The Bubishi - essential information.
587856
This IS the BIBLE of karate. All karate students - beginner to advanced - should have a copy of this. I have 3 different editions. Each with subtle variations of presentation. Fantastic work from Hanshi McCarthy.
2640554
A very good guide for non-Japanese to understand the cultural habits of Japanese. It is all too easy for people to behave offensively in Japan. I knew a lot before reading this book, but I was surprised by how much I did not know. Well worth buying and reading!
3583912
In his book, Dr. Yang Jwing Ming attempts to describe the concept of jing in a solid, physical, comprehensive manner. He also covers basic Qi Gong concepts, the symbolism of the ba-gua trigrams, and how they correlate to the concepts of Taiji Quan. All in all, this is a very solid source of information, with plenty of citations for further cross-referencing.

The topic of jing is covered from every angle, along with advice on how to train it, emit it, and how it applies to the 13 postures. The only down side is that the diagrams are very often a page or 2 after the text explanation, but this was most likely done to save space rather than leave blank pages for photographs.

The Taiji (yin yang) symbolism is also discussed in depth, along with it's application to the Taiji Quan movement and tactics. The ba-gua trigrams' correlation to technique and movement are also discussed, and a reasonable explanation provided.

What further cements my positive opinion of this book, is the inclusion and translation of the Taiji Classics, which are the founding back bone of Taiji Quan practice. Without proper understanding of the Taiji Classics, the average practitioner can only hope for a superficial knowlege of the form, and blind coreography.

If you are serious about your Taiji Quan training, and wish to improve it beyound simple dancing of the form, this book will help you progress in many areas that are crucial to Taiji Quan as a martial art.
3337663
Amazon for one day offered a free download for this Kindle book.  Thank you, Amazon!  It got me hooked into reading it straight through and I just had to write a glowing review and look for more.  I don't plan to visit Japan, but even so this book is a fantastic introduction to the country.  It teaches much of the basics important to understanding the history and culture of the nation.  Both what is rapidly changing and what valuable parts stay the same.

The only objection I might have is the title, "Cool Japan," it is not about latest fads or cool fashions, even though some are mentioned in the Tokyo section.  Instead, it should be "neat" as in "interesting" and "stimulating" and "elegant"; it sheds light on much of Japanese history and culture  that would otherwise go unnoticed by foreigners, without giving too many details.  So it is like the umami in Japanese food.

After you look at the book you will want to read more about the four characters that are the focus of this little book.  I have already ordered some by Kenji Miyazawa.  As he wrote (translated by David Sulz): "Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear."

The photographs and maps serve well to begin you on your own journey. Looks good and works well on a Kindle.  Thanks, Amazon!
4252152
If you're looking for the perfect companion to keep you informed in the anime movie buisness, then this is the book for you. Not only does it contain titles on every anime movie or series between 1983 to 1995, but it  also gives you your money's worth of information. From important people  that had to do with the anime, to translations for beginners, a short  summary of the anime, references to other anime, and side notes to keep  your interest. Every anime that this book has recommended is a must see.  This is a great book if you're looking for an anime but don't know whether  or not to see it. It still brings a tear to my eyes.
141969
Dr. Swanson makes an important contribution in his treatise on the underlying dynamics and principles that are foundational in the full development of Shotokan Karate-Do. Great Shotokan Karate teachers and writers have always put forward the scientific principles or physical and psychological principles of Karate science in texts. Consider the examples of such classical works as Nishiyama in Karate The Art of Empty-Hand Fighting and Nakayama in Dynamic Karate or his Best Karate series. Experienced practitioner's will recognized much in Dr. Swanson's written work dealing formally and systematically with the subject of Shotokan Karate, and will of course debate those areas they may not recognize and critique others. Although, I would have liked more of the classical works referenced, and for a physical art, many more photos or images, I believe the science of Karate moves forward in this work and it should encourage other leading practitioners to take up the challenge. Thank you. Walter Bera, PhD.
141570
I now have volumes I and II of Ms. Bouyet's books.  I have Akitas and rely heavily on the information in the book(s).  However, ANY dog owner will benefit from much in the book.  It has the most detailed and comprehensive information on diseases, nutrition, and just about any topic the Akita / dog owner would need to know.  Kudos!  Fabulous book! --- And a VERY reasonable price.
3637766
I'm not familiar with Japanese urbex, but this book explains it a bit. If it's correct, there's a slightly different ethos there. I'm happy to have my studies of this topic expanded by this different perspective. The photos are excellent quality, too.
3671297
This pocket-size book addresses "The Bodhisattva Vow."  It includes lineages, aspiration/implementation Bodhichitta, commitments, downfalls, ceremonies, and vow restoration.  It covers the informational aspects of its subject rather completely.  It does not include much commentary or explanation however.  It is VERY suitable as a reference for someone who has taken the vow and also is quite valuable for someone contemplating taking it in the near future.  It does not begin to describe the actual Bodhisattva Path.  For that, see some version of Shantideva's famous text such as Kelsang Gyatso's "Meaningful to Behold."
1696815
I've studied the use of the Japanese sword for over 15 years, this was the first book I bought and still one of the best. It provides a good overview of the craft of the Japanese sword and contains information that you will not find without spending 3-4 times as much.
841346
This book, as the name suggests, includes things that are essential to know when entering into a relationship with a new sub in the BDSM lifestyle. This includes questions that should be asked to find out about a prospective sub that you are talking to, such as when they were born, and what health concerns they have.

There are also tips on determining if someone is lying when they answer these questions. The questions are very personal and seem to be essential, in order to have an open and honest BSDM relationship and so that each of you knows what the boundaries are.
I would recommend this to anyone that is interested in BSDM and needs tips on how to approach a sub.
2103340
English language books on the Imperial Japanese Navy are few and far between, and this book fills a huge gap.  It does include a few subjects that are tangential to the ship itself, but they are valuable in the context of the IJN during World War II.

It is a must-by for anyone interested in the subject, along with the companion 3D book on the Kaga.
1278435
Very good introduction to Gichin Funakoshi's Shotokan Karate.  It's an introduction worth reading before Karate Do Kyohan.  Great if you're interested in traditional karate from a true karate do master.
2837448
I consider Tetsubin: A Japanese Waterkettle an excellent source of information on the history, identification and reference of the Japanese Waterkettle. My only critizim is the signatures and mark blocks be more clearly pictured and identified. Perhaps future editions will take that into account.
1645603
Having read every English language work on the Bb (Siyyid 'Al-Muhammad, 1819-1850), I can say that this book is one of the finest analyses of the themes in the writings of the Bb to appear. Scriptural texts of the extent of the Bb's - somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 million words - constitute a difficult territory to explore without a guidebook. Saeidi is one of a handful of people who has immersed himself in the ocean of the Bb's writings and come out with both an experience of and an understanding of what it contains. This book is a companion to Saeidi's masterful analysis of the writings of Bah'u'llh in the book "Logos and Civllization: Spirit, History and Order in the Writings of Baha'u'llah" (http://www.amazon.com/Logos-Civilization-History-Writings-BahaULlah/dp/1883053609). Both are essential to a thorough understanding of the ability of the Baha'i scriptures to transform and inspire.
2511736
When it comes to Uechi Ryu, there are very few well written guides on the subject. This book by Mr. Rymaruk however is an essential aid for all Uechi Ryu students and karate practitioners in general. The photos are easy to follow and serve as a great reference for out of class training. The material is presented in an organized and coherent fashion, making it convenient to read in either large or small pieces. I also found the legal section to be very interesting, which is often an