Bøger udgivet af Tuttle Publishing

"I've led a life full of shame. Human beings are a complete mystery to me."This manga version of novelist Osamu Dazai's masterpiece NO LONGER HUMAN-the #2 bestselling novel of all time in Japan-tells the story of Yozo Oba, a young man growing up in Japan in the immediate aftermath of World War II, who finds himself caught between the disintegration of the traditions of his aristocratic provincial family and the impact of the new postwar world. Oba is tormented by a failure to find any value in himself or in human relationships, despite being surrounded by women who love him. He creates the persona of a buffoon who mocks himself while entertaining others. But inside he is tortured, and as he moves from childhood to adulthood he becomes addicted to sex and alcohol. Largely autobiographical, No Longer Human explores Dazai's own sense of failure and alienation which drove him to self-destruct with alcohol and numerous suicide attempts. Osamu Dazai (1909-1948) is Japan's second most popular novelist (after Soseki), and his works are seeing a huge surge in popularity among young people worldwide thanks to the success of the recent manga, anime and film series Bungo Stray Dogs, whose protagonist, a detective called Osamu Dazai, has similar character traits to Yozo Oba. Fans of manga and anime are turning to the original No Longer Human novel, whose themes of alienation from society and an inability to reconcile social appearances with inner self-told with great wit, irony and pathos-strike a deep chord among readers today. **Recommended for readers ages 16+ due to mature themes and graphic content**

Easy home tie-dyeing techniques with a Japanese twist!If you love the simple blue-on-white beauty of Shibori and want to learn some new dyeing techniques, this book is for you! Easy Shibori Tie Dye Techniques starts with the essentials of the dye vat, takes you step-by-step through the basics, and shows you innovative ideas for tying and resist dyeing techniques. Old garments become unique fashion statements. Tired home goods are upcycled into one-of-a-kind design elements. This book also shows you creative ways of making unusual patterns-using anything from a coin to a clothespin to a water bottle!With this unique book you will learn how to:Use small plastic balls to create unique snowflake burst effectsMake edgy geometric patterns using foam blocksDo a bit of pleating and rolling with the help of a plastic water bottle to create unique motifsCreate polka dots-neatly arranged or artistically haphazard-using coins and clothespinsUse different folding techniques to achieve gradient effectsApply methods and tricks to knitted and woven shirts, bags, table cloths, and more!The techniques in this book are easy enough for beginners and will also inspire experienced dyers. Just about any fabric item in your wardrobe or linen closet be transformed and repurposed with a bit of dye, and the creative techniques in this book!

"Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned karateka, this book will deepen your appreciation and understanding of 'OSU, ' enriching your practice and respect for karate." -- Lyoto Machida, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion The true meaning and origins of the word "OSU" are finally revealed! No matter where in the world you are, enter any karate dojo and the term most frequently heard is "OSU!" Karate's Universal Codeword is the first thorough examination of the origins and use of this word in the martial arts, and the fascinating story of how it has spread worldwide. Its use has exploded far beyond karate into other martial arts like judo, aikido, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing and mixed martial arts making it arguably the most frequently uttered Japanese word in the world. Yet ironically, very few martial artists (even in Japan) know the true origins and the deeper meaning behind the term. Although it is universally used, it remains a total mystery to everyone. This book promises to finally reveal the truth behind the word OSU and its fascinating origins.

Step into the extraordinary life of the man who made an impact as an observer wherever he lived, and went on to become the leading western interpreter of Japan and Japanese cultureâEUR"a position he still occupies today. Born in Greece and abandoned as a child, Lafcadio Hearn lived the life of an exile. He travelled the world and became a famous writer but always felt like an outsiderâEUR"in Dublin, London, Cincinnati, New Orleans, and French-speaking Martinique. To him, none of these places felt like home. Hearn's life in America was punctuated by a string of successes and failures. In Cincinnati he became the city's best-known crime reporter but was fired after marrying a black woman. Devastated, he moved to New Orleans, where he championed French Creole and Caribbean culture and created the city's image as a place of voodoo and debauchery (the image which many Americans still hold today). Hearn arrived in Japan at a time of historic change. Sent there as a correspondent, he soon found himself alone and jobless. He settled in the remote town of Matsue, firmly believing that Japan would provide him with an endless supply of rich writing materialâEUR"perhaps enough to last a lifetime. Over the next dozen years, Hearn published 15 books which were lauded by the likes of Mark Twain, William Butler Yeats, Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin. Hearn's books made him famous as the leading writer on Japan and Japanese culture. Discover the fascinating journey of Hearn's life and the series of eventsâEUR"from peaks to pitfallsâEUR"that shaped his remarkable story, including:His troubled childhood and emigration to America with no job or moneyHis career as a popular newspaper writer and essayist in Cincinnati and New OrleansHis life in Japan where he became a Buddhist, married the daughter of a Samurai and took the Japanese name Yakumo KoizumiHearn's worldwide fame as a writer, especially for his works on ghosts, demons, monsters and the supernatural world of Japanese folkloreAuthor Steve Kemme is president of the Lafcadio Hearn Society/USA and a leading expert on Hearn's life and writings. This book includes a foreword by Bon Koizumi, Hearn's great-grandson and director of the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum in Matsue, Japan, along with 30 images which portray the pivotal people and places in Hearn's amazing life.

