History
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Book Spiritual Traditional Liberal Arts Culture Japanese Guides History Art TravelEverything Kōfuku-ji: History, Teachings, Art
The Tenpyō era (729-749) Buddhist monastery Chū-Kondō in Nara has been rebuilt to stand at original size for the first time in 300 years. This handy book will teach you everything you need to know about the history and teachings of the temple in clear and simple terms. Complete with over 150 photographs and descriptions of Japan’s most precious Buddhist art and national treasures, including the Asura and statue of Buddha by the sculptor Unkei (1148-1224).
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Book Literature HistoryParadoxical Japanese History 22: The Meiji Restoration
As the new Meiji government fought to build a modern nation, the great figures of the revolution strongly opposed the political changes that came in 1873. This work reveals the true motives of the “strongest” yet unsuccessful reservists of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion, from the pointed historical perspective of author Motohiko Izawa.
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Book Liberal Arts Literature History BiographiesWhat Was the Showa Emperor Fighting? “Authentic Accounts” of his 87 Years (Showa Ten’no wa Nan to Tatakatteita no ka “Jitsuroku” de Yomu 87 Nen no Shōgai)
The Imperial Household Agency completed over 61 volumes of records over the course of 24 years, totaling 12,137 pages. Author Makoto Inoue made a careful reading of this great historical record, entitled Authentic Accounts of the Showa Emperor (Showa Ten’no Jitsuroku). What Was the Showa Emperor Fighting stitches together the 87 year, 8 month-long life story of the Showa Emperor in an approachable, diary-style format.
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Book Liberal Arts History Manga ArtUnderstanding 30 Years of the Heisei Period with Manga (Manga de Wakaru Heisei no San-jyū Nen)
Thirty years of the Heisei period, thoroughly analyzed in manga form. Japan’s bubble economy, natural disasters, the fight with terror, an evolving network environment, globalism—looking back on an era of immense change. Including explanations by charismatic preparatory school teacher Shun'ichirō Kanaya.
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Book Non-fiction Literature Manga Biographies ArtThe Tale of Shizo Kanakuri: Japan’s First Olympic Runner
The story of Shizo Kanakuri (1891-1983), the star of NHK’s upcoming 2019 long-distance running television series Taiga Drama, in manga form. Expectations for the 2020 Tokyo games are on the rise as we follow his life as the first Japanese Olympic athlete, founding member of the Hokaido Ekiden marathon, and major influencer in the world of sports.
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Book Non-fiction Liberal Arts Literature HistoryTales of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics
Tokyo, 1964—this is the hotly exciting drama of those who cheered in the shadows of the miraculous games. As the next games approach, this work will have you relive the daring bravery and look toward the future with heart-palpitating anticipation. Fully stocked with hints on how Japan is making progress.
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Book Non-fiction Liberal Arts Literature HistoryThe Emperor’s Message (Ten’nō Messeji)
A deeper dive into investigative author Kōji Yabe’s 2015 book: A Message from Emperor Akihito: The Country that Doesn’t Fight (Sensō o shi nai Kuni: Akihito Ten'nō Messēji).
“Because I have no experience as an ordinary Japanese person, I’ve never once thought of what I wanted to do with my life. I’ve never thought about choosing any other path than that of the Imperial household.” —Emperor Akihito, American news conference, 1987
“It doesn’t matter if stones are thrown. I want to walk amongst the people without fearing such things.” —Emperor Akihito, prior to visiting Okinawa, 1975
“Although it may be shameful to have others think me weak, I do not live in despair.” —Empress Michiko, 1980 -
Book Non-fiction Liberal Arts Culture Literature Japanese Guides HistoryHeisei History
From the burst of Japan’s economic bubble to the Aum Shinrikyo terrorist attacks and the Fukushima nuclear meltdown—what happened? And why? Writer and man-of-the-era Masaru Sato teams up with Keio University Professor Morihide Katayama for an exhaustive look at politics, economics, accidents, and culture of the past 30 years in Japan.
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Book Non-fiction Liberal Arts Culture Literature Japanese Guides History Modern ArtJapan: Endless Discovery
Brought to you by the relatives of Admiral Perry’s attendant cameraman: stunning photographs documenting “Japan Beyond Time” using wet-plate collodion techniques from the final days of the Shogunate’s reign. Exploring the incredible development of spirituality and sense of self in Japan since pre-history until now, 150 years after the Meiji Restoration.
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Book Spiritual Liberal Arts Culture Japanese Guides TravelTo-ji Temple
To-ji temple, located just south of Kyoto train station, serves as headquarters for the Shingon School of Buddhism. This full-color English language guide provides the ideal introduction to To-ji’s popular Buddhist statuary and other prized works—many of them National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties—and the history behind them.
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Book Culture Japanese Guides TravelIse Jingu and the Origins of Japan
Author of several photo books about Ise Shrine, Miori Inata eloquently captures the beauty of Japan and its ancient traditions of recycling and symbiosis. This all-English edition features "the sacred place of water and forest," Ise Jingu. Revised by an American editor and British designer.