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Yakuza

A 400-Year History of the Japanese Underworld

by Andrew Rankin ...

The definitive history of Japanese organized crime, from its origins in samurai-era black markets and gambling rings to the shadowy syndicates of the present.“The best book in English on this fascinating and misunderstood subject.” ―Richard Lloyd Parry, author of People Who Eat Darkness“Gripping.” —Ian Buruma, New YorkerJapan’s gangster groups, known collectively a... ... Read more

$19.99 USD

The definitive history of Japanese organized crime, from its origins in samurai-era black markets and gambling rings to the shadowy syndicates of the present.“The best book in English on this fascinating and misunderstood subject.” ―Richard Lloyd Parry, author of People Who Eat Darkness“Gripping.” —Ian Buruma, New YorkerJapan’s gangster groups, known collectively a...
... Read more
Unit 731

Firsthand Accounts of Japan's Wartime Human Experimentation Program

by Hal Gold ...

This is a riveting and disturbing account of the medical atrocities performed in and around Japan during WWII.Some of the cruelest deeds of Japan's war in Asia did not occur on the battlefield, but in quiet, antiseptic medical wards in obscure parts of the continent. Far from front lines and prying eyes, Japanese doctors and their assistants subjected human guinea pigs to gruesome medical ... Read more

$8.69 USD

This is a riveting and disturbing account of the medical atrocities performed in and around Japan during WWII.Some of the cruelest deeds of Japan's war in Asia did not occur on the battlefield, but in quiet, antiseptic medical wards in obscure parts of the continent. Far from front lines and prying eyes, Japanese doctors and their assistants subjected human guinea pigs to gruesome medical
... Read more
The Pillow Book

by Sei Shonagon, Meredith McKinney ...

Translated by Meredith McKinney ...

A new translation of the idiosyncratic diary of a C10 court lady in Heian Japan. Along with the TALE OF GENJI, this is one of the major Japanese Classics. ... Read more

$12.59 USD

A new translation of the idiosyncratic diary of a C10 court lady in Heian Japan. Along with the TALE OF GENJI, this is one of the major Japanese Classics.
... Read more
Road to Surrender

Three Men and the Countdown to the End of World War II

by Evan Thomas ...

A riveting, immersive account of the agonizing decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan—a crucial turning point in World War II and geopolitical history—with you-are-there immediacy by the New York Times bestselling author of Ike’s Bluff and Sea of Thunder.“As Christopher Nolan’s movie Oppenheimer shows, the shockwaves reverberate still. The veteran biographer Evan Thomas now enters the ... Read more

$9.99 USD

A riveting, immersive account of the agonizing decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan—a crucial turning point in World War II and geopolitical history—with you-are-there immediacy by the New York Times bestselling author of Ike’s Bluff and Sea of Thunder.“As Christopher Nolan’s movie Oppenheimer shows, the shockwaves reverberate still. The veteran biographer Evan Thomas now enters the
... Read more
Otaku

Japan's Database Animals

by Hiroki Azuma ...

Translated by Jonathan E. Abel, Shion Kono ...

In Japan, obsessive adult fans and collectors of manga and anime are known as otaku. When the underground otaku subculture first emerged in the 1970s, participants were looked down on within mainstream Japanese society as strange, antisocial loners. Today otaku have had a huge impact on popular culture not only in Japan but also throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States.Hiroki Azuma’s Otaku ... Read more

$12.99 USD

In Japan, obsessive adult fans and collectors of manga and anime are known as otaku. When the underground otaku subculture first emerged in the 1970s, participants were looked down on within mainstream Japanese society as strange, antisocial loners. Today otaku have had a huge impact on popular culture not only in Japan but also throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States.Hiroki Azuma’s Otaku
... Read more
Musashi

An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era

by Eiji Yoshikawa ...

Translated by Charles Terry ...

The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai—without really knowing what it meant—he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands ... Read more

$18.99 USD

The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai—without really knowing what it meant—he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands
... Read more
Battle of Peleliu, 1944

Three Days That Turned into Three Months

by Jim Moran ...

After the Allies had defeated the Japanese in the Solomons and the Dutch East Indies, the capture of the Philippines became General MacArthur's next objective. For this offensive to succeed, MacArthur felt compelled to secure his eastern flank by seizing control of the Palau Islands, one of which was Peleliu. The task of capturing this island, and the enemy airfield on it, was initially handed to ... Read more

$12.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

After the Allies had defeated the Japanese in the Solomons and the Dutch East Indies, the capture of the Philippines became General MacArthur's next objective. For this offensive to succeed, MacArthur felt compelled to secure his eastern flank by seizing control of the Palau Islands, one of which was Peleliu. The task of capturing this island, and the enemy airfield on it, was initially handed to
... Read more
Implacable Foes

War in the Pacific, 1944-1945

by Waldo Heinrichs, Marc Gallicchio ...