Super Potato Design is the first full-length book to present the work and conceptual ideas of the internationally renowned Japanese design firm Super Potato, founded by Takashi Sugimoto. Super Potato's powerful designs for the interiors of restaurants, shops and hotels, as well as Takashi Sugimoto's designs for tea ceremony spaces and utensils, are richly complex compositions of materials which create simple, strong spaces. Using traditional Japanese building materials such as bamboo, wood, and stone, but crating original yet timeless spaces, Super Potato's designs avoid specific stylistic characterizations and short-lived fashion. By finding contemporary expression for important concepts present in traditional Japan and combining materials in unexpected ways to create exciting spaces, Super Potato's work has had a significant impact on interior design in Japan and throughout Asia. Super Potato Design is generously illustrated with 320 full-color photographs by the respected Japanese photographer Yoshio Shiratori, who has recorded Super Potatos projects since the firm's conception in 1973. Architect and Japan scholar Mira Locher introduces the ideas and influences of Takashi Sugimoto, the founder and principle designer of Super Potato, and provides a thorough explanation of each project. Architectural drawings further describe the projects. A forward by Tadao Anso, interviews between Takashi Sugimoto and architect Kiyoshi Sey Takeyama, and also graphic designer Kenya Hara, explore the ideas relevant to Japanese designers today. A list of the Complete Works of Super Potato rounds off the book.

"A sharp-tongued spokesman for Japan's environment and traditions" --The New York Times In Alex Kerr's critically acclaimed Lost Japan and Dogs and Demons, he documented the decline of the traditional landscapes of Japan, his adopted home of many years. Here, in Hidden Japan he makes a journey of rediscovery to find the wonders that still remain. Originally published in Japanese as a call to preserve disappearing facets of Japan's rich and ancient culture, Hidden Japan records Kerr's travels to various remote and lesser-known places where pockets of traditional culture can still be found. Some are faraway--like Aogashima Island, 200 miles south of Tokyo--while others are easy to reach, such as Mii-dera temple just east of Kyoto. The ten engaging essays in this book describe surprising remnants of Japan's fragile physical and cultural environment, including: Avant-garde Butoh dancing in the remote village of Tashiro in Akita PrefectureHow shochu liquor is distilled from tropical ferns on the Pacific island of AogashimaAn austere but delicious kaiseki meal in rural Tottori Prefecture composed of local herbs and meatsAnecdotes relating to Kerr's childhood growing up in Japan and his passion for restoring old housesThe damage caused by governmental infrastructure and reforestation policies, as well as by tourismPlus many other topics! Kerr's sharp eye for detail and exquisite descriptions of Japanese, arts, architecture and foods will inspire readers who already appreciate his unique look at the "reality" of Japan beyond the romance. His personal involvement and obvious love for his subjects encourage us all to think more carefully about our own traditions and environment, and to challenge ourselves to search for better solutions to preserve what is of value all around us.

