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Learn the Grammar You Need to Speak Japanese Correctly with This Handy, Easy-to-Understand Guide
The samurai sword: a symbol of the spirit of old Japan, it embodies the samurai's steel discipline, unswerving devotion and peerless skill. With its creation, a feat of craftsmanship passed down by generations of artisans, the samurai sword is generally considered to be superior even to the famed blades of Western Damascus and Toledo. The Samurai Sword Handbook is a precise exploration of the samurai sword designed for sword collectors as well as anyone intrigued by these ancient blades. Detailing the origins and development of the samurai sword, its historical background, styles, famous schools and differences in construction, this revised edition of the classic reference outlines methods of identifying and researching the sword, as well as caring for it properly. This must-have for sword lovers is sure to be a bestseller.Topics of this Samurai book include:Japanese History and the Samurai SwordTypes of swordsParts of the swordBlade shape, construction, and grainThe making of the swordInscriptions and their readingsCare and maintenanceAppraisal and valueRelative point values
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere: An Illustrated Introduction provides a complete foundation in the practice of one of the most distinctive and effective Japanese martial arts. Aikido was created in Japan in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei. To possess the skills, techniques and attitude of the true practitioner of aikido, one must achieve a very high level of integration of the powers of mind and body, the harmonious combination of physical means and ethical motives. By controlling body position and learning how to harmonize vital physical and mental powers, anyone (regardless of size, strength or weight) can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art.Written and illustrated by husband/wife team, Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, with over 1,200 illustrations, includes many Aikido techniques in chapters such as: What is Aikido?The Foundations of AikidoThe Practice of AikidoThe Basic Techniques of NeutralizationAdvanced PracticeAnd more!
A classic of Japanese history, this book is the preeminent work on the history of Japan. Newly revised and updated, A History of Japan is a single-volume, complete history of the nation of Japan. Starting in ancient Japan during its early pre-history period A History of Japan covers every important aspect of history and culture through feudal Japan to the post-cold War period and collapse of the Bubble Economy in the early 1990's. Recent findings shed additional light on the origins of Japanese civilization and the birth of Japanese culture. Also included is an in-depth analysis of the Japanese religion, Japanese arts, Japanese culture and the Japanese People from the 6th century B.C.E. to the present. This contemporary classic, now updated and revised, continues to be an essential text in Japanese studies. Classic illustrations and unique pictures are dispersed throughout the book. A History of Japan, Revised Edition includes: Archaic Japanincluding Yamato, the creation of a unified state, the Nana Period, and the Heian period. Medieval Japan including rule by the military houses, the failure of Ashikaga Rule, Buddhism, and the Kamakura and Muroachi Periods periods. Ealy Modern Japanincluding Japanese feudalism, administration under the Tokugawa, and society and culture in early modern Japan. Modern Japanincluding The Meiji Era and policies for modernization, from consensus to crisis (1912-1937), and solutions through force.This contemporary classic continues to be a central book in Japanese studies and is a vital addition to the collection of any student or enthusiast of Japanese history, Japanese culture, or the Japanese Language.
Amaze your friends and family with these easy-to-fold paper sculptures! This beginner-friendly kit contains everything you need to learn the art of Japanese paper folding! It teaches you how to create 30 of the most popular origami models (including ones with "interactive" moving parts!)--from animals, puppets, boxes and boats to the classic crane. The 30 elegant and easy-to-fold origami models in this kit include: Cute animals like the Folksy Fox and Lounging Frog--that your family will love! Action figures like the Dragon Puppet and Coyote Storyteller--paper puppets that "talk"! Paper airplanes like the High-tail-it Plane--give them a toss and watch them soar! Origami boxes such as the Bird Basket and Handy Candy Box--perfect for storing small trinkets and for presenting small gifts! And many more! The kit includes 78 sheets of beautiful origami paper in two sizes (6" and 4") plus a 64-page full-color book with easy-to-follow instructions to guide you through the projects.