On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe Day-shortened to "V.E. Day"-brought with it the demise of Nazi Germany. But for the Allies, the war was only half-won. Exhausted but exuberant American soldiers, ready to return home, were sent to join the fighting in the Pacific, which by the spring and summer of 1945 had turned into a gruelling campaign of bloody attrition against an enemy determined to fight to ... Read more

$18.09 USD

On May 8, 1945, Victory in Europe Day-shortened to "V.E. Day"-brought with it the demise of Nazi Germany. But for the Allies, the war was only half-won. Exhausted but exuberant American soldiers, ready to return home, were sent to join the fighting in the Pacific, which by the spring and summer of 1945 had turned into a gruelling campaign of bloody attrition against an enemy determined to fight to
... Read more
Daughters of the Samurai

A Journey from East to West and Back

by Janice P. Nimura ...

**A Seattle Times Best Book of the YearA Buzzfeed Best Nonfiction Book of the Year"Nimura paints history in cinematic strokes and brings a forgotten story to vivid, unforgettable life." —Arthur Golden, author of Memoirs of a Geisha**In 1871, five young girls were sent by the Japanese government to the United States. Their mission: learn Western ways and return to help nurture a new generation of ... Read more

$12.29 USD

**A Seattle Times Best Book of the YearA Buzzfeed Best Nonfiction Book of the Year"Nimura paints history in cinematic strokes and brings a forgotten story to vivid, unforgettable life." —Arthur Golden, author of Memoirs of a Geisha**In 1871, five young girls were sent by the Japanese government to the United States. Their mission: learn Western ways and return to help nurture a new generation of
... Read more
Japanese Yokai: The Supernatural Creatures and Spirits of Japan

by E L Hunter ...

For most of Japan's history, the dark was crowded. A fox on the road might be a woman by morning. The water in the dish on a kappa's head held its life. A neglected tool, a hundred years old, could open an eye and bear a grudge. These are the yōkai: the demons, ghosts, and spirits that Japan set at the edge of every mountain, every river, and every lonely house.They were how a people explained ... Read more

$9.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

For most of Japan's history, the dark was crowded. A fox on the road might be a woman by morning. The water in the dish on a kappa's head held its life. A neglected tool, a hundred years old, could open an eye and bear a grudge. These are the yōkai: the demons, ghosts, and spirits that Japan set at the edge of every mountain, every river, and every lonely house.They were how a people explained
... Read more
The Japanese

A History in Twenty Lives

by Christopher Harding ...

A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020'Mightily impressive ... a marvellous read' Sunday TimesFrom the acclaimed author of Japan Story, this is the history of Japan, distilled into the stories of twenty remarkable individuals.The vivid and entertaining portraits in Chris Harding's enormously enjoyable new book take the reader from the earliest written accounts of Japan right through to the life of ... Read more

$16.59 USD

A SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020'Mightily impressive ... a marvellous read' Sunday TimesFrom the acclaimed author of Japan Story, this is the history of Japan, distilled into the stories of twenty remarkable individuals.The vivid and entertaining portraits in Chris Harding's enormously enjoyable new book take the reader from the earliest written accounts of Japan right through to the life of
... Read more
Tsushima 1905

Death of a Russian Fleet

by Mark Lardas, Paul Kime, Bounford.com ...

Series Book 330 - Campaign
A highly illustrated study of the naval campaign of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05, focusing on the decisive battle of Tsushima.Japan was closed to the world until 1854 and its technology then was literally medieval. Great Britain, France and Russia divided the globe in the nineteenth century, but Japan was catching up. Its army and navy were retrained by Western powers and equipped with the ... Read more

$18.29 USD

A highly illustrated study of the naval campaign of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05, focusing on the decisive battle of Tsushima.Japan was closed to the world until 1854 and its technology then was literally medieval. Great Britain, France and Russia divided the globe in the nineteenth century, but Japan was catching up. Its army and navy were retrained by Western powers and equipped with the
... Read more
The Shortest History of Japan

From Mythical Origins to Pop Culture Powerhouse - The Global Drama of an Ancient Island Nation

by Lesley Downer ...

