Ninjutsu Gokui Hidensho Ito Gingetsu

Title Title Ninjutsu Gokui Hidensho
Publication year 1955
Author Gingetsu Ito

You will understand what Japanese people think of Ninjutsu in the early Showa period or in the Taisho period.

This book explains how to practice Ninjutusu(47~75page) or introduces a variety of Ninjutsu(110~154page).

Born in Akita prefecture(in Tohoku district),he was known for a novelist and a critic here in Japan.

In my opinion,Gingetsu Ito is not so famous as Seiko Fujita in the world.But he was an acknowledged expert on Ninjutsu in those days.He has published some books on Ninjutsu.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Engravings on Japanese Swords Nihonto no Horimono

Title Engravings on Japanese Swords
Publication Year 1970
Author Sato Yoshiki and Nakamiya Yoshiro

The postscript to this book says,"Of numerous Japanese swords books,there are no one focusing only on engravings.I would like you to publish it.

It was one and a half years ago that the president of Kogei Shupan-Mr.Matsumura asked me to.In publishing it,my good friend Shibata Mitsuo gave me a lot of chips."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Japanese Embroidery Imperial Embroidery Artist

Title Japanese embroidery
Author Mitsuo Akiyama
Publication year 1975

He has studied embroidery under Toshitaro Hirano,who is one of the most famous experts on Japanese Embroidery.
Later,he was in charge of the house of an imperial prince such as Her majesty or Michiko as an Embroidery artist.(Imperial Household Agency Embroidery artist)So it can be said that he is an acknowledged authority on Japanese embroidery.

Recommended Item!One of must-have books if you are interested in Japanese Embroidery.

*Japanese embroidery in Momoyama,Edo period
*My works
*Japanese embroidery explanation of material and tool
*various kinds of Nui

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Sawanoi Mamagotoya Collection:Combs and Ornamental Hairpins

Title Sawanoi Mamagotoya Collection:Combs and Ornamental Hairpins
Publication Year 1998

The foreword to this book says,"From luxurious gold-sprinkled maki-e combs to chic ornamental hairpins adorned with a single coral ball,hasir accessories accentuate the beauty of raven-black hair.Ornamental combs,hairpins and bodkins were the msot precious accessories treasured by Japanese women in the Edo period when various coiffures reached the stage of perfection."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Inro Museum A Photographic Record of Exhibits

Title Inro Museum A Photographic Record of Exhibits
Publication Year 1990

It has 60plates of excellent Japanese Inro and Nestsuke in it.All plates are shown in full color.

The English foreword to this book says,"The sole inro museum in Japan,this institution was established in the spring of 1990in my hometown Takayama,which is closely connected with Edo culture.This museum,into which a storehouse constructed in 1888 was remodeled,has two stories and covers a floor space of some 330m in total.

It houses about 330 inro which I have collected for more than 30 years not only from collectors in Japan and abroad but also through auctions held in various countries.
I hope that this museum would help many people to have a true appreciation of inro as microcosmos of elaborate Japanese craftsmanship and to realize great enthusiasm with which craftsman in the Edo period tried to reach tie acme of refinement."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Modern Japanese Embroidery Hirano Toshitaro Akiyama Mitsuo's son

Title Modern Embroidery
Publication year 1979
Author Toshitaro Hirano
Preface by Matsuda Gonroku A Living National Treasure.

This is a deluxe Japanese embroidery paltes collection by Hirano Toshitaro. Size 28cm*39cm

It is a good ref material if you are interested in Japanese mbroidery.

His father was an Imperial Embroidery Artist.
Toshitaro Hirano learned embroidery under him.

Mitsuo Akiyama,who was an Imperial embroidery artist,learned embroidery under Toshitaro Hirano.

In the preface to this book,a living national treasure Matsuda Gonroku says,"It can be said that he is a leading figure who expresses embroidery as art works of a very few embroidery artists.In this collective works,you can find new representations and will be fasinated by them"

http://www.japanese-book.com/

An American of Collection of Japanese Textiles

Title An American of Collection of Japanese Textiles
Publication Year 1989

The English foreword to this book,Fifi White says"When I began looking at Japanese textiles I had already been a weaver and collector of fabries for several years.My weaving had led me to appreciate Guatermalan tetiles and American indian objects for their color texture and wonderful surface patterns.

