Have you ever wondered about the little details of everyday Japanese life? For example, do you wonder what those arrows in people's houses are for, or why those little cat statues have their paws raised? The answers are here. Short and clear explanations on dozens of unique and interesting Japanese customs are explained clearly and in enough detail to surprise even your Japanese friends. This book is excellent for someone who is moving to Japan, or has just recently arrived.

This book gives you information from insiders who know subtle distinctions that may be overlooked. Great printing job--very readable for tired eyes

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.

"Japan in the Days of the Samurai" describes the Japanese way of life during the samurai eras. Virginia Schomp uses an interesting organizational structure in this book, where each chapter provides a thematic argument for young readers. Chapter One, Living Gods and Warriors looks at the history of the samurai as they became the most powerful fighting force in Japan until Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan up to the west and the Meji Restoration ended the influence of the samurai. Chapter Two, Artistic Treasures, exposes young readers to the literature, drama, and art of the samurais, as well as providing insights into both the Tea Ceremony and Samurai Castles. Chapter Three, "Land of the Gods," examines the blend of foreign and native ideas from Shinto, Confucianism, and Christianity that would come to make up the uniquely Japanese religion. Chapter Four, A Culture Shaped by Faith, follows up on the practical application of these ideas in both government and art. The final chapter, The Living Samurai Spirit, looks at the legacy of the warrior class after the reforms following the Meiji Restoration put an end to the privileged life of the samurai.

Consequently, Schomp does an excellent job of putting all of the details of life during the time of the samurai in contexts that will make them more meaningful to young readers. There is also a nice parallel chart that explains the life you would have lived in samurai Japan if you were born in Edo as a boy versus as a girl and there are various side bars providing additional information on topics such as Japanese writing and sumo wrestling. The book is illustrated with an exquisite collection of color reproductions of Japanese art as well as photographs of various artifacts. In the back of the book you will find a time line of samurai Japan from the prehistoric period to the abolishment of Shogunate rule in 1868, a glossary of terms from "ashigaru" to vassal, and standard reference information. In terms of both information and aesthetics, "Japan in the Days of the Samurai" is the best juvenile history of this subject I have come across to date.

Other volumes in the Cultures of the Past series look at not only the standard civilizations such as the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Maya, and Romans, but also the African Kingdom of Kush, the Celts of Northern Europe, China's Tang Dynasty, India's Gupta Dynasty, the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa, Venice and Its Merchant Empire, and the Vikings. There are almost two-dozen volumes, which is getting pretty close to a large enough number that every student in a class could be assigned a different culture.

This book is filled with page after page of stunning rooms and living spaces in Japan. A must for anyone who believes all Japanese live in cramped, dark, unattractive homes. An excellent conversation starter and coffee table book.

This book covers the whole activities in the science and technology field in Japan. This book is the appropriate guidance for Japanese policies. However it must be reviewed every year.

As they say in the Ronseal advertisement, Japan Since 1945 'does exactly what it says on the tin'. Smith's brief yet accurate style affords the reader a clear understanding of the period without any over analysing. The book contains a fine balance between the political, social and economic changes which the period witnessed. This book should become the reference for all historians of the period long after it can still be labelled 'contemporary'

Among the many (usually lengthy) works on the subject of Japan's post-war economy, this slim (pp277) volume is outstanding. The well-connected, Harvard-educated Tsuru was intimately involved in many of the landmark events described, especially the shaping of economic policy during the Occupation years. Throughout this lively and original analysis of economic policy-making and its political contexts, he provides an invaluable insider's view. Tsuru's socialist sympathies mean he is not just another capitalist apologist, ready to overlook the social costs of Japan's high-speed growth, but neither is he an ideologue unable to recognise the achievements. His approach is humane, often refreshingly personal, and anchored by a profound knowledge of his subject. There are insights throughout, such as the way the credit squeeze imposed in 1949-50 by Joseph Dodge helped revive the zaibatsu, by knocking out their competition, at a time when declared US policy was the elimination of the old corporate cartels. Anyone interested in understanding how Japan's economy took off and where it might be headed now should read this book.

This book was already published in December last year, under the new title "Comfort Women: Sexual slavery and prostitution during World War II and the US Occupation."
The book is available both in hardcover and paperback.

This is an excellent supplement to any and all of Lowry-san's writings on his experience in the martial arts. I discovered in it that the goju system I had studied, and in which I received dan status, was actually Shinkageryu. A fascinating series of forms and techniques lie within that which is presented. Study this well. A must addition to any serious student's library. It goes with Dr. Morris' Path Notes of an American Ninja Master and Dave Lowry's works. Get it, read it, *study* it. Email me if you have questions or wanna talk about it.

-Toda Hayakko, The Black Tiger