Series series The Shortest History Series
Discover the aesthetic traditions, political resilience, and modern economic might of this singular island nation. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.Zen, haiku, martial arts, sushi, anime, manga, film, video games . . . Japanese culture has long enriched our Western way of life. Yet from a Western perspective, Japan remains a remote ... Read more

$10.69 USD

Discover the aesthetic traditions, political resilience, and modern economic might of this singular island nation. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.Zen, haiku, martial arts, sushi, anime, manga, film, video games . . . Japanese culture has long enriched our Western way of life. Yet from a Western perspective, Japan remains a remote
... Read more
First Blood for the Flying Tigers: Twelve Days after Pearl Harbor, a Band of American Mercenaries Took Their Revenge on the Empire of Japan

by Daniel Ford ...

When Japanese planes laid waste to Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States had just one air combat unit on the continent of Asia. That was the 1st American Volunteer Group - sponsored by the White House, equipped and paid by a U.S. loan, but officially part of the Chinese Air Force. On December 20, this band of mercenaries won immortality over the city of Kunming as the ... Read more

$2.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

When Japanese planes laid waste to Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States had just one air combat unit on the continent of Asia. That was the 1st American Volunteer Group - sponsored by the White House, equipped and paid by a U.S. loan, but officially part of the Chinese Air Force. On December 20, this band of mercenaries won immortality over the city of Kunming as the
... Read more
Zainins of the Tokyo Islands: 18 powerful stories from the darkest corner of samurai-ruled Japan, coupled with cultural commentary

by Kyota Ko ...

The chain of islands stretching south of Tokyo was once places of exile, banishing outlaws both dangerous and quirky, and sometimes even those with a touch of charm...Kyota Ko presents both folktales from the most destitute islands, and the true stories of the zainins—sinners—who clung to life and hope amidst their harsh fates. ... Read more

$9.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

The chain of islands stretching south of Tokyo was once places of exile, banishing outlaws both dangerous and quirky, and sometimes even those with a touch of charm...Kyota Ko presents both folktales from the most destitute islands, and the true stories of the zainins—sinners—who clung to life and hope amidst their harsh fates.
... Read more
Ametora

How Japan Saved American Style

by W. David Marx ...

The story of how Japan adopted and ultimately revived traditional American fashionLook closely at any typically "American" article of clothing these days, and you may be surprised to see a Japanese label inside. From high-end denim to oxford button-downs, Japanese designers have taken the classic American look—known as ametora, or "American traditional"—and turned it into a huge business for ... Read more

$18.99 USD

The story of how Japan adopted and ultimately revived traditional American fashionLook closely at any typically "American" article of clothing these days, and you may be surprised to see a Japanese label inside. From high-end denim to oxford button-downs, Japanese designers have taken the classic American look—known as ametora, or "American traditional"—and turned it into a huge business for
... Read more
A History of Japan

by Hisho Saito ...

Translated by Elizabeth Lee ...

Series series Routledge Library Editions: Japan
This volume presents the Japanese version of the history of Japan from its origins, through the subjection of Korea, the introduction of Chinese culture, rebellion in Korea, Buddhism, Taika reforms, Ainu insurrection, the founding of Kyoto as the capital, the power of Fujiwara, the founding of the Kamakura Shogunate, Hojo family, Ashikaga Shogunate, Oda & Toyotomi families, Tokugawa Shogunate, the ... Read more

$33.99 USD

This volume presents the Japanese version of the history of Japan from its origins, through the subjection of Korea, the introduction of Chinese culture, rebellion in Korea, Buddhism, Taika reforms, Ainu insurrection, the founding of Kyoto as the capital, the power of Fujiwara, the founding of the Kamakura Shogunate, Hojo family, Ashikaga Shogunate, Oda & Toyotomi families, Tokugawa Shogunate, the
... Read more
The Book of Tea

by Kakuzo Okakura ...

Series series Stone Bridge Classics
A classic essay at the intersection of art, philosophy, and tea.Kakuzo Okakuzo was a fascinating intellectual of Japan's Meiji period. He was bilingual in English and Japanese from an early age and spent his career bridging the gap between the two cultures. Originally written in English and addressed to the Western world, The Book of Tea introduced readers to "Teaism"—the practice of drinking tea ... Read more

$2.95 USD

A classic essay at the intersection of art, philosophy, and tea.Kakuzo Okakuzo was a fascinating intellectual of Japan's Meiji period. He was bilingual in English and Japanese from an early age and spent his career bridging the gap between the two cultures. Originally written in English and addressed to the Western world, The Book of Tea introduced readers to "Teaism"—the practice of drinking tea
... Read more
Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II

Japan in the Wake of World War II

by John W. Dower ...