However,what I was discovering in Japanese examples of dyeing,weaving and printing was different-more sophisticated,more complex and with a wider design vocabulary.

Japanese textiles were more varied in their beauty and finer in material and technique than the earlier Guatemalan and American Indian pieces I had been collectiing.The more I saw,the more responsive I became to the finest examples and the more I wanted to have them to live with."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

A Kaleidoscope of Early Japanese Modern Kimono-An exhibition of Kosode Byobu

Title A Kaleidoscope of Early Japanese Modern Kimono-An exhibition of Kosode Byobu
Publication year 1994

This book was published as a pamphlet of Japanese Kosode exhibition by National Museum of Japanese History.Some pagesincluding foreword are written in English.

The English foreword to this book says,"Of particular note among the nearly one thousand items in the collection are a groupe of one hundred screens called "Kosode Byoubu" which were modeled after a type of early modern "fuzoku byoubu(screens of manners and customd)"known as tagasode byoubu.The screen depicts images of Kosode draped over clothes racks.But unlike Tagasode Byoubu,Kosode Byoubu actually incorporate portions of real Kosode collaged to the surface which are arranged to suggest the full effect of garment.Each screens consists of two panels,both of which are decorated with Kosode in such styles as Tsujigahana,nuihaku,Kanbun Kosode,Genroku Kosode,and Yuzenzome among others.The works focus on important examples of textile design from the Momoyama to the mid edo period"

http://www.japanese-book.com/

The Beauty of Japan BIOMBO/Japanese Heritage as Legend of Gold

Title The Beauty of Japan BIOMBO/Japanese Heritage as Legend of Gold

Publication Year 2007

This is a pictorial record of unique Japanese Folding Screens.Fortunately,it is written both in Japanese and in English.Recommended Book.

The English foreword to this book says,"

BIOMBO in Portuguese and Spanish is an equivalent of "byobu" in Japanese meaning folding screens. This exhibition spotlights Japanese folding screens, a long cherished interior decor and re-examines their history and roles in Japanese culture from a global perspective. The restored screens of which originals were presented to foreign governments or separately owned by various collectors will be among the features."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

The History of Kendo Yamada Jirokichi Nihon Kendoshi

Title The History of Kendo
Author Yamada Jirokichi
Publication Year 1955(reprinted edition)

This book is recommended by All Japan Kendo Federation.

The narrow book wrapper says,'Yamada Jirokichi was a leading expert on Kendo and was known as Sakakibara Kenkichi's best pupil.Also,he studied the history of Kendo.
It contains an accurate and informative history of Kendo.It is a required reading for those who want to be Kendo players."

Gold Leather KIn-Karakawa Fukushima Yoshiro and Kumeko

Title Gold Leather Kin-Karakawa
Publication Year 2003

The English foreword to this book says,"Japanese gilt leather or Kin-Karakawa is an original European craft,which was introduced to Japan in the Edo period(1603-1868)from the Netherlands.In Japan the leather was decorated with thin layers of gold or gold-colored materials.
In modern Japan,the technique is still used to produce a host of items including leather chairs,shields,cushions,handbags and wallets."

Contents
Intorduction to Japanese Gilt Leather(Kin-Karakawa)
Leather Craft in Japan
Color Plates
Works of Yoshiro Fukushima
Works of Kumeko Fukushima
Explanation of the Production Techniques of Kin-Karakawa
List of Works
Chronogy

The Quilt World of Hattori Sanae Japanese Quilt Designer Exhibition Catalogue

Title The Quilt World of Sanae Hattori in English

Publication Year 1998
Author Hattori Sanae

This is an exhibition catalogue introducing Hattori sanae's fabulous quilt works.

The English foreword to this book says,"There are many excellent reasons that Sanae Hattori is recognized today as one of Japan's leading quilt designers and artisans,as well as an acclaimed and innovative contributor to the fabric arts on the international level.She was one of the first Japanese quilt designers to combine traditional Japanese images  and needlework with western quiltmarking techniques."

