Books published by Tuttle Publishing

15 amazing stitches, 10 simple lessons, and 25 glorious projects.Modern Japanese Crochet casts the classic stitches you think you know in a totally new light, showing them in ways that add striking textures and contrasts to handcrafted pieces. For the experienced needlework enthusiast, this book is a revelation--the perfect introduction to the unique Japanese style of crocheting and charted patterns.Clear instructions, schematics, and charts walk you through exciting Japanese-style projects in this book, which include:An elegant shawl or blanket festooned with flowersA gorgeous scarf with a cascade of delicate, understated frillsA bag or pouch in a cheerful strawberry stitchA brioche-stitched bowl that makes a wonderful home for your yarnA star-stitched shoulder pouch or hat that is a charming way to play with colorsPlus much more--charming bags, scarves, hats, and handwear that help you try more fabulous stitches!The introduction by Gayle Roehm explains how Japanese crochet diagrams work, allowing you to stitch these fantastic patterns and projects easily. A section on stitch techniques walks you through the basic stitches, adding and decreasing, binding, and finishing.The inspiring photos are all the invitation you need to grab your hook and get started!

"The most enjoyable way to learn about an unfamiliar culture is through its stories--especially when they're told in two languages! Thai Stories for Language Learners introduces 28 entertaining Thai stories with bilingual Thai and English versions presented on facing pages. The stories are adapted from traditional folktales with roots in the Thai oral tradition, classic Thai literature, and Thai versions of the Indian Jataka Tales--which describe the past lives of the Buddha. The stories in this book include: "The Frightened Rabbit" is a well-known story about rabbit who hears a loud thundering sound and concludes it is a landslide, without investigating further. He runs about telling others of the landslide, thus causing unnecessary panic. "A Horse-faced Woman" is one of the most popular folktales in Thailand because the heroine's appearance and character differ vastly from other Thai heroines. Her equine appearance, unpopularity with fellow villagers, and passionate desires to marry the handsome Prince Pin Thong collide. "A Myth of Phra Ruang" is a classic tale popular among Thai people. It tells the story of a legendary hero--Phra Ruang--who frees the people of Lavo (Lopburi) from the ancient Khmer rulers. When the Khmer king tries to kill him, Phra Ruang escapes and is ordained as a monk. And many more! Alongside each story, readers will find: A list of key vocabulary in the Thai script, Romanized form, and the English meanings A set of questions and writing activities A Thai pronunciation guide Online audio recording in order to improve pronunciation and comprehension. This book will be of interest to learners who are beginning to read and write the Thai language and would like additional practice, as well as to general readers interested in learning about Thai culture"--Publisher's description.

For many visitors, traveling to Thailand means one thing: enjoying the delicious street food. In Thailand's Best Street Food, freelance writer and food blogger Chawadee Nualkhair details everything that visitors need to know to track down the most delectable dishesno matter where they are hidden.Most people think Bangkok is the only place to find great Thai street food, but Nualkhair ate her way across the country and found incredible food stalls everywhere, from Phuket in the south to Chiang Mai in the north. Even seasoned travelers may find it difficult to identify the best venuesnever mind figuring out how and what to order. Fortunately for anyone bound for Thailand, Nualkhair draws on her vast experience to provide essential tips on locating food stalls in cities across the country, including:Directions on how to find a particular stallStreet maps for each sectorEach stall's specialtyServing options, beverages, and notable extrasWhether or not seating is availableInformation on bathroom facilitiesAs an added bonus, Nualkhair includes recipes for the 12 most popular Thai street food dishes adapted for the Western kitchen. Thai street food is one of today's hottest food trends, and Thailand's Best Street Food makes it easy for foodies to savor incredible Thai foodwherever their travels take them.

Journey Through the Philippines is the ultimate Philippines travel pictorial for exploring Asia's second largest archipelago, home to some of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes. Often overlooked by travelers in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is one of the region's most exciting destinations. Through more than 250 stunning photographs, readers are taken across the breadth of the archipelago, from the chocolate hills of Bohol to the country's northernmost province of Batanes. The geographical diversity of the country is astoundingthe islands are home to spectacular white-sand beaches, bubbling volcanoes, 2000-year-old rice terraces and some of the best surfing and diving in the world. This Philippines travel pictorial captures the islands' stunningly varied natural landscapes and provides an insight into the lives of the Filipino people, their centuries-old traditions, exuberant religious fiestas and warm hospitality.