An easy introduction to the enjoyable art of watercolor sketching! A Beginner's Guide to Watercolor Painting is the perfect book for anyone who wants to experience the spontaneity of watercolor sketching with a water brush pen--a rewarding hobby that enables you to paint anytime, anywhere with very simple materials. The beginner-friendly lessons in this book contain all the information you need--detailed tips and instructions along with step-by-step photos to walk you through the process of painting everything from still life to portraits and landscapes. The 15 lessons in the book show you how to paint the following popular subjects: Lifelike fruits and vegetables such as zesty lemons, sweet cherry tomatoes and crisp sugar snap peasBeautiful flowers like brilliant yellow sunflowers, pastel pink roses and stunning floral bouquetsAdorable pets like friendly calico cats and fluffy Shibu Inu dogsTasty treats including indulgent strawberry shortcakes, coffees and teasCharming buildings and landscapes such as quaint canal-side buildings and exotic tiered pagodasAnd much more!Each lesson opens with a reference photo and suggested color palette, followed by the step-by-step process of creating an underdrawing and applying brilliant watercolor paints. This handy book is the perfect companion for vacations and weekends. Toss it into your bag with your paper, paints and brushes--and go out and capture interesting subjects in the world around you!

What does "good luck" look like and how do you achieve it?Lucky symbols, lucky numbers, lucky charms and luck-creating rituals-how is it that a disciplined and hard-working country like Japan is so invested in the idea of luck? And what, exactly, does "good luck" mean?This insightful book-by a leading expert on the subject-explores the ways in which "good luck" symbols and rituals in Japan are used in tandem with diligence and a positive attitude to help people overcome life's many twists, turns and bad patches. It explores how customs and beliefs play a vital role in creating positive expectations and outcomes-and includes practical exercises for bringing good fortune and happiness into your own life. Author Nobuo Suzuki acquaints us with beloved Japanese icons of luck, prosperity, and goal-setting and explains what they truly represent-including Maneki Neko (the "Lucky Cat"), Daruma (the "Lucky Buddha") and the Seven Lucky Gods of Good Fortune. We even meet some quirky and much beloved modern Japanese symbols of luck like the "Golden Poop" (yes, you read that right!). And we learn how these symbols all foster a sense of community which contributes to the happiness and well-being of all individuals in Japan. With this book, luck becomes a matter of self-understanding and connection to others rather than something that exists outside of ourselves and other people. It is an integral part of life and learning to shape out a destiny for ourselves that we can view with pride and contentment.

A one-of-a-kind visual reference with sketch studies for 100 different animals. Loaded with hundreds of tips and examples, this sourcebook contains sample sketches of a hundred different animal species-including mammals, amphibians, birds, reptiles and fish. In addition to notes, sidebars and anatomical diagrams, there are step-by-step drawing exercises, watercolor painting tutorials and an artist's gallery containing the author's own artworks that will surprise and inspire you to further develop your own drawing skills. This unique reference work includes creatures from all branches of the animal kingdom:Land Mammals including cats, dogs, monkeys, bears and horsesAmphibians & Reptiles including komodo dragons, lizards and crocodilesMarine Mammals including dolphins and whalesBirds including eagles, owls, cranes, parrots and penguinsAnd dozens of others! Author Sadao Naito is a leading wildlife illustrator who has won numerous awards for his detailed and expressive animal drawings and paintings. He is a member of the World Wildlife Fund, the Wild Bird Society of Japan and the international Society of Animal Artists.

"Everything disappears into nothing at all, but out of that same nothing at all come all the new things, forever and ever." --Alan Watts When Jack Kerouac wrote his novel Dharma Bums, his views on Zen Buddhism echoed the sentiments of the Beat Generation, who found in Zen a way of life unencumbered by the limits of "square" society. And it was the philosopher Alan Watts who first wrote and spoke about Zen and Eastern culture in terms accessible to mainstream Western audiences. Watts was an engaging speaker and an icon of America's Beat and Counterculture movements who named among his friends Aldous Huxley, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, John Cage, and Joseph Campbell. Through his popular radio series Way Beyond the West, Alan Watts presented the practical side of Zen, which he described as "a cure for education and culture." By the early sixties, his radio programs were renowned for their synthesis of Eastern wisdom and everyday life. Watts' teachings during an era of turmoil and political strife are as timely today as they were over 50 years ago. The fascinating essays in this collection include: "The Beat Way of Life" How the Beats lived an uncomplicated Zen life and despite being denigrated as worthless slackers, like Eastern thinkers, they actively pursued "an arduous course of spiritual and psychological discipline""Return to the Forest" How the popular works of the writer Joseph Campbell influenced the earliest Beat traditions by advocating the internal search for individual truth over learned schools of thought "The Democratization of Buddhism" How Buddhism is actually a "religion of no-religion," that conveys the spiritual through the everyday and the ordinary and recognizes no division between the twoThis book is an engaging introduction to Watts' fascinating and enduring Zen teachings.