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the 1999 National Book Award for Nonfiction, finalist for the Lionel Gelber Prize and the Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize, Embracing Defeat is John W. Dower's brilliant examination of Japan in the immediate, shattering aftermath of World War II.Drawing on a vast range of Japanese sources and illustrated with dozens of astonishing documentary photographs, Embracing ... Read more

$15.69 USD

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the 1999 National Book Award for Nonfiction, finalist for the Lionel Gelber Prize and the Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize, Embracing Defeat is John W. Dower's brilliant examination of Japan in the immediate, shattering aftermath of World War II.Drawing on a vast range of Japanese sources and illustrated with dozens of astonishing documentary photographs, Embracing
... Read more
The Rising Sun

The Decline and Fall of the Japanese Empire, 1936-1945

by John Toland ...

Series series Modern Library War
“[The Rising Sun] is quite possibly the most readable, yet informative account of the Pacific war.”—Chicago Sun-TimesThis Pulitzer Prize–winning history of World War II chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of the Japanese empire, from the invasion of Manchuria and China to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Told from the Japanese perspective, The Rising Sun is, in the author’s words, ... Read more

$14.99 USD

“[The Rising Sun] is quite possibly the most readable, yet informative account of the Pacific war.”—Chicago Sun-TimesThis Pulitzer Prize–winning history of World War II chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of the Japanese empire, from the invasion of Manchuria and China to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Told from the Japanese perspective, The Rising Sun is, in the author’s words,
... Read more
Public Zen, Personal Zen

A Buddhist Introduction

by Peter D. Hershock ...

Among Buddhist traditions, Zen has been remarkably successful in garnering and sustaining interest outside the Buddhist homelands of Asia, and “zen” is now part of the global cultural lexicon. This deeply informed book explores the history of this enduring Japanese tradition-from its beginnings as a form of Buddhist thought and practice imported from China to its reinvention in medieval Japan as a ... Read more

$48.59 USD

Among Buddhist traditions, Zen has been remarkably successful in garnering and sustaining interest outside the Buddhist homelands of Asia, and “zen” is now part of the global cultural lexicon. This deeply informed book explores the history of this enduring Japanese tradition-from its beginnings as a form of Buddhist thought and practice imported from China to its reinvention in medieval Japan as a
... Read more
The End of Japanese Cinema

Industrial Genres, National Times, and Media Ecologies

by Alexander Zahlten ...

In The End of Japanese Cinema Alexander Zahlten moves film theory beyond the confines of film itself, attending to the emergence of new kinds of aesthetics, politics, temporalities, and understandings of film and media. He traces the evolution of a new media ecology through deep historical analyses of the Japanese film industry from the 1960s to the 2000s. Zahlten focuses on three popular ... Read more

$25.19 USD

In The End of Japanese Cinema Alexander Zahlten moves film theory beyond the confines of film itself, attending to the emergence of new kinds of aesthetics, politics, temporalities, and understandings of film and media. He traces the evolution of a new media ecology through deep historical analyses of the Japanese film industry from the 1960s to the 2000s. Zahlten focuses on three popular
... Read more
Our Man In Tokyo

An American Ambassador and the Countdown to Pearl Harbor

by Steve Kemper ...

Winner of the American Academy of Diplomacy’s Dillon Book Award"Gripping history, offering both drama and suspense." —Wall Street JournalA riveting, behind-the-scenes account of the personalities and contending forces in Tokyo during the volatile decade that led to World War II, as seen through the eyes of the American ambassador who attempted to stop the slide to war.In 1932, Japan was in crisis. ... Read more

Was $12.99 USD Now $11.49 USD

Winner of the American Academy of Diplomacy’s Dillon Book Award"Gripping history, offering both drama and suspense." —Wall Street JournalA riveting, behind-the-scenes account of the personalities and contending forces in Tokyo during the volatile decade that led to World War II, as seen through the eyes of the American ambassador who attempted to stop the slide to war.In 1932, Japan was in crisis.
... Read more
Japan 1941

Countdown to Infamy

by Eri Hotta ...

A groundbreaking history that considers the attack on Pearl Harbor from the Japanese perspective and is certain to revolutionize how we think of the war in the Pacific.When Japan launched hostilities against the United States in 1941, argues Eri Hotta, its leaders, in large part, understood they were entering a war they were almost certain to lose. Drawing on material little known to Western ... Read more

$13.99 USD

A groundbreaking history that considers the attack on Pearl Harbor from the Japanese perspective and is certain to revolutionize how we think of the war in the Pacific.When Japan launched hostilities against the United States in 1941, argues Eri Hotta, its leaders, in large part, understood they were entering a war they were almost certain to lose. Drawing on material little known to Western
... Read more

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