akio Morita,the man behind the corporate giant Sony Corporation.He was a visionary and dreamer who not just dreamed but also made it possible.Let's not forget, the Sony Corporation was founded at the backdrop of nuclear attack on Japan by the United States.But he was never jealous of America.Instead he was very much influenced by the progress of US.He always tried to replicate the progress of US by closely watching the American business model.The book is full of anecdotes about the Japanese lifestyle, his thoughts on Management and his association with SONY.So,just read.

Of my 3 favorite books, this is one of them. Made in Japan is part autobiography, history, economics, Japanese culture and business all rolled in to one. The writing style is one of the most comprehensible I've ever read. Very interesting, insightful, and informative. Akio Morita is a very cool guy, and he's lead an interesting life. If you like business, economics, or Japanese culture, this book is definitely worth the read.

This was a pretty interesting book. I read _The Waiting Years_ three years ago and had always intended to read more of Enchi's novels, for some reason or another it took me over three years to read the next one.

_Masks_ is a very interesting, but also very strange little book. The book revolves around two men, Tsuneo Ibuki and Toyoki Mikame, who are both highly educated and intelligent men, but all of their intelligence and education is thrown out the window when it comes to the widow, Yasuko Tagano.

Tagano is a very pretty young woman who decided to remain with her mother and law instead of returning to her family after her husband's death in an avalanche. She shows interest in both me, but is unwilling to commit to either. The men believe that she is being controlled by her mother-in-law, Mieko. That remains to be seen. Very good book, and should be an interest to those who enjoy reading _The Tale of Genji_

I first studied this writer in college (with her book, The Waiting Years). I expected Masks to be similar, but it was extremely different. It is more modern and twisted. The story revolves around two women, one older and one younger (the younger is the widowed wife of the older woman's son). However, their relationship is not straight-forward; they have a psychic, almost sexual, connection. They use this connection to play with the hearts of the men around them. I found the descriptions in this book particularly striking; there is a party scene with the release of fireflies that I can still very clearly visualize. It was extremely enjoyable to delve into the dark depths of the two women. Just like in the story, the men are inconsequential. This is a great read for those who prefer things a bit uneasy and weird.

This book ought to be turned into a movie. Merchant Ivory could do it --& so could Hollywood...anyway--this is a most readable story--deep in every respect. Who are these women: The mother in law--the daughter in law--the twin--the young wife--the maids? Who hatched the scheme? Who really wants to be with whom? How do you replace a dead son--husband--brother? Where do dreams and reality intersect? The characters and we are investigating the spirit world--communication beyond the grave and outside language. And the masks-the perfect metaphor-serene, quite, beautiful, culturally pure-who wears them and why--are they just a part of the ancient culture--like the women's outward appearance--something that adheres to formal requirements--or is something much more complex behind the masks--like the results of the women's activities?

There is plenty to ask--and the book doesn't necessarily TELL YOU the answers--you are left to think about many, many questions. Some people have written that this book is about angry women. I think that is an interesting idea--but I don't see anger I just see women working within the confines of the culture they live in to get what they want. Is that anger or is that how power is actually wielded in the everyday world of men & women's relations. I think the later--but you need to read the book to answer that question for your self. This book is well worth the time to read. The story alone is compelling--the questions it raises will stay with you.

Lowry's book, a collection of his articles, is surprisingly consistent in theme. His outlook reminds of Merzel's "Beyond Sanity and Madness" for his fairly stern reminders that the Path lies within simplicity and that the early lessons in any of the martial arts (and many other Eastern disciplines such as Qigong and Zen) contain the essence that you, as a beginner, are unfortunately unlikely to recognize for a long time.

I also enjoy his viewpoint regarding the the 'need' for less ego and posturing; instead he consistently points out that 'Master' depends upon what is deep inside and is displayed through consistent behaviour at all times. Certainly this viewpoint is sorely lacking in many so-called 'Masters' at this time.

Lowry also gives some valuable insight into aspects of Japanese culture that are quite fascinating including Noh and the tea ceremony. He also includes many tidbits about visiting Masters that I found very informative.