Send a sincere "thank you" on these Vintage Washi design note cards! 8 UNIQUE DESIGNS: Each box includes 8 different Vintage Washi designs--5 cards of each design. Featuring vintage designs from the early 1900s, these cards display traditional Japanese motifs such as fans, water, flowers, nature, and butterflies. Bright colors combined with soft, muted shades of blue, orange, and pink add to the vintage beauty of these intricate washi designs.40 BLANK, FOLDED CARDS: Whether you're writing a thank you card for a wedding, graduation, or birthday, these 40 blank cards allow you to personalize your own message Each card measures 4.5x3 inches and opens either horizontally or vertically.41 Envelopes: With 41 sealable envelopes simply slip your handwritten card in; address and add a standard USPS stamp. Your gratitude will be sent with ease. The envelopes measure at 5x3.5 inches, which meets the U.S. Postal Service requirements for mailing with a standard stamp.Inspired by Traditional Japanese Artwork: Washi is the Japanese term for papers traditionally made from the long bark fibres of three plants-- Kozo (paper mulberry), Mitsumata (indigenous Japanese crop, "the feminine element"), and Gampi (an early and noble fibre, known for its richness). Washi stems from two words: wa (meaning "Japanese") and shi (meaning "paper"). The washi designs included in this pack are inspired by vintage papers dating back to 1906, each highlighting the classic features of traditional washi that make it so inviting.

Send a special message in these groovy Psychedelic Pattern cards! With 12 cards and 6 unique designs, receiving a handwritten note in one of these will make your friends and family smile! Blank inside, these cards convey a heartfelt message for any occasion. 6 UNIQUE DESIGNS: Each box includes 6 different Psychedelic Patterns-- 2 cards of each design. All of the colors in the spectrum come alive through mesmerizing patterns of swirls, suns, all-seeing eyes, and multicolored abstracts.12 BLANK, FOLDED CARDS: Whether you're sending a card for a wedding, graduation, or birthday, these 12 blank cards allow you to personalize your own message. Each card measures 4.5 x 3.75 inches and opens either horizontally or vertically.13 ENVELOPES: With 13 sealable envelopes simply slip your handwritten card in; address and add a standard USPS stamp. The envelopes measure at 5 x 4 inches, which meets the U.S. Postal Service requirements for mailing with a standard stamp.Pair with the matching Tuttle Marbled Patterns Gift Wrapping Paper for a colorful and cohesive gift!

These fine-quality sheets feature 6 prints inspired by elegant marbled patterns. These papers are suitable for craft projects as well as for gift wrapping. The variety of designs means they are useful for any occasion--whether a holiday, birthday, anniversary or "just because." Each sheet is perforated to be easily removed, this gift wrapping set includes: 12 sheets of 18 x 24 inch (45 x 61cm) paper6 unique patterns (2 sheets of each design)The tradition of gift wrapping originated in Asia, with the first documented use in China in the 2nd century BC. Japanese furoshiki, reusable wrapping cloth, is still in use four centuries after it was first created. Gift wrapping is one custom that has prevailed through the ages and across the world--it should be special for both the gift giver and recipient. Pair with the matching Marbled Patterns Note Cards for a colorful and cohesive gift!

One kokeshi, two kokeshi, three kokeshi, four‿. Anna is a Japanese-American girl whose grandparents live in Japan. They have been sending her adorable Kokeshi dolls made of painted wood each year for her birthday since she was very small. The dolls, like people, are all different-- and beautiful!In this charming children's book by award-winning author Tracy Gallup, we watch Anna grow up as her Kokeshi collection grows bigger, and we see how these dolls bring Anna and her grandparents closer together as the years pass. Part counting book, part visual narrative, this beautifully-illustrated bilingual picture book shows how simple objects can serve as a bridge between people and cultures on opposite sides of the globe. It also introduces these beautiful dolls and the ways in which they are formed and painted. The story is in Japanese and English, with a free audio recording available online. A note at the end gently explains the history of Kokeshi dolls and why they are made the way they are.