This collection of writings from Lafcaido Hern paints a rare and fascinating picture of pre-modern Japan Over a century after his death, author, translator, and educator Lafcaido Hearn remains one of the best-known Westerners ever to make Japan his home. Almost more Japanese than the Japanese"e;to think with their thoughts"e; was his aimhis prolific writings on things Japanese were instrumental in introducing Japanese culture to the West.In this masterful anthology, Donald Richie shows that Hearn was first and foremost a reliable and enthusiastic observer, who faithfully recorded a detailed account of the people, customs, and culture of late nineteen-century Japan. Opening and closing with excerpts from Hearn's final books, Richie's astute selection from among "e;over 4,000 printed pages"e; not including correspondence and other writing, also reveals Hearn's later, more sober and reflective attitudes to the things that he observed and wrote about.Part One, "e;The Land,"e; chronicles Hearn's early years when he wrote primarily about the appearance of his adopted home. Part Two, "e;The People,"e; records the author's later years when he came to terms with the Japanese themselves. In this anthology, Richie, more gifted in capturing the essence of a person on the page than any other foreign writer living in Japan, has picked out the best of Hearn's evocations.Select writings include:The Chief City of the Province of the GodsThree Popular BalladsIn the Cave of the Children's GhostsBits of Life and DeathA Street SingerKimikoOn A Bridge
The Mythology Class follows Nicole Lacson, an anthropology student at the University of the Philippines. When she is summoned to a secret meeting by the mysterious Madame Enkanta, Nicole finds herself face-to-face with living creatures from mythology and folklore that she never imagined existed in real life! Tikblangs, kapres and a range of engkantos--fantasy figures from her grandfather's bedtime stories--challenge her previously held notions of reality. Nicole embarks on a quest through the streets of metropolitan Manila with a ragtag crew of college students. With guest appearances from legendary Filipino heroes like Sulayman, Kubin and Lamang, Nicole's class must face down and repel an ancient evil.
"Simplicity, moderation, constraint, and a deep respect for all things natural--such are the intrinsic elements of Korean 'style' that continue to underpin the fast-growing creative movement in a country hurtling into an era of global modernization. Although traditional influences from China and modern influences from Japan and the West have filtered into Korea over the millennia, the peninsula has maintained its own identity and is gaining recognition for its own particular 'style.' Spatial, spiritual, and material qualities are reflected in the simple beauty of its architectural design, while classic objects that immediately distinguish themselves as being uniquely Korean are used with vernacular panache in interior decoration. In this first international publication devoted to the country's architecture and interior design, authors Marcia Iwatate and Kim Unsoo and photographer Lee Jongkeun explore twenty-four exceptional homes, studios, and public and heritage buildings. Ranging from vernacular to cutting-edge creations, all are a celebration of the country's natural landscape, arts and crafts, and architectural heritage, juxtaposed with a drive towards invention, experimentation, and individuality."--Provided by publisher.
Learn to cook all your favorite Sri Lankan foods with this beautifully illustrated and easy-to-follow Sri Lankan cookbook. Sri Lanka , the fabled island of sapphires and rubies, is home to one of the most intriguing of Asian cuisines. Rarely found in restaurants outside the island itself, Sri Lankan fare is often mistaken for yet another Indian cuisine. To the culinary explorer, however, Sri Lankan food is as intriguing and unique as the many other customs of this island paradise. Sri Lankan Cooking introduces 64 sumptuous recipes to the curious cook, originating from the four corners of the island, including many classic dishes. Clear, step-by-step directions make this ostensibly complicated cuisine accessible for the home cook. Stunning location photography, a detailed glossary of ingredients, and a comprehensive introduction to the culinary history of the island make Sri Lankan Cooking the perfect companion for your adventure into the delicious world of Sri Lankan cooking. Authentic Sri Lankan recipes include: Rice Flour Hoppers Aromatic Basmati Rice Coconut Milk Rice Sour Claypot Fish Okra Curry And many morea
The 15 classic essays collected in Kokoro examine the inner spiritual life of Japan. The title itself can be translated as "e;heart,"e; "e;spirit"e; or "e;inner meaning,"e; and that's exactly what this collection teaches us about Japan. Sometimes touching and always compelling, the writings here tell the stories of the people and social codes that make Japan the unique place it is. "e;Kimiko"e; paints the portrait of a beautiful geisha; "e;By Force of Karma"e; tells the story of a Buddhist monk; and in "e;A Conservative,"e; we come to know the thoughts and actions of a Samurai. As an early interpreter of Japan to the West, Lafcadio Hearn was without parallel in his time. His numerous books about that country were read with a fascination that was a tribute to his keen powers of observation and the vividness of his descriptions. Today, even though Japan has changed greatly from what it was when he wrote about it, his writing is still valid, for it captures the essence of the countryan essence that has actually changed a good deal less than outward appearances might suggest. In a word, the Japanese character and the Japanese tradition are still fundamentally the same as Hearn found them to be, and for this reason, his books are still extremely revealing to readers in the West.
