Japanese Art

Japanese by birth but transplanted to Europe in adulthood, Miki Sakamoto has spent a lifetime tending her garden and reflecting on its mysteries. Why do primulas bloom in snow? Do the trees really ‘talk’ to one another? What are the blackbirds saying today? And is there a mindful way to deal with an aphid infestation? From rising early to walk barefoot on the grass each morning, to afternoons and evenings spent sipping tea in her gazebo or watching fireflies as she recalls her childhood in Japan, Sakamoto shares observations from a life spent in contemplation – and cultivation – of nature.

Who knew the path to enlightenment could start with a cup of tea? Learn the hidden significance behind the deceptively simple Zen tea ceremony - one which can lead directly to Buddhahood and its absolute truth. D.T. Suzuki, once Japan's leading authority on Zen Buddhism, describes the tearoom and the tea ceremony and explains the guiding principles of harmony, reverence, purity, and tranquility.

A 13th-century toxic jungle, a bathhouse for tired gods, a red haired fish girl, and a furry woodland spirit - what do these have in common? They all spring from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki, one of the greatest living animators, known worldwide for films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Wind Rises. Japanese culture and animation scholar Susan Napier explores the life and art of this extraordinary Japanese filmmaker to provide a definitive account of his oeuvre.

Here, you will find everything you need to know about Kintsugi: The Japanese Art of Healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit and effective ways of applying the procedures involved. My aim and objective is not just to give you the tools to free you from being depressed, remain broken and psychologically disturbed, my goal is also to teach you practical ways to actually help the broken ones feel better and be free of discrimination.

Embark on a transformative journey where the serene mastery of Zen meets the time-honored practices of traditional Japanese carpentry in "In the Grain." This intriguing eBook opens the door to an ancient world where every wood shave whispers stories and every joint holds the secrets of a craft refined over millennia. Delve into the heart of Zen Woodworking with a comprehensive introduction that melds philosophy with the tactile joy of creating. "In the Grain" is not merely a guide to crafting wood but an invitation to refine your soul through the art of meticulous craftsmanship. Chapter by ...

It's Christmas Eve. And a Wednesday. John Hark has few friends, no job and no prospects. Since leaving the marines, he’s found little to motivate him beyond his martial arts training. His girlfriend has left him, his sister harasses him, and his best friend is stuck somewhere in Atlanta traffic. John settles in for a subdued Christmas Eve of video games in his lousy apartment with his tabby cat Reese. But neighbors have gone missing, lights are cutting in and out, and a major snowstorm is brewing outside. It seems this night can't get any worse. Until an assassin attacks John in his ...

This audiobook provides the ultimate secret to improving your skills and knowledge in BJJ. With all the information, you can transform yourself into a powerful martial artist specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Two years into Kirito and Eugeo's quest to reach the Central Cathedral, the pair have finally become elite disciples at the North Centoria Imperial Swordcraft Academy. Now all that's left to do is train for the next tournament, build their relationships with their trainee pages, and do so without violating the Taboo Index. But just because this peaceful world is governed by law and order doesn't mean evil can't fester below the surface...and when it comes time to choose between the rules and what's right, Kirito and Eugeo discover the darker secrets of the Underworld.

After a brief respite, Kirito and Eugeo set off again to climb Central Cathedral--but the powerful Integrity Knights are not about to let them reach the top. Meanwhile, Kirito has learned the dark history of the Underworld and the true stakes of the battle they're fighting, and every step toward Alice brings him closer to an impossible decision...

Introduction The katana is more than a weapon—it’s a legacy etched in steel, sharpened by centuries of discipline and spiritual resolve. For many, it is a breathtaking display piece, admired from behind glass and revered as a relic of a bygone age. But to truly understand the katana is to realize it was never meant to simply sit still. It was designed to move—to cut, to defend, to honor. In the hands of a samurai, it embodied character, code, and courage. This book is a journey through time, metallurgy, philosophy, and technique. We’ll explore how the katana came to be, how it was ...