The only book of its kind in English, Japanese for Healthcare Professionals is a proficiency-based conversation textbook offering a complete Japanese language course that teaches Japanese grammar along with the vocabulary of medical care. With nearly three million Japanese tourists visiting the United States last year, and another five hundred thousand expatriates residing in the US and other English-speaking countries, it is inevitable that many Japanese speakers find themselves in need of healthcare but unable to communicate. Important highlights of this book are: Accompanying Audio recordings from native-speakers. No prior knowledge of Japanese necessary. For all professionals seeking to communicate in healthcare situations. Includes an English-Japanese dictionary of medical terms, a glossary of common complaints, and a sample bilingual medical questionnaire. Japanese for Healthcare Professionals offers a complete language course for classroom study or independent learners that teaches Japanese grammar along with the Japanese medical vocabulary. The chapters cover every step of a patient's interaction with care providers, from appointments and admissions to the physical examination, symptoms and illnesses, diagnosis, treatment, instructions to the patient, discharge, and follow-up. Chapters are devoted to the major branches of medicine as well as dentistry and to the corresponding bodily systems. There are also chapters on anatomy, infection and disease, and visits to the pharmacy. Each chapter follows a natural progression designed to help the learner comprehend the new material and acquire the language as effortlessly as possible. Each includes: basic Japanese vocabulary, a situational dialogue, Japanese grammar points and key Japanese language and culture notes, exercises and practice drills, and a quiz to sharpen comprehension. The culture and language notes seek to help the provider understand better a Japanese patient's cultural framework and patterns of belief, as well as the "un-translatable" meaning conveyed by certain idioms. The accompanying audio recordings tie in core parts of each chapter, allowing learners to practice their spoken language skills outside of a classroom setting. The book also includes thirty illustrations to help with vocabulary acquisition, a pronunciation guide, an English-Japanese dictionary of medical terms, a glossary of Japanese expressions for common complaints, a sample bilingual medical questionnaire, and answers to the quizzes. Emphasizing the learner's practical use of the Japanese language for healthcare settings and the importance of culture in understanding, Japanese for Healthcare Professionals reflects the national standards in foreign-language education set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign languages (ACTFL). All media content is accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.

Become a Better Martial Artist by Applying Lessons from the World's Greatest Military Strategists from Sun Tzu to Von ClausewitzLessons in the Art of War investigates the theories and philosophies of the most prominent military thinkers in Asia and Europe and examines the combat roots of a variety of fighting styles from traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean martial arts to the fighting arts of the ancient Greeks and modern Israelis. It also demonstrates how the martial arts, whether Asian or Western in origin, were historically about brutal fighting, often to the death, and how ancient attitudes and beliefs can be adapted for success in today's MMA steel cage, judo or karate tournament as they were in ancient armies.Including an introduction to Asian and Western military thought, chapters include:The Nature and Conduct of CombatWhat is Combat?Preparing for BattleElements of Tactics and StrategyImposing Your WillDestroying the Enemy ForceStrength of the Defensive PositionFailureMoral Quality of CourageSecuring Victory

Words of wisdom from great samurai leaders: A collection of inspiring essays and aphorisms from Japan's leading warriorsSamurai warrior leaders had to deal with grim conditions of life, death and survival. But such men were not simply rough uneducated fighters: they often personified the Far Eastern ideal of balancing cultural awareness and artistic expertise with high martial abilities. Their sayings, precepts and the anecdotes about them are informed by a broad spectrum of interests, many of which are still of great value today. This book provides English translations of the essential thoughts and teachings of 55 great Samurai leaders--from Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu--the men who unified Japan and established a system of government that survived for generationsAdvice in this book includes:You should not envy the swords and clothing of others. It goes without saying that you should arrange your hair early in the morning if you are going out to your work, but this should be done even if you are thinking of staying at home. When you think too much, it is difficult to achieve your objectives. If you are too clever and look too far ahead, you will accomplish nothing. If you have some pressing or urgent affair, write it down with a calm state of mind. Your regular meals should be light, and you should not take a trivial liking for elegant cuisine. If someone promotes only those things the lord finds acceptable, and never remonstrates with him at all, you should watch that man carefully. No matter how wise a person may be, you should never depend fully on him but rather, understand that you are always on your own. Covering universal themes ranging from the courage and ambition to face daily affairs, the insights and strategies necessary to deal with allies and opponents, the value of art and literature, and even why and how to save money-- this is a book whose ancient wisdom is still highly relevant and of great value to readers today.