Immerse yourself in a fantasy world of Filipino myth, magic, and supernatural suspense!Lambana--the realm of supernatural fairies known as Diwata--has fallen, and the Magic Prohibition Act has been enacted. To add to his troubles, there's something wrong with Conrad's heart and only magic can prolong his life. He teams up with Ignacio, a well-connected friend who promises to hook him up with the Diwata and their magical treatments--a quest that's not only risky but highly illegal!On the shadowy, noir-tinged streets of Manila, multiple realities co-exist and intertwine as the two friends seek a cure for the magical malady. Slinky sirens and roaming wraith-like spirits populate a parallel world ruled by corruption and greed, which Conrad must enter to find the cure he seeks. He has little idea of the creatures he will encounter and the truths to be revealed along the way. Will Lambana spill its secrets and provide the healing balm Conrad needs? Or will he perish in the process?Fans of Neil Gaiman, Emil Ferris and Charles Burns will love this new graphic novel!

This book makes it easy to create and admire wonderful Japanese-style paintings and portraits!Modern Japanese-style paintings are recognizable by their restrained use of three-dimensionality and perspective, reliance upon expressive lines, and the bold use of color to direct the viewer's eye. There are other ways that artists imbue their work with Japanese- inspired attributes, including through the skillful use of shape, texture, and facial expression.Author Shinichi Fukui introduces readers to 7 notable modern Japanese artists (Kazuo Kawakami, Chiaki Takasugi, Miho Tanaka, Ryohei Nishiyama, Jose Franky, Ryohei Murata, and Keiji Yano) who specialize in shin hanga-style portraiture of Japanese women. He then presents instructions to create 21 different original paintings--from sketching models, preparing and mixing paints, blocking in color, and rendering fine details.Using these techniques, and a bit of acrylic paint, readers will be able to create eye-catching works of art that express a timeless Japanese aesthetic.

An inspiring, interactive guide for drawing people, places, food, and things you come across in your travels. This book offers aspiring urban sketchers a series of 40 step-by-step lessons showing you how to draw everything from the meal you ordered at a cafe to a map of highlights from your latest road trip. You'll get all the tips and advice you need for drawing what you see during your day and while out and about. Learn to sketch interesting subjects from everyday life and travel, such as: Fruits, vegetables, meals, and desserts Bottles, boxes, baskets, and bags Cups, glasses, appliances, and utensils Clothing and furniture Signs and storefronts Maps and floor plans People, locations, landmarks, and more!This beginner's guide is the perfect companion to toss into your backpack, artist's tote, or portfolio along with your sketch journal and pens!

"e;Dogen's famous text on Zen practice comes alive in the hands of a modern meditation master."e; Carl Biefeldt, Professor of Religious Studies, Stanford University and author of Dogen's Manuals of Zen MeditationThis is the definitive English translation of a foundational work of Zen Buddhismthe Bendowa ("e;On the Endeavor of the Way"e;) by Eihei Dogen, founder of the Soto school of Zen in Japan.Written in 1231, it contains the master's essential teachings on zazen, or seated meditation, which is the fundamental pathway to Buddhist enlightenment. The first part of the book introduces the notion of "e;wondrous dharma"e; and looks at the role of the individual to society and notions of time and interconnection. The second part of the work is cast in the form of a dialogue, the Q&A format offering answers to questions a Zen novice might pose regarding the paths to enlightenment:How can passively sitting being a means of attaining enlightenment?Why is sitting so key to meditation?Can seated meditation be combined with other practices? How can I maintain a practice that accords with my other responsibilities in life?What sets this edition apart are the contemporary insights by modern Zen master Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, which tackle some of the difficulties readers face in comprehending Dogen's guidance and demystify some of the terms and concepts central to an understanding of zazen practice and Buddhist philosophy. He discusses the notion of dharma as presented in the text and looks at Buddhist thought through the lens not of abstraction, but in terms of its concrete realities.

