Japanese Language Learning

The authors have succeeded in the purpose of making it as easy as possible to look up the readings and meanings of Japanese words written in Chinese characters.

Designed for beginners, this dictionary is exceptionally easy to use, because it moves away from the traditional dictionary layout. All parts of the entry are spelt out in full, avoiding confusing jargon and abbreviations. The 30-page Learning and Lifestyle Kit gives key information on the Japanese language, with a list of the words you really need to know, grammar help, and verb tables, background information on lifestyle and culture, tips on etiquette and interaction in the language, and also a phrasefinder for use when travelling.

Content is organized within 12 thematic units, including Everyday Language, People, Housing, Food, and Recreation.

This handy Japanese dictionary allows you to look up words quickly and easily--and be understood while speaking. Intended for use by tourists, students, and business people traveling to Japan, the Pocket Japanese Dictionary is an essential tool for communicating in Japanese. It features all the essential Japanese vocabulary appropriate for beginning to intermediate speakers.

This graphic-format biography of Osamu Tezuka--Japan's "God of Manga"--looks at one of the twentieth century's great creative artists (Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion, Black Jack). It is also an anecdotal study of the evolution of Japan's early manga and anime business and its heroes.

The leading authority on Japanese art history, from earthenware figurines in 13,000 B.C. to manga and modern subcultures, tells the story of how the country has nurtured unique aesthetics, prominent artists, and distinctive movements.

Bushido, often translated as Way of the Warrior, came from the Samurai way of life and moral code. It emphasized loyalty, skill, moderation and honor, and became a widespread influence throughout Japan.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a detailed examination of the five-centuries-old tea ceremony or Cha-no-Yu in Japanese, literally "hot water for tea," a cornerstone of Japanese culture and a core practice of Zen Buddhism.

In 1760, when the Japanese painter Ito Jakuchu was working on his magnum opus, Plants and Animals in Color, he stated that it would probably take a thousand years for his paintings to be properly appreciated. This declaration was an expression of the unshakable confidence he had in the timeless artistic value of his work.

Ukiyo-E (pictures of the floating world) is an art form that originated in the metropolitan culture of Edo (Tokyo) in the early 17th century and involved collaboration between artist, carver, printer and publisher.