This multicultural children's book is full of activities, recipes, songs and stories! Brimming with ancient traditions, exciting decorations, and delicious, seasonal foods, Japanese Celebrations for Children will take you on a month-by-month tour of some of Japan's best-loved festivals. Beautifully illustrated and full of fascinating facts about Japanese holidays and family celebrations, this 48-page picture book offers a vivid picture of some of Japan's most festive events including New Year's, Children's Day, Cherry Blossom Festival, Harvest Moon Viewing, weddings, birthdays, Christmas in Japan and much more! With entertaining text and illustrations that explain the significance of the dress, decorations, foods, gifts and activities associated with these events, Japanese Celebrations for Children promises to delight and educate young readers and parents alike.

An anthology of the greatest stories by modern Japanese masters (including previously overlooked women writers)! Fourteen distinct voices are assembled in this one-of-a-kind anthology tracing a nation's changing social landscapes. Internationally renowned writers like Yasunari Kawabata, Ryunosuke Akutagawa and Junichi Watanabe are joined by three notable women writers whose works have not yet received sufficient attention--Kanoko Okamoto, Fumiko Hayashi and Yumiko Kurahashi. Highlights of this anthology include: Kafu Nagai's bittersweet portrait of a privileged family's expiring existence in "The Fox"Ango Sakaguchi's heartening celebration of postwar chaos in "One Woman and the War"Fumiko Hayashi's unabashed exploration of female sexuality in "Borneo Diamond"Junichi Watanabe's chilling assessment of alienation and social dislocation in "Invitation to Suicide"Gishu Nakayama's look at an out-of-place prostitute recovering at a hot-spring resort in "Autumn Wind"Through brilliant, highly-praised translations by Lane Dunlop, The Best Japanese Short Stories offers fascinating glimpses of a society embracing change while holding tenaciously onto the past. A new foreword by Alan Tansman provides insightful back stories about the authors and the literary backdrop against which they created these great works of modern world literature.

Part human, part animal -- all fantastic!Veteran illustrator Ryo Sumiyoshi stretches the boundaries of fantasy human-animal hybrids in his new book--presenting not just the usual jungle beasties but a fascinating array of strange and unusual creatures found nowhere else! Sumiyoshi's extensive sketchbook ideas, drawing tips and full-color examples combine insights on body structures and movement with conceptual sketches and notes linking physical attributes to personality and behavior. The hundreds of drawings in this book show you how to create a rich menagerie of fantasy characters:Anthropomorphic furries based on the classic dog, cat, fox and werewolf-type charactersHumans with animal features like a hunter with a bushy tail and the crafty face of a catAnimals with human features, for example a six-legged tiger with a human faceAnimal-to-animal hybrids including a snake-fox and a griffinesque chimeraThese creatures boast mix-and-match fangs, beaks, paws, claws, fur, fins, feathers, scales and plates paired with expressive human attributes. And they come from every branch of the animal kingdom--from mammals to birds, reptiles, fish and insects--and everything in between. This is the ultimate sourcebook for anyone interested in fantasy creature design!

The complete guide to amazing digital illustration techniques!Are you an animator, an illustrator, a designer? Or an artist working in multiple digital fields at once? If so, this is the book for you! Manga & Anime Digital Illustration Guide takes you inside the studios of 12 professional Japanese artists and animators. In this book, you will learn the techniques used by the pros to draw and design characters for a variety of commercial and creative platforms. Follow the step-by-step lessons to learn how to create amazing characters and illustrations, and forge your own pathway in the world of creative careersLearn the pro techniques for a wide variety of modern applications, such as:Smartphone apps, anime films and video gamesPosters, covers, advertisements and special effectsFan art and fantasy fiction illustrationsIllustrated books, manga and graphic novelsPull up a chair for this collection of private tutorials and let the experts show you how they work. Learn the tips and techniques that lead to unforgettable illustrations!