Even if you are not that interested in martial arts I believe there are many lessons in this book that make it worthwhile to read.

I was first introduced to Mr. Lowry through "Autumn Lightning", and have been a fan ever since. It is very rare to find martial arts texts that go beyond the monotony of Lists of techniques, even more so to find a martial artist who can humble himself in his writing. Mr. Lowry puts all those self proclaimed masters to shame. Although he writes specifically about the Budo, the ideals in these pages can be applied to anyone with a craft or skill that absorbs them, that helps them find insight in their lives. Particular favorite essays in this book are "Catching Catfish in a Gourd" "What Shape are Your Morals in?" and "Sabi Shiori: the Art of Being Alone"

The author is literally the first to admit (via his introduction) that some of his essays sound a bit "curmudgeonly", however please don't miss out on a good thing by letting that stop you from reading these very insightful and interesting essays.

I initially found Lowry's extreme veneration of traditional (Japanese) martial ways, and his shots at those who choose to ignore them in their martial training, to be annoying. In fact, I still strongly disagree with many of the positions that he takes on these subjects.

Having said that, I have to admit that by the time I finished these essays, I did have a new appreciation for many traditions and skills that I previously took lightly or simply thought to be blatantly ridiculous. I now plan to learn a bit more about some of them ! Therefore, the book had the unexpected benefit of opening my mind and making me rethink my opinions. It also gave me a better appreciation of Japanese culture in different periods in history.

Each essay is brief (a couple pages), but often contains a wealth of history, philosophy and psychology. Lowry's analysis of these areas is applied specifically to the martial "Ways", however there are clearly broader applications to much of what he is saying.

In fact, as with other books of this nature, there is really so much content that it is nearly impossible to absorb or apply all of it once (although it is relatively easy to read the book in a short period of time). Therefore I plan to occasionally bring it along with me on my train ride to work, read an essay and perhaps give it a little additional thought. To my mind, that is the best type of endorsement that someone can give to a book of this nature !

I have read at least 150 trading books in the last 5 years, jumping from one idea to another, looking for a plan I can feel comfortable with for short-term trading. Stephen Bigalow's book is at the top of my list. Steve supplies excellent descriptions and examples of the major and minor candlestick signals as well as a psychological explanation of them. In addition, this book, unlike other candlestick books I have read, provides a complete trading method for short, intermediate, or long-term traders/investors including money management techniques. A method (unique in my experience)for dealing with the trader's emotions is also described. The book makes candlestick charting understandable for both novice and experienced individuals. I believe the book provides a very readable and useful guide to profiting from the market.

I have been fascinated by candlesticks for years but I never had the knowledge or confidence to properly apply the candlestick methodology until I read "Profitable Candlestick Charting". In the past I would see what I thought was a candlstick pattern, but I was never quite sure of the implication of the pattern. Steve Bigalow not only clearly explains how to recognize each reversal or continuation candlestick pattern, but also shows how candlsticks depict the battle between the buyers and sellers and how quickly the market's perception of a stock can change and be recognized by candlestick analysis. Most importantly, he shows how to combine candlestick analysis with stochastics to not only set up high probability trades, but also establishes clear entry and exit rules to limit losses and maximize profits on those trades. In summary, a superb book which brings objectivity to a subjective subject.

This book is the third Candlestick book that I have read cover to cover. The previous two were Steve Nison's two Candlestick books. While Nison's books were excellent and extremely easy to understand, this book concentrates on strategy for making money and gives more trading insights. I have been making money even in this bear market using the trading signals described in the book.

The system is simple...use stochastics to confirm candle signals to ensure that you always buy oversold stocks and sell short oversold stocks. If you are a disciplined trader and wait for confirmation of the signals you can be profitable more than 75% of the time and your losses from your losing trades will be minimal if you keep tight stops - A must in these market conditions.

There is a huge amount of overlap in Nison's and this book but I would still recommend all three as there is always some different points in each.