Fukusa recommended by Iwao Saito,The founder of Kurenaikai

Title Fukusa

Recommended by Saito Iwao,the founder fo Kurenaikai

Iwao Saito comments on this book in the beginning;
'What I feel about these 50 Fukusa is that it is very fun to see these because there are many interesting designs, the romance of their stories and entertainment...'

This book contains 50 beautiful photos of Fukusa. So even if you don't understand Japanese, you will enjoy this book through many photos.
The size of this book is big enough to feel the beautiful and dynamic embroidery.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Kombuin Embroidered Fukusa Important Cultral Property

Title Kombuin Embroidered Fukusa

The English foreword to this book says,"The temple of Kombuin 31 embroidered FUKUSA(cloth covering for gift) known as Edo fukusa,as well as Kombuin fukusa.The fifth Shogunof the Tokugawa line,Tsunayoshi used these fuksa to wrap the gifts he presented to his favorite concubineZuishun'in.His powe such that in those days,he retained the best craftsman in Japan to make new Fkusa in which to wrap all the gifts he gave her on various occasions,such as at the new year,at mid summer,and at year -end.This book contains only some of the tens of Fukusa Zuishun'in received from Tsunayoshi until his death at the new year in 1709."

This Fukusa is designated Important Cultural Property.

Please see the following page. Konbuin

"Garan" in this Konbuin were built by Enshu Kobori,who is one of the most famous masters of ceremonial tea together with Sennorikyu.Konbuin is located in Nara City.

 

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Vitnage Japanese Embroidery Book in 1931

Title Keitoteki Shishu no Seisetus

Publication Year Year 1931

Author Uemura Momoyo

Uemura Momoyo was a professor at Ochanomizu University in Tokyo and gave a handicraft lesson there.This book was published in 1931,that is over 80 years ago.Fortunately,it contains a number of coloful plates in it. 

If you are interested in traditional Japanese embroidery,it is a good ref material.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Okinawaden Bubishi Otsuka Tadahiko,Higa Yuchoku,Miyagi Chojun

Title Okinawaden Bubishi

Tlanslator Otsuka Tadahiko

Foreword Higa Yuchoku

In the foreword to this book,the translator Otsuka Tadahiko says,"This Okinawaden Bubishi is closely connected with Goju-ryu Karatedo and has been copied ever since Miyagi Chojun obtained it.

I have been looking for the origin of Goju-ryu Karatedo because I wanted to obtained this Okinawaden Bubisi."

If you are interested in Goju-ryu Karatedomthis book is a must-have book.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Judo Koza God of Judo Kyuzo Mifune recommended by Kodokan

Title Judo Koza

Publicaton Year 1955

Supervising Editor Kyuzo Mifune,Kazuzo Kudo

These books are supervised by Kyuzo Mifune,Kazuzo Kudo and written by many great Judo players including Mifune Kyuzo.The slipcase says,"Recommended by Kodokan and All Japan Judo Federation"Comprehensive Judo Text Book.It can be said that it is one of must-have books if you are interested in Kodokan Judo.

This Judo Koza is becoming hard-to-come by here in Japan.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Ryukyu Bojutsu no Hiketsu Murakami katsumi

Title Ryukyu Bojutsu no Hiketsu

Publication Year 1983

Author Murakami Katasumi

This is his second book on Bojutsu.Also,this book contains a lot of photos in it,so it will be a good textbook if you are interested in Bojutsu.

He is an expert on Shorin-ryu(7th dan) and Toon-ryu.He has published another Martial Arts book,entitled "Karatedo and Ryukyu Kobudo"

In the preface to this book,Katsumi Murakami says,"This is an sequel edition to my previous book,'Introduction to Bojutsu'The previous book was for beginners focusing on the basics.This is a commentary on Bojutsu deals with advanced techniques."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Shugei no Tomo Kurenaikai Saito Iwao The Founder of Kurenaikai

Title Shugei no Tomo
Publication Year 1971

This issue features Kurenaikai Embroidery over 20 pages.The article is written by Saito Iwao,the founder of Kurenaikai.

It is hard to find even in Japan mainly because it was published 40 years ago.Anyway,it is a great ref magazine if you are interested in Japanese embroidery.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

The World of Yuki Atae Modern Japanese Doll Maker

Title The World of Yuki Atae
Publication Year 2006

The English preface to this book says,"Ate's dolls are very natural in appearance:they stand straight and their little bodies virtually sparkle all over with soul,reminding we viewers of scenes of times that have receded ever further into the recesses of memory.

These incredibly life-like figures journeyed overseas in Feburary to Paris'Baccarat galerie-Musse for a personal exhibition.It was popular:the dolls attracted a considerable crowd everyday,which was treated to an awesome experience of suprise and wonder.

The upcoming welcome home exhibition is the first in five years ,and features around 130 figures mainly focusiing on Atae's homage to maestro movie director Yasujiro Ozu,which was first unveiled in France.The aim of the exhibition is to allow visitors to truely experience the world of doll art."

This book contains 51 dolls by Yuki Atae.All dolls are shown in full color.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Ichiku Tsujigahana Works of Ichiku Kubota

Title Ichiku Tsujigahana Works of Ichiku Kubota

Publication year 1982

Mr.Kubota,who had been in the field of hand painted YUZEN textiles,was profoudly moved by the exhaustive medieval beauty of the small fragment of ancient textile of TSUJIGAHANA called the "phantasmal dyeing technique"in the collection of he Tokyo National Museum.It was then that he determined to recreate this dyeing technique one day.

There is the description about Tsujigahana and Ichiku Kubota in English at the last part of this item. You can enjoy Tsujigahana by seeing and reading this.

 

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Shikiishi and Tobiishi for Japanese Gardens

Title Shikiishi and Tobiishi(Stepping Stones)

Publication Year 1979

This is a deluxe photo collection of Shikiishi and Tobiishi for unique Japanese style Japanese gardens.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Bonsai Beauty and Harmony:Masterpices from the Seikoen

Title Bonsai Beauty and Harmony: Masterpieces from the Seikoen Collections

Author Yamada,Kamajiro and Tomio Yamada

Publication Year 1974

This is a deluxe bonsai book supervised by Seikoen in miya Bonsai Village.Fortunately,it is written both in Japanese and in English.

 

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Kakuryuan Bonsai Collection supervised by Kimura Masahiko in English

Title Kakuryuan Bonsai Collection

Supervising Editor Kimura Masahiko

This is an extremely rare and deluxe bonsai book supervised by Kimura Masahiko.It is written both in Japanese and in English.

Kimura Masahiko says,"Mr Kenichi Oguchi has long benn a famous and important figure as a bonsia collection in the world.His name has been in my mind since quite a long time ago.But the first time I met him was when I was asked to take care of his treasured trees in the late fall of 1983.

Being an active entrepreneur in the business world,and having a knowledge of what real life is with a large amount of experiences ,he has been cultivating his own sense of the aesthetic by mastering Japanese calligraphy and many other arts.When he turns to bonsai he pints out the essential qualities of beauty with his original point of view which seems to penetrate everything keenly,but still he has a gentle and generous personality.Thus I learned a lot of him.

If Kakuryuan bonsai collection is not merely a collection book of a man's life with bonsai but stimulates people all over the world to get involved in this peaceful art,it will help to deepen international excahanges as MRr.Oguchi hopes.Also if it helps to male bonsai more popular and better understood,I take it as a great honor to be a supervisor of this book"

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Japanese Embroidery Textbook Kurenaikai Iwao Saito

Title Japanese Embroidery Textbook(Nihon Shishu Kyokasho)

Author Saito Iwao The founder of Kurenaikai

One of his most hard-to-find books.It is at best once a year that we come across it.

If you are interested in buying it,please feel free to email us.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Nihon Toko Jiten Yoshio Fujishiro and Matsuo Fujishiro Koto Shinto

Title Nihon Toko Jiten 2vol
Author Yoshio Fujishiro and Matsuo Fujishiro 

Most famous and most comprehensive Japanese Sword Ref Book.It can be said that this is a must-have book if you are interessted in Japanese Swords.

This is a Nihon Toko Jiten composed of 2 volumes and it is written by Matsuo Fujishiro and Yoshio Fujishiro.It is known as classic Japanese language sword reference book. This book includes detailed oshigata and information on the most important Japanese sword smiths of shinto time periods. This book has long been high on the list of recommneded reference text for Japanese swords. Fujishiro's rankings aer commonly used by many collectors and scholars.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Kumihimo Jewelry Nakayama Aya

Title Kumihimo Jewelry Nakayama Aya

Author Nakayama Aya

Publication Year 1979

The author Aya Nakayama says "My book "Kumihimo Jewelry" seemed to be rediscovered recently by a student when she read the title in a library. She decided to study it for her graduation thesis. Her first understanding of the term Kumihimo Jewelry was that it meant a jewel-encrusted braided necklace. This is no wonder because in Japan, jewelry normally means a decoration with jewels. However Kumihimo Jewelry is a personal ornament designed by an artist and so originality is an essential character.

It was almost 30 years ago when I started to work with Kumihimo for my jewelry oeuvre. My first visit to Europe awakened me to how ignorant I was about my own country Japan and so in my subsequent works I focussed my attention there.

In researching Japan's original materials and techniques I discovered the beauty of Kumihimo. My first work was made with a kumihimo braid - although this had been made by another person - and it was accepted in a competition.  The work was not entirely my own because the kumihimo had not been made for jewelry and this dissatisfaction in addition to the pleasure I found in the elegant braiding movements resulted in my study of Kumihimo. It was with surprise that I realized the huge variety of pattern and shape of kumihimo braids that can be produced using the simple stand called a marudai. My enthusiasm for Kumihimo developed in this way.

A more original work became possible when I understood that the variety in Kumihimo braids was due to a combination of structure, color arrangement and the color of the thread. This development resulted in the award of a fourth place prize in a competition. This work was further improved in color and the Kumihimo part was entirely replaced. My Kumihimo work thus became more beautiful and the final work was more original although it was nothing more than an easy combination of Kumihimo and chased metal.

How can silver and silk be joined ? Day and night, the compatibility of chased metal and braided silk was on my mind. I researched methods of making the fusion between the two and eventually figured out a satisfying solution. The result was not perfect but my first fusion work, a necklace was finally perfected and awarded a grand prix.

This type of work was named Series U representing United as well as the "u" of Yugou (fusion in Japanese) . Two works U-1 and U-5 were added to the collection of The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. A series of work using Kumihimo was named Kumihimo Jewelry."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Bijutsu Bonki meihin Taisei Murata Kyuzo Kyukaen Omiya Bonsai Village

Title Bijutsu Bonki Meihin Taisei Prefaced by Murata Kyuzo Kyukaen(Omiya Bonsai Village) Bonsai Master

This is a super deluxe and extremely rare Bonki book,which is composed of 2 volumes(one is Japanese Bonki and another is Chinese one.)It is becoming hard-to-come by even in Japan.

If you are interested in Bonsai pots,this is one of must-have books.

http://www.japanese-book.com/ from Bonsai Town Omiya

Msashiko Kimura The Magical Technician of Contemporary Bonsai

Title Msashiko Kimura The Magical Technician of Contemporary Bonsai

Author Bonsai Master in Omiya Bonsai Village

This is an extremely rare bonsai book entitled Msashiko imura The Magical Technician of Contemporary Bonsai Part 3.

The English preface to this book says,"Masahiko Kimura,a pioneer in the development of new bonsai techniques,reveales through his fiercely beautiful works his deep love for the art of Bonsai.

Mr.Kimura has become even more well-known not only in Japan but also throughout the world."

http://www.japanese-book.com/ from Bonsai Town Omiya

Okinawaden Gojuryu Karatedo Miyazato Eiichi Gojuryu Karate Master

Title Okinawaden Gojuryu Karatedo

Author Miyazato Eiichi

Publicaion Year 1978

 

This is an extremely rare Gojuryu Karate book written by Miyazato Eiichi,who is a successor to Okinawa Gojuryu Karate(the founder is Miyagi Chojun).This book includes a photo of his practicing Karate with Miyagi Chojun at the top of this book.It was published 25 years after Miyagi Chojun passed away and Miyazato Eiichi opened his Dojo.