Since time immemorial, Japan has been inhabited by supernatural creatures, spirits, monsters and demons...Here's your chance to meet them up close and personal! Strange Japanese Yokai assembles an extraordinary collection of mysterious creatures in every possible shape and size, each with their own unique back story. Some are well-known, others obscure. The one thing they share in common is that they are creepy and weird! The 122 different Yokai described in this book include: The Kappa: A dangerous creature who lives in lakes and rivers and attacks passers-byThe Nurarihyon: A mysterious Yokai with a huge head who steals food, tobacco and alcoholThe Yadokai: A mischievous former monk who wanders at night vandalizing and being a pestThe Ohaguru: A scary Yokai with black teeth who looks like a beautiful woman from afar until she gets closer, smiles, and reveals herselfAnd over 100 more!>*Recommended for readers ages 14 & up*

**A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection**Recommended by the New York Public Library among its list of '50 Best New Comics for Adults' in 2023What happens when the living risk their lives to save the souls of the dead?Every summer, in an isolated Japanese village, a celebration known as the Festival of Shadows takes place. The villagers are entrusted to assist the troubled souls or "shadows" of those who died tragically, and to help them come to terms with their deaths and find eternal peace. Naoko, a young girl born in the village, is given a year to save the soul of a mysterious young man. She develops strong feelings for her shadow--a handsome young man, an artist--but he seems haunted by a terrible secret. She has a year to find out what happened to him, to help him come to terms with his past, and if she fails, his soul will be lost forever‿As the year goes by, Naoko finds herself teetering between the worlds of the living and the dead. What is the terrible secret that seems to be haunting her shadow? And could she be risking her own life to help someone who has already lost his?Naoko puts her own life on the line to save the soul of this man she loves, in an exciting, moving and beautifully drawn story that takes the reader on a journey from the beautiful Japanese countryside to glamorous Tokyo art world.

When your favorite cup is broken, kitsugi can bring new life. Instead of lamenting the breakage embrace and love the opportunity to create something new and beautiful through mending. This is the appeal of kintsugi. Kintsugi is the mindful Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics and glassware by appreciating the cracks and chips as design elementsâEUR"bringing new life to cherished items. Kintsugi:The Wabi Sabi Art of Japanese Ceramic Repair shares traditional methods you can practice in your own home. Step-by-step lessons in repairs suited to every level of experiencesâEUR"filling cracks to completely rebuilding and finishing a broken pieceâEUR"fill the pages of this in-depth yet unintimidating guide. Ceramics and lacquer guru Kaori Mochinaga offers a complete course in using urushi lacquer and metallic powder in the traditional Japanese way. Your broken piece soon becomes whole again, and more meaningful than ever before. From assessing the damages and selecting the repair methods, to applying the finishing touches, you'll learn all the essential kintsugi techniques, including:How to seal a fine crack or repair a chipped rimTechniques for rebuilding a shard, restoring a handle, even reconstructing a multi-shard pieceAnd much moreâEUR"and all of it with the use of non-toxic lacquers and powdersThere's something here for every type of repairâEUR"from clean, simple breaks to more challenging reconstructions as you learn the techniques. Assemble your tools, set up your workspace, and let this book guide you through the mindful art of kintsugi!

A color science expert's must-have coloring guide for manga and anime artists! Author Teruko Sakurai, Japan's leading colorist, applies her expert knowledge of color to drawing effective anime and manga. Starting with the basics, Sakurai shares her secrets on how to provide your characters and scenes with the right colors to accurately express their moods and actions. This all-in-one guide allows you to become a skilled colorist in just a few easy lessons. Here are just some of the key topics presented in this all-in-one handbook: How to select the right hair and eye colors to express the personality and mood of a characterThe basics of color theory and how to match the color palette of a scene with the story being toldColor's role in conveying emotion-- and the essential colors used to capture a particular moodHundreds of palette color combinations and swatches with CMYK and RGB percentagesThis book shows you how to become a skilled digital colorist just by following a few simple guidelines--and how to refine your illustrations further using professional-level digital shading and coloration techniques. With hundreds of tips and sample palettes to refer to, Anime & Manga Digital Coloring Guide is a book every manga and anime artist will want to have!