"Learn about Korean culture while improving your language skills! Korean Folktales for Language Learners introduces 36 traditional Korean folktales in parallel Korean and English versions along with detailed notes and exercises aimed at beginning/intermediate language learners. The book is perfect practice for first- and second-year Korean students but is sure to entertain anyone wishing to learn about Korean culture. This elegantly illustrated volume is designed to help language learners expand their vocabulary and grammar. Free online audio recordings of the Korean versions are available online to help students improve their pronunciation and comprehension skills. The stories are divided into three parts that gradually increase in length and complexity as the reader's language skills improve."--
This paper pack contains 500 high-quality small (4 inch) origami sheets printed with colorful and traditional Japanese Shibori blue & white designs. These paper designs were developed to enhance the creative work of origami artists and paper crafters. The pack contains 12 designs unique to this pack, and all of the papers are printed with coordinating colors on the reverse to provide aesthetically pleasing combinations in origami models that show both the front and back of the papers. This origami paper pack includes: 500 sheets of high-quality origami paper 12 unique designsVibrant and bright colors Double-sided color 4 x 4 inch (10 cm) squares
"A Beginner's Guide to House Plants teaches you how to bring your indoor spaces alive with lovely and easy-to-maintain plants -- and how to keep them healthy. It provides detailed instructions on how you can unleash the power of plants to energize and relax you, and how to promote well-being by greening your environment. In this book you'll find hundreds of useful tips, including: How to select the right plants for your spaces and lifestyle -- Practical advice on purchasing, potting and styling your plants -- How to care for many different types of plants--from succulents and ferns to exotics -- A mini field guide to over 60 popular plants you should know about -- And so much more! Cultivating house plants can be both creative and fun! Plant expert Ryusuke Sakaino provides tips on how to use colors, textures, patterns and shapes to create a lush living space, with one plant or many. His gorgeous photos will inspire you to add greenery to every room in your home and office. No longer just a pandemic hobby, plants deserve to be a permanent part of your lifestyle!"--Publisher.
Learn to draw expressive faces which communicate thoughts, feelings and emotions Drawing characters with realistic facial expressions is a challenging and critical skill for every manga artist and storyteller. Drawing Manga Faces & Expressions is an invaluable practical guide for illustrators who wish to bring their drawing skills to the next level! This book contains over 175 detailed step-by-step lessons and 1,200 drawings, with practical advice and helpful tips on every page.The tutorials covered in this comprehensive guide include: How to draw realistically consistent faces from every possible angleHow to draw attractive eyes, noses, mouths, ears and hairlines for any age or genderHow to apply shading to make your characters' faces appear three-dimensionalHow to express emotions like joy, anger, fear, surprise, sadness, wonder, confusion and calmAnd so much more!
74 stunning pub-style recipes from top chef-owned Izakayas in Tokyo!The equivalent of a tapas bar or an English pub, Izakayas are the cornerstone of Japan's food culture--a place to share a delicious, satisfying meal over drinks with friends after a hard day's work. Izakayas come in all shapes and sizes, from bustling chains to hole-in-the-wall dives.This unique cookbook features recipes from six of the best Tokyo Izakayas run by young chef-owners who often work alone, creating delicious dishes that change daily and seasonally based on the availability of fresh ingredients. Each chef contributes their most popular recipes--including a range of main and side dishes that are beloved by their regular customers.The 74 recipes in this book include: Tofu with Spicy Cod Roe Shabu Shabu with Pork and Daikon Radish Chicken Wings with Miso Glaze Japanese-Style Roast Beef with a Sweet and Spicy Sauce Sauteed Pork with Whisky Butter Zucchini and Onion with Tuna Meat and Coriander Gyoza Dumplings And many more! Beautiful color photos and step-by-step instructions make the recipes accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The book features interviews with each chef about their food philosophy and tips for recreating their dishes at home, as well as a glossary of key ingredients. Don't miss out on this unique culinary experience!
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