I read this book at a time when there was a great deal of turmoil going on in my life. I spoke to a friend who thourght that reading this book might give me back balance to what you could call a personal catastrophie. The Empty Mirror gave me that and more. I found Mr. Janwillem's experience in the monastery outstanding in the sense that it is something I've wanted to do all my life. Maybe in the next one, life that is, I'll be more serious and take a leaf out of Mr Janwillem van dan wetering's book(s). For a lasting nice warm and fuzzy felling that gives you some insight about life, I can only recommend this to you all with peace compassion and happiness. May all beings be happy.

I hadn't realized when I picked up this book that it was written in 1973 about experiences in the 1950's. Although it remains relevant in this time, it is rather surprising to think of a time when Eastern philosophy was difficult for Westerners to find. (Mind you, I say this as a resident of a Zen Buddhist abbey in Detroit.) At the time van de Wetering traveled to Japan, one wouldn't find Zen teachers in America or Europe, much less Zen communities. In this way, van de Wetering's journey paved the way for us, and for that I thank him deeply.

In some ways, the book provides a basic introduction to the Zen precepts and the monastic way of life. After all, when he was writing it, there were very few books on Westerners practicing Zen. So in some ways, this book covers ground that many more recent, more popular books have covered.

However, this book is full of surprises for people who might have a one-dimensional view of monastic life. There is peaceful meditation, but there are also arguments among the monks. Van de Wetering apparently expected to transcend human life in the monastery, but inside, he found the same problems as outside. He also found his own need to escape, to occasionally go out for a beer. It's a central paradox most readers who practice Zen will sympathize with; we want tranquility, but suffering is so darn interesting. Sometimes this paradox, as van de Wetering presents it, is hilarious. Traditional Zen stories can be vulgar, and so can contemporary Zen stories. We, like the author, must reflect on our expectations and assumptions to see what is really there

I was first required to read this title in an Introduction to Buddhism course in undergraduate school. Since then, I have read probably two dozen books on Zen and/or Buddhism and I owe it all to 'The Empty Mirror.' The author has done a great job of describing life in a Zen monastery, the Zen koan, and it's a great introduction to the religion/philosophy. I'd recommend it to any student of religion, philosophy, or Zen Buddhism or anyone wanting to expand their knowledge on Buddhist monastic life. Janwillem Van de Watering does a good job of keeping the reader interested with light humor and a mix of day-to-day experiences during his stay at the monastery.

This is one of the best bathroom reads I have seen in a long time. ...Stuff like the average thickness of every plate of every cruiser in the Japanese Imperial Navy makes this something that you just cannot put down.

It is the Mother of All Reference Books on Japanese Cruisers. There is nothing to compare with it.

It is quite simply stupendous and will garner more than few stares from inquisitive guests.

I purchased this book without realizing that it was 850+ pages, a full 7.5 lbs, jam packed with everything anyone could ever want to know about these vessels. I have read a lot of books claiming to be a thorough histories of a county's vessels of a given type and I can honestly say, there isn't even a book this detailed in the U.S. about the U.S.Navy's Cruisers! I cannot imagine how long this information must have taken to collect. For the current price it is a bargain. Japanese cruisers were not at the top of my list as far as interests go, and I loved it.
I highly recommend this book, not only as good reading, but as an example to be followed by any would be author that would like to write books on American, British, or German warship types.
Simply outstanding! If these authors collaberate on another work, I'm buying without waiting for reviews.

This book is one of the best English language works on a specific subject, that of the cruisers of the Japanese Navy during World War 2. During the early phases of World War 2, Japanese cruisers posted an impressive combat record. The authors are experts on the IJN and many of the sources are unavailable outside Japan

For the modeler and historian, all aspects of Japanese heavy and light cruisers are illustrated, including armament, profile drawings, and operational histories. Some of the successes and failures of Japanese design, including the Takao class, possibly the most successful Japanese heavy cruisers to the Mogaim class, which attempted to place a heavy armament on a lightly constructed hull and were considerably overweight and later rebuilt, are explained in great detail

The profile drawings are well detailed, albeit extremely small; however they are useful in showing the arrangements of the ships. For the modeler and naval historian, this is a must book. With the recent proliferation of better detailed IJN cruiser models, this book is needed in any naval library.