Get to know the inhabitants of a tiny Japanese islandand their unusual stories and secretsthrough this fascinating, intimate collection of portraits. When American journalist Amy Chavez moved to the tiny island of Shiraishi (population 430), she rented a house from an elderly woman named Eiko, who left many of her most cherished possessions in the houseincluding a portrait of Emperor Hirohito and a family altar bearing the spirit tablet of her late husband. Why did she abandon these things? And why did her tombstone later bear the name of a daughter no one knew? These are just some of the mysteries Amy pursues as she explores the lives of Shiraishi's elusive residents. The 31 revealing accounts in this book include: The story of 40-year-old fisherman Hiro, one of two octopus hunters left on the island, who moved back to his home island to fill a void left by his brother who died in a boating accident.A Buddhist priest, eighty-eight, who reflects on his childhood during the war years, witnessing fighter pilots hiding in bunkers on the back side of the island. A "e;pufferfish widow,"e; so named because her husband died after accidentally eating a poisonous pufferfish.The ex-postmaster who talks about hiking over the mountains at night to deliver telegrams at a time when there were only 17 telephone numbers on the island. Interspersed with the author's reflections on her own life on the island, these stories paint an evocative picture of the dramatic changes which have taken place in Japanese society across nearly a century. Fascinating insights into local superstitions and folklore, memories of the war and the bombing of nearby Hiroshima, and of Shiraishi's heyday as a resort in the 1960s and 70s are interspersed with accounts of common modern-day problems like the collapse of the local economy and a rapidly-aging community which has fewer residents each year.

"Even as she screamed, her voice became thin, like a crying of wind; then she melted into a bright white mist that spired to the roof beams. Never again was she seen." Lafcadio Hearn's Kwaidan (which means "ghost story" in Japanese) is the first and most famous collection of Japanese yokai stories ever published. This unforgettable collection of 17 eerie tales and 3 original cultural studies by Hearn are based on traditional oral tales passed down for generations. They are fresh reminders of the dark and mysterious corners of the Japanese psyche, from popular representations in anime, manga and video games to Masaki Kobayashi's Oscar-nominated horror film Kwaidan. This new edition includes over 20 full-color woodblock prints that showcase the rich visual tradition of Japanese Yokai. A new foreword by Michael Dylan Foster, the leading Western expert on Yokai literature, places the stories in context and explains the lasting importance of Hearn's pioneering look at Japan's bewitching spirit world. The stories in this volume include: "Yuki-onna" -- A ghostly woman saves a man during a fierce snowstorm then gives him a deadly warning... "The Story of Mimi-Nashi-Hoichi" -- A musician is unwittingly called upon by a Samurai to perform for the dead, with bloody consequences."Diplomacy" -- A Samurai warrior avoids the ghostly revenge of a man he intends to kill by outsmarting him before striking he strikes the death blow.Hearn is the best-known early Western interpreter of Japanese culture and was particularly interested in tales of the supernatural. He eagerly gathered "delicate, transparent, ghostly sketches" in his adopted land and translated them with gusto. His English versions were translated back into Japanese and are considered classics of Japanese literature to this day--eagerly devoured by Japanese school children.

Elevate your ramen and introduce new noodles into your repertoire! The Ultimate Japanese Noodles Cookbook is your introduction to the world of Japanese noodles and pasta. Chef and restaurateur Masahiro Kasahara presents all his personal favorites in this bookfrom quick and delicious ramen to hot pots for a dinner party, and classic udon recipes to summery somen.These recipes offer a simple way to recreate your go-to noodle dishes at home and discover new favorites. Pair fresh vegetables and meat with easy-to-find ingredients that can be kept on-hand for a quick and flavorful meal. This book features 65 noodle recipes, including: Curry Udon Noodle Soup Simple Nori Seaweed and Egg Soba Chili Shrimp Somen Ramen with Chicken Tenders and Herbs Chow Mein Noodles with Daikon Radish Sauce Green Shiso, Butter and Bacon Pasta Udon Macaroni Salad Somen Hot PotChilled Pan-Fried Glass NoodlesInformational sidebars add a bit of background about each noodle type and its role in Japanese cuisine. As an added bonus, Chef Masahiro also includes: Appetizers That Go Well With Noodles Snacks and Sides to Make with Leftover NoodlesA bestseller in Japan, this book and its tasty recipes are now available in English for the first time!

Set your manga characters in motion! Draw Amazing Manga Characters combines the strengths, talents, and perspectives of five different manga artists over 81 lessons that increase in detail and complexity. Key building blocks allow you to progress as you move through the book and "e;Take a Closer Look"e; sidebars offer tips so developing artists can avoid frustrating obstacles and roadblocks.This essential handbook shows you how to:Draw action characters from every possible angle, perspective, and viewpointProgress logically from concept to character and from sketch to finished drawingCreate well-balanced and proportioned characters to tell your storyCreate scenes with real depth and three-dimensional appealThe illustrators guide you through an easy four-step figure drawing process:1. Block-in the basic shapes, using the techniques of figure drawing to set down the rough outline of your character.2. Sketch in the formal details, as your creation starts to take on form and shape3. Now it's time to lay down the next layers of features and tweaks that will make your character come to life and stand apart.4. Finally the finishing touches, the shading and nuances that add depth, complexity and three-dimensional appeal. Now look what's sprung to life on the page--your very own manga character!