Gather your family and friends for the ultimate communal dinner!This original cookbook is a labor of love from Amy Kimoto Kahn, a fourth-generation Japanese American mom, wife, and private chef. Originally published as Simply Hot Pots, it has now been updated and improved with beautiful new photographs, additional information on hot pot equipment for the home chef, an expanded table of contents and new glossary sections. The lightweight soft-cover format and user-friendly additions included in The Asian Hot Pot Cookbook make it the perfect kitchen guide for starting your own family hot pot traditions!In Asia, hot pots have long been a cornerstone of home-cooking-a one pot meal, shared at the table, with family and friends helping themselves from the communal pot. The key to a successful hot pot is the base broth, and in this book you'll find a wide variety of recipes for broths and sauces, along with complete recipes for Asian-style hot pots from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and more!In this book you'll find everything you need to start your Asian hot pot journey:Hot pot equipment introductionThe basic components of a hot potHow to serve hot pots at homeA glossary of Asian ingredients69 delicious recipes for hot pots including basic broths and sauces, side dishes and dessertsThe delicious hot pots in this book include:Pork Sukiyaki, made with Sukiyaki Sauce, mushrooms, tofu, greens and noodlesThai Chicken Coconut Curry Hot Pot, made with Thai Coconut Curry Broth and served with Steamed Japanese RiceGreen Vegetable Hot Pot, made with Creamy Corn Broth, Sesame Miso Sauce and bursting with asparagus, kale, bok choy and broccoliKorean Short Ribs with Spicy Kimchi Hot Pot, made with Korean Kimchi Broth and udon noodlesIn addition to 32 Hot Pot recipes, you'll find 24 recipes for basic broths, sauces and rice, 8 side-dish recipes and 5 mouthwatering desserts, providing everything you need for fun and healthy meals that can be enjoyed by the whole family!

Superb Yokai images from the world's leading museums and private collections! Japan's vast pantheon of supernatural creatures includes demons (yokai), monsters, ogres (oni), ghosts (yurei) and magicians--mythical beings from folklore and popular culture which continue to thrill readers of traditional stories and manga today. This richly illustrated book by Andreas Marks, the leading authority on Japanese woodblock prints, presents authentic illustrations and descriptions of 100 different creatures, including: Bakeneko: Monster cats in human form who lick lamp oil and prey on humans born in the year of the RatHan'nya: Female demons with sharp and pointed horns, metallic eyes and a smirking smileHihi: Large ape-like monsters who live in the mountains and have superhuman strength, enabling them to kidnap and kill humansMikoshi-nyudo: Yokai with an enormously extended necks who appear only at nightAnd many more!>Also included are two long handscrolls from the Minneapolis Institute of Art (A Collection of Monsters and Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) which are reproduced here for the very first time. Prints and Paintings sourced from the following list of museums, libraries and private collections: Art Institute of ChicagoChristie's, London & New YorkThe Cleveland Museum of ArtHarold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young UniversityKyoto University, Main LibraryLibrary of CongressLos Angeles County Museum of ArtThe Metropolitan Museum of ArtMinneapolis Institute of ArtNational Museum of Japanese HistoryPrinceton University LibraryRijksmuseum, AmsterdamSmithsonian Libraries

The ultimate guide to the Japanese martial arts by the world's foremost expert!Author Alexander Bennett is the ultimate insider, having lived in Japan for decades. He holds multiple black belts in Kendo and Naginata, as well as PhDs in Japanese literature and history. An Insider's Guide to the Japanese Martial Arts is Bennett's personal guide for fellow martial artists and seekers who wish to undertake their own personal quest to study or practice a martial art in Japan. In this book, Bennett outlines the history of the Japanese warrior from early times until the present. Then, as only someone steeped in this world can, he surveys the contemporary martial arts scene and provides essential tips on how to find a teacher and a dojo and how to navigate and survive the difficult martial arts world in Japan today. The chapters in this book cover many different topics, including:The Real SamuraiHow the Japanese Martial Arts developedMartial Arts Masters You Should Know AboutBudo in Japan TodayKey Martial Arts ConceptsLife in a Japanese DojoA Japan Survival GuideWritten in an informal, easy-to-read style, this book will captivate anyone with an interest in Japan and Japanese culture, especially martial artists around the world.

Sweet and simple drawings for creative fun!In this whimsical new guide, Japanese illustrator and master doodler KAMO shows you how to draw the cutest sketches you've ever seen. And she makes drawing them so easy!Start with a squiggle, a circle or a line, then add a few strokes and voilaâEUR"your drawing is done! She includes hundreds of examples and shows you how to use them to decorate your sketchbook, journal, notebook, gift cards, school projects and many other items. Learn to draw items such as:Interesting people from all walks of life, plus adorable pets and flowersDelicious meals or the perfect outfit and the living spaces around youLocal buildings or mementos of your travelsCustom lettering for one-of-a-kind correspondence Decorative border motifs for your journals and sketchpadsAnd so much more!Discover how fun it is to draw cartoon-style animals, plants, people, food and moreâEUR"everything your heart desires. It is all in this book!