Living National Treasure Shimaoka Tatsuzo Last Exhibition

Title Shimaoka Tatsuzo Exhibiton
Publication Year 2008
Foreword by Shimaoka Kei(Shimaoka'S daughter)

In the forword to this book,Shimaoka Kei says,"It was in 1964,when he was 45 years old that his first exhibition was held at Matsuya in Ginza.My father suddenly passed away on the day when his 45th exhibiton was over.This means that this is his last exhibiton."

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

Robert Mapplethorpe Retrospective First Exhibition in Japan

Title Robert Mapplethorpe Exhibiton 1992-1993
Publication Year 1992

This is a rare exhibition catalogue of Robert Mapplethorpe.

The foreword to this book says,"There have been previous exhibitions of Robert's work in japan at galleries,but the shows have always been small and limited in subject matter and scope.This splendid retrospective marks the first time a comprehensive overview of the entire Mapplethorpe has ever ben mounted in this country."

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

The Founder Omiya Bonsai Village by Murata Kyuzo

Title Tsuizen Chinretsu Kinencho
Publication Year
Supervised by Murata Kyuzo-The Founder of Kyukaen and Imperial Bonsai Artist

This is an extremely rare bonsai book focuses on Kato Tomekichi's Bonsai works.People say that Kato Tomekichi founded Omiya Bonsai Vilage here in Omiya.

The preface to this book says(in Japanese),"Born in Meiji16,he came to Tokyo(capital of Japan) when he was young and became a member of Manseien.He was facintated by Ezomatsu since the Taisho era and created the world of Ezomatsu Bonsai together with Suzuki Kurakichi.In Taisho 12,he moved to Omiya in Saitama prefecture and founded Omiya Bonsai Village there"

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

The World of Niten Ichi-ryu Miyamaoto Musashi

Title Miyamoto Musashi The World of Niten Ichi-ryu
Author 17th Head Master of Niten Ichi-ryu

He is a legendary great swordsman in Japan.And it is well-known that he has founded Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu.Also,he is famous for fabulous black-and-white paintings.Almost all the Japanese know his name.

In addition to being a great Master Swordman,Musahi Miyamoto has been a famous painter.He has been one of the most popular and respected Master Swordmen.But little is known about him because there are very few ref materilas.

It is composed of 167 pages and has a lot of B&W photos.

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

The Essence of Ono-ha Ittoryu by Sasamori Junzaburo

Title The Essence of Itto-ryu
Author Sasamori Junzo


He is a 16th Head Master of Ono-ha Itto-ryu.
Born in Aomori prefecture,he learned about Onoha Itto-ryu kenjutsu under his father Sasamori Yozo at Hokushido Dojo.Later,he entered into Waseda University located in Tokyo and learned about Kendo under Takano Sasaburo,a great Kendo Master.

It is composed of 639 pages and has a lot of B&W photos.

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

Goju-ryu Karate Master Otsuka Tadahiko Keigi Kendo

Title Keigi Kendo
Author Otsuka Tadahiko Goju-ryu Karate Master
Publication Year 1975

This is an extremely rare Martial Art book written by Tadahiko Otsuka Goju-ryu Karate Master.It seems that it was published for correspondence course.So it has a lot of B&W photos in it so that even beginners can understand basic movement of karate with ease.

This is the first time I have ever come acros them.

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

First Aikido Book published in Japan Ueshiba Morihei

Title Aikido
Publication Year 1962
Author Ueshiba Kisshomaru
Supervising Editor Ueshiba Morihei

This is a very rare Aikido book written by Ueshiba Kisshomaru and supervised by Ueshiba Morihei,the founder of Aikido.

In the preafce to this book,the author Ueshiba Kisshomaru says,"Aikido was founded by my grandfather,Ueshiba Morihei.However,there is no book on Aikido for people who would like to learn it."

As the preface says,this is a first Aikido book publihed in Japan.

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