The ultimate visual guide to Samurai history and culture! The Samurai are continuously celebrated as the greatest warriors the world has ever seen. They ruled Japan for centuries, finally uniting the nation after a prolonged period of brutal war and bloodshed. Though famed for their loyalty, honor, and chivalry, they could also be treacherous, bloodthirsty, and merciless.This book tells the story of their rise and eventual demise through carefully curated images, both historical and contemporary, with an engaging and authoritative text by Gavin Blaira noted commentator on all things Japanese. It exposes the myths surrounding the Samurai and reveals their many secrets, while examining their enduring influence on global culture in anime, manga, books, and video games. Gorgeously illustrated with color prints, paintings, and photos throughout, this book features detailed chapters on: The rise of the Japanese warrior class and how they established their grip on political power Rival clans, legendary Samurai, the unification of warlord states, and famous female Samurai Samurai "e;tools of the trade"e;swords, bows, spears, guns, castles, and armor The cult of Bushido, the fabled warrior's code The transformation of Samurai into cultured "e;gentlemen"e; warriors, poets, and aristocrats Their legacy in modern world literature, media, film, and popular culture And so much more!A foreword by leading Samurai historian Alexander Bennett, the celebrated translator of works such as The Complete Musashi and Hagakure, introduces readers to these fascinating warriors, who continue to captivate modern audiences.

Step into a story of life and love in Kyoto's 10th century royal court.Tale of Genji tells the story of Prince Genji, the passionate heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Handsome, romantic, and talented in the art of seduction, Prince Genji skillfully navigates the court and all its intrigues--always in search of love and often finding it. His story is the oldest and most famous tale of romance in the annals of Japanese literature and, as a representation of passion and romance, remains beyond compare.In this beautifully illustrated edition, Genji's story comes alive as readers experience: His birth in the royal court to Kiritsubo, who comes to represent Genji's ideal of female beauty and grace. His lifelong obsession with Fujitsubo, one of the emperor's lovers and mother to Genji's son Ryozen. His romantic life with Murasaki, Fujitsubo's beautiful niece and Genji's favored lover. Taken with him at first she becomes wary of his motivations but she becomes the true love of Genji's life. Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote this story some 500 years before Shakespeare put pen to paper. It is acknowledged to be the world's very first novel, and English-speaking readers can now experience the story in manga style for the first time.Superbly illustrated and retold, this visual take on Japan's most important classic offers an intimate look at the social mores and intrigues in the Heian-era court of medieval Japan, and Prince Genji's representation as the ideal male courtier.

Understanding North Korean Through the Eyes of Defectors.

Kids will have great fun folding their very own cute origami modelsfrom animals and sweet treats to vehicles and flowers. All the models in this book are easy to fold using ordinary paper. The colorful paper characters and objects are adorable, and offer kids a chance to have fun away from screens while honing their fine motor skills. The versatile models look great displayed on a desk or bookshelf, but can also be used for interactive play.Kids will learn to fold the following colorful paper characters and objects:Cute Animals, like a stripe-tailed Squirrel, a Cat with Kitten (both wearing Bow Ties!) and a Lion with a maneAdorable insects, including a Ladybug, a Dragonfly and a HoneybeeTempting Snacks & Sweets, such as a Cupcake and LollipopsPlanes, Trucks, Cars and a speedy Bullet TrainFriendly Flowers including Violets, Tulips and Carnations

Elevate your manga drawings to the next level with help from a Japanese professional! Manga drawing expert and author Ebimo is an action film junkie who taught herself to draw by studying martial arts films. In this book, she brings those techniques, tips, and tricks to you! Learn how to draw every detail of exciting action charactersfrom the muscles used in fight scenes to the 3-D arc of a flying frontal kick.What sets Ebimo apart is her fusion of the basics of figure drawing and proper posing with cutting-edge digital-age illustration and coloration techniques. Artists working on paper or a screen will learn to bring greater depth and complexity to their characters with these expert tutorials.This all-in-one guide is unlike any other, offering:Dual-format step-by-step tutorials for those who draw on paper, on screen, or bothUp-close "e;studio visits"e; where you can follow along as characters are drawnAn essential reference guide to all the key poses in action scenes and sequencesDynamic full-color examples with single, dual and multiple charactersOver 1,350 sample illustrations to study and learn from! How to Draw Bold Manga Characters presents the best of both worldshand-drawn detail with digital dynamicsin one essential volume.*Recommended for artists 14 and up*