Two years after waking up in a mysterious fantasy world, Kirito and his oddly human NPC friend, Eugeo, continue their quest to become Integrity Knights—and find Alice, who disappeared so long ago and yet has somehow lingered in the back of Kirito's mind. Their journey takes them to the Imperial Swordcraft Academy, where they must train to become two of the top twelve seats in the class to have even a hope of seeing Alice again. Meanwhile, as Asuna desperately searches for Kazuto Kirigaya, she stumbles across the deeper secret of his new world.

This anthology presents an assortment of seven articles from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts that deal with Japanese weaponry: archery, short staff, naganita polearm, and test cutting (tamashigiri) with the long sword. A few articles are highly academic and others are easier reading, based on interviews or actual practice. There is a common theme: the importance of these to Japanese martial traditions.

Dive into the exquisite world of Ikebana with "Blossoms and Balance," an insightful eBook that unveils the beauty and discipline of Japanese floral art for enthusiasts and novices alike. Through a rich tapestry of chapters, readers will find themselves immersed in the nuanced history, spirituality, and sophisticated principles that turn simple blooms into a form of silent poetry. At the heart of Ikebana, discover how each petal, branch, and leaf holds a universe of symbolism waiting to be unlocked. "Blossoms and Balance" guides you through the language of flowers, revealing how seasonal ...

Heroes, Like Swords, Are Forged In Blood! From the steaming jungles of Southeast Asia, to the neon-lit streets of Miami, SUPER NINJA is a saga fifty years in the making, yet, its roots reach back billions of years. This first volume, THE SWORD OF HEAVEN, fuses the lives of two young boys with boundless imaginations, a heroic Vietnam vet lost in his pain, a beautiful thief searching for meaning with her skills, and the quest for a mystical sword forged from the stars that binds them all. A race against time unfolds in a bloody tapestry woven with a master ninja assassin; a genius billionaire...

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, a riveting first-hand account of the Battle of Okinawa from the first officer ashore, who served at the front for the battle’s entire 82-day duration, heroism that earned him a Bronze Star. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, 1,500 Allied ships and 1.5 million men gathered off the coast of the Japanese island of Okinawa and launched the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War. The first American officer ashore was Major Art Shaw, a unit commander in the US Army’s 361 Artillery Battalion of the 96th Division, often called the Deadeyes.

Revised and updated, and with each page alive with facts, history and inspiration, Be More Japan unlocks the secrets behind modern Japanese living - whether you're eating sushi in London or enjoying the cherry blossoms in San Francisco. And if you're dreaming of a future trip to Japan, this book will get you closer to your destination before you've even departed.

The study of budo, or the Japanese martial arts for self-cultivation, is a lifelong path toward perfection of character. Here, Dave Lowry, a sword master who has practiced and taught budo for over 40 years, addresses the myriad issues, vagaries, and inconsistencies that arise for students of karate-do, judo, kendo, kenjutsu, aikido, and iaido as their training develops.

Chiyo Adachi shares her knowledge and experience in the little known ceremony of ghost paneling. Once practiced by mystics and spiritual guides, ghost paneling seeks to achieve communication with spirits, both human and other, through the construction of ghost panels: symbols and words painted upon cloth intended to communicate with voiceless souls, along with the placement and use of these in ceremony. She goes on to describe instances of human souls helped along to the waiting embrace of their ancestors as well as ceremonies to drive away evil sprits. At times beautiful and harrowing, ...

"A must-have in the personal collection of all readers who want to experience the magic of crocheting." --5 Stars, Readers' Favorite Looking for a brand-new hobby? The creative arts are right here on your doorstep in one ultimate guide. Learn how to crochet, quilt, cricut and weave beautiful sashiko patterns with easy-to-follow instructions for beginners! Includes everything you need to get started. What’s inside… Book 1 How to get the gear you need How to master the technical basics How to read and follow patterns How to speak like a seasoned designer Over 30 themes and patterns—...

From ancient times to the modern era, martial arts has consistently evolved over the centuries and continues to evolve and thrive today. At the turn of the 20th century, martial arts saw perhaps its greatest evolution as many Japanese and Okinawan martial arts masters of the time no longer looked at martial arts as a mere tool of warfare, but instead as systems that have immeasurable mental and physical health benefits.