This book will provide a step-by-step guide. It is a must-have book if you are interested in Goju-ryu Karate.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Okinawa Goju-ryu Karatedo Giho supervised by Miyazato Eiichi

Title Seiden Okinawa Goju-ryu Karatedo Giho

Supervising Editor  Miyazato Eiichi,Gojuryu Karate Master

Author Kai Kunimasa

Publication Year Hesiei 9

This is a very rare Goju-ryu Karate book supervised by Miyazato Eiichi,Gojuryu Karate Master.

The foreword to this book says,"This book compiles all Karate techniques Miyazato Eiichi,who is a successor to Okinawa Gojuryu Karate,have taught us directly.It was published in Showa 62."

If you have any books you are looking for,please feel free to email us.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Ladies's Costumes in The Japanese Imperial Court

Title Ladies's Costumes in The Japanese Imperial Court
Publication Year 1977
Original retail price is approx $700.

There is a description in English at last of this book saying;



'The primary purpose of this volume is to make known widely, through color photos of specimens surviving from the Pre-modern age, the historical development and actual aspects of ladies' court costume of Japan which heretofore have not been known well by the Japanese people.


Court costume was worn in Japan since about the beginning of the 5th century. The earliest one was after the style of clothing of the mounted nomads in the western part of the Asistic Continent, introduced here by way of the Korean Peninsula'...

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Deluxe Floral Chronicle Traditional Japanese Design Collection

Title Floral Chronicle

Publication Year 1978

This is a deluxe Japanese design collection,which includes Floral designs for Embroidery works.It is composed of 2 volumes and a very large one. Size approx 40cm*53cm

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Special Exhibition Japanese Armor

Title Special Exhibition Japanese Armor

Publixcation Year 1987

The English foreword to this book says,"From ancient times we have used the term armor to denote a helmet and a body protector as a set.Armor as a type of arms used primarily for self-defense has been worn by various tribes from all over the world.In its material,form and function,however,it varies dramaticall,reflecting differences among cultures.Japanese armor is characterized not only by its functional utility,but also by its rich variety of decorative designs.

This exhibition consists of selevted masterpices of armor from the Kofun through Edo periods,with emphasis on the unique characteristics of Japanese armor."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Leonard Foujita Fujita Tsuguharu by Jean Selz

Title Leonard Foujita(Fujita Tsuguharu) by Jean Selz

Publication Year 1981

This book is written in English and the foreword to this book says,"Foujita was the first Asian to become a full member of the Parisian school.He spent thirty five years of his life in France,acquiring citizenship in 1955,his major paintings were produced in paris,and it was there that he became famous.

Jean Selzmwho is already familiar to readers of this series ,brings to this book not only his expertise as an art historian,but also a storong personal affection for the artsist.He was a close friend to Foujita and was able to follow his work for a great many years.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Zukai Hiketsu Jujutsu Gekiken Dokushuho 1894

Title Jujutsu Gekiken Dokushuho

Publication Year 1894

Author Yokono Shizuji

This is a vintage Jujutsu teach-yourself book and as tilte says,includes many illustrations.You can learn a lot about Japanese old martial arts.It was published in 1894(117 years ago)

This book is divided into the following prts.

1Jujutsu 2Kenjusu 3Kyujutsu 4 Jyujutsu

He has published another Jujutsu book entitled Hiden Jujutsu Kito Yushin in 1892.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

The world of Shuriken Ikuken Shiragami

Title The world of Shuriken

Author Ikuken Shiragami

Publication year 1978(Showa 53)

The postscript to this book says,"The outline of this book owes to instructions from Kanji Naruse sensei and especially regarding historical parts of this book,it owes a great deal to "Shuriken" from Seiko Fujita sensei,who is the founder of Shingetsu-ryu Shuriken jutsu"

According to this book,Ikuken Siragami learned Shuriken under Naruse Kanji.Not only this book but also Shuriken by Naruse Kanji would be great ref materials if you are interested in Shuriken.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Eri Sayoko Kirikane World Brilliance and Romance of Gold Leaf

Title Brilliance and Romance of Gold Leaf Sayoko Eri Kirikane World

Publication Year 2005

This is a rare exhibiton catalogue of Eri Sayoko,Japanese Living national Treasure.Fortunately,it is written both in Japanese and in English.

The English foreword to this book says,"Sayoko Eri was born in kyoto in 1945.After learning Japanese painting at school,she married a buddhist sculptor,Kosei Eri.She began making Kirinkane embelishments for the Buddhist images created by her husband and gradually expanded the range of her Kirikane artwork to include original works created to bring many people in contact with the beauty of Kirikane."

What is Kirikane?

The technique of Kirikane ,which developed as part of Buddhism art,is also know as Hosokane.Several fine,thin sheets of gold foil are placed on top of one another and stuck together by heat into a thicker sheet.It is cut on top of a piece of buck skin with a bamboo knife into fine strips or into pieces of round ,diamond or triangular shape.These gold strips and pices are glued on to describe various patterns and designs by using a brush tip.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Tomiki Kenji Aikido Nyumon

Title Aikido Nyumon
Author Tomiki Kenji

This is a very rare Aikido book written by Tomiki Kenji.It has a lot of photos in it.

In the preface to this book,Kenji Tomiki says,"In our country,there are several Jujutsu schools,which have been handed down from generation to generation.Daito-ryu Jujutsu is one of them.My sensei Ueshiba Morihei learned Jujutsu under Takeda Sokaku and also studied many other schools.Then he originated Aikido.
I have learned Kodokan Judo since I was a child.I have studied relationship between Judo and Aikido after learning Aikido for about 30 years."

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Ryukyu Kobudo Bojutsu Numon Murakami Katsumi Shorin-ryu

Ryukyu Kobudo Bojutsu Nyumon
Murakami Katsumi Okinawa Higaonnna-ryu,Okinawa Kobayashi-ryu Karate Master

In the preface to this book,Katsumi Murakami says,"These days,more and more people are showing interest in Kobudo.But very little is known about it. Bojutusu is central of Okinawan old artial Arts and also is a traditional cultural asset.It is generally believed that it is a valuable Martial Art.


I have explained Basic Kata with a lot of photos-not only significant but also easy-to-learn even for beginners-so that anyone will can understand with ease.
I firmly believe that anyone can get closer to Bojutus and make progress in it through this book"

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Karatedo Kata Taikan Sakagami Ryusho Itosukai

Karatedo Kata taikan

This is a deluxe karate Kata chronicle by Sakagami Ryusho.

In the postscript to this book,Sakagami Sadaaki,the son of Ryusho Sakagami,says,"This book contains Itosukai Karate Kata   my father has been making great efforts to learn for a lomg time.It is natural that it is very difficult to describe Kata through pics or captions.My father passed away at the age of 78.I feel that we need to show Itoskai karate Kata to younger generation,which have been handed down from generation to generation."

One of the must-have books if you are interested in Itosukai Karate.

If you have any books you are loking for,please feel free to email us.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Sesshu Master of Ink and Brush 50th Anniversary Exhibition

Seshhu Master of Ink and Brush

This is an exhibition catalogue about Sesshu.Fortunately,some pages including foreword are written in English.5 works by Sesshu are designated as National Treasures!It is not too much to say that he is the Greatest Japanese Painter.

The English foreword says,"In the eighty-odd years of his life,Sesshu established a unique personal style characterized by strenghth of touch and and solidity of composition that produced a legacy of masterpices including the Long Landscape Scroll,amd the View of Amanohashidate.

This special exhibition is the first major exhibition of Sesshu's work since the 450th anniversary of his death.As a matter of course ,it includes the master paintere's own best known works,but we are also fortunate to be able to include several paintings signed with characteres formely pronounced Sessho,who could have been the youbg Sesshu."

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Book for Maples Wild Maples of Japan Yano Masayoshi

Book for Maples

We called the author Mr. Masayoshi Yano, and we got some information below from him directly.

It took a whole year for him and cost approx 100,000 dollars to publish this book.

When he asked some publishing companies to publish this book, the answer was 'No' because they assumed this would not get customers interest that much.

However, after this actually came to be published it has received very favorable review in overseas.He said there are much more kinds of maple to introduce that could not be put on this item.

In the preface to this book,Yano Masayoshi says,"I made a point to include as many photos as possible so that the readers will get a handy knowledge of maple cultivars. I will be happy if this book is useful"

Fortunately.this book is written both in Japanese and in English.This item is not on sale in bookstores.There are very few copies available.

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Wado-ryu Karate Book Otsuka Hironori w/Dvds

It is an extremely rare book introducing Wado-ryu Karate Kata.Fortunately,it comes with 3 Dvds(region code 2).

Otsuka Hironori taught Karate at Tokyo University for more than 40 years.It is published and supervised by Tokyo Universtiy and is a non-commercial publication.It is distributed only for members.There are very very few copies left.

According to the preface to this book,Otsuka Hironori didn't like to take photos of Kata or to explain it verbally.Tokyo University published some Karate books under license from Otsuka Sensei.However those books are sold out and so new edition was published.

In my opinion,it would be very very difficult( or might be  impossible) to obtain it again.This is a must-have item if you are interested in Wado-ryu Karate.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Oriental Suiseki Masterpices 東洋名品石

Title Oriental Suiseki Masterpieces

Publication Year　1991

It is composed of 622pages.

This is a super deluxe Oriental Suiseki book.It is written in Japanese,Chinese and Koeran,fortunately.It is supervised by South Korean Suiseki Research associaton.

Each Suikseki is classified by country.Contact info of each Suiseki artist and a detailed expalanation is given.There are very few Suiseki books in Japan.It is a very good ref material for Suiseki enthusiasts.approx 4.3kg prettey heavy.

If you have any books you are looking for,please feel free to email us at info@japanese-book.com

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Japanese Embroidery Saito Iwao The Founder of Kurenaikai

Title Japanese Embroidery

Japanese Title 日本の刺繍

Author Saito Iwao The Fouder of Kurenaikai　斎藤馨　紅会

Size 37cm*51cm Weight 9kg

This is a super deluxe and limited edition.It is composed of 3 volumes.(2 plate collections and 1 pattern collection).

This series is composed of 3 tiltes-Japanese Embroidery,Japanese Embroidery Sequel Edition and New Japanese Embroidery.All of them are hard to find even in Japan.

In the preface to this book,Iwao Saito says,

'When we think about the beautiful things we make by our hands, the embroidery is the greatest one. Embroidery was brought into Japan over 1600 years ago, and sometimes it was prohibited because of the luxiriousness. However, it's still alive brightly like a phoenix'

If you are interested in Japanese Embroidery,it is a must-have-book.

http://www.japanese-book.com/

Kinbei Sato Chugoku Shorin Kempo

Sato Kinbei Chugoku Shorin Kempo

Born in Fukushima prefecture,Sato Kinbei learned a variety of Japanese martial arts and Chinese martial arts.Then he founded his creative Taiwado.Since he was a child,he has learned Yagyu Shingan-ryu Heijutsu,Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu,Asayama Ichiden-ryu Taijutsu,Aikido under Ueshiba Morihei,Hakko-ryu Jujutsu under Okuyama Ryuho.

This book was published in 1982 and deals with Chugoku Shorin Kempo.It has a lot of photos in it.Step-by-step instrcution manual.

In the preface to this book,Sato Kinbei says"I published Taikyokuken,Shorinken,Keiiken and Hakkesho before.Fortunately,they had a favorable review.Shorinken,which I describe in this book,is one kind of Kenpo,which has been handed down from generation to generation in China.This Shoriken involves very danger techniques and so it has not been shown to the public.Luckily,I managed to learn it.In this book,my Sensei Chin Enjun and his disciple Rin Kinna performes.I would you like to learn Chugoku Shrin Kempo Techniques performed by Chinese Masters."

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