This stunning guide invites you into the story of sakean ancient beverage finding its way in a modern world. Whether you're a sake novice or an experienced connoisseur, Exploring the World of Japanese Craft Sake offers fascinating insights, practical tips, and rich stories about this popular beverage.Authors and experts Nancy Matsumoto and Michael Tremblay personally undertook the challenge of visiting 33 artisanal sake breweries in Japan, the US, and Canada to interview makers and document every stage of the sake brewing process. Nancy's celebrated journalistic background combined with Michael's sake sommelier experience have led to an engaging and informative look at the world of sake.With over 300 color photos and a lively narrative, this fascinating book provides:A comprehensive introduction to the science and history of sake brewing in JapanA look at how fine craft sakes are brewed today using traditional methods and no additivesonly rice, water, koji, and yeastHistories of Japan's venerable breweries, some of them over 300 years old! An answer to why some breweries are able to turn out a superior quality of sakeA discussion of rice varieties and "e;terroirs"e; where exceptional sakes are producedCurrent trends in the world of sake, including the fine sakes now brewed outside JapanTasting notes and recommendations for top craft sakes you have not heard about yetThis book also includes personal recipes from several top Japanese brew masters along with food-pairing tips and the authors' own personal recommendations for the best sake bars in Japan and overseas!

My First Book of Chinese Calligraphy is a fun and engaging introduction to one of China's most popular arts and crafts for kids. Calligraphythe art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brushhas been around for thousands of years. In this fun calligraphy for kids book, readers will follow along with Mimi, an eight year old, who takes her first steps towards learning this magical art. Dive in, and explore:The Evolution of Chinese Writinghow Chinese characters first began, thousands of years ago, and how they have evolvedThe Order of the Strokeslearn how to write the strokes in the correct orderThe Radicalswhat are they, and how to unlock their secretsThe Four Treasures of Calligraphy the four essential tools to get startedMovements and Positionhow to master your mind's focus, your breathing and even how to moveThe Five Styles of CalligraphyZhuan Shu (seal), Li Shu (clerical), Kai Shu (regular), Cao Shu (cursive), and Xing Shu (running)The Eight Strokes how to draw the 8 strokes; with them, you can write anythingWriting a Character in Calligraphycreate an entire character in calligraphy

Create beautiful paper models of 20 orchid species! Display native orchids with these realistic paper replicas that you simply pop-out and glue together--no scissors required! These paper sculptures were produced under the direction of scientists at the North American Orchid Conservation Center, which is located at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. This kit features: A full-color book presenting fascinating information about the orchid species. Precut pieces for 20 beautiful 3D paper orchids Detailed assembly instructions for each model, which are ranked by difficulty A display base for each model>The amazing collection of orchids in this kit includes: The Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid: the tallest US-native orchid, which is threatened in part due to its 15-year maturation period The Water Spider Orchid: North America's only aquatic orchid, which exudes a chemical deterrent to protect its tender roots from predation The Dragon's Mouth Orchid: attracts pollinating bumblebees through strong ultraviolet inflorescence The Cigar Orchid, also know as "the Bee Swarm Orchid" has become endangered through over-collecting The Striped Coralroot Orchid: doesn't manufacture food through photosynthesis, but rather survives through a parasitic relationship with a fungus The Rattlesnake Plantain Orchid: an evergreen species with patterned leaves that resemble snake skin, and a flower spike that looks like a rattlesnake's rattle

In this book, master origami designer Muneji Fuchimoto presents a collection of 34 totally unique origami models!These pieces will delight and challenge origami enthusiasts with their clever folding patterns and striking realism. With a play on modern design and art, Fuchimoto's stunning models offer a clever way to show off your skills.In this book you'll find:More than 20 realistic origami animalsfrom a bird in a birdhouse to a long-necked Alpaca to an Asian Elephant with decorative headgearSix mid-century modern origami chairsFashionable origami spectaclesA "e;mounted"e; deer headAnd much more! In addition to the easy-to-follow project instructions, this book features special sections with origami display idea and instructions for constructing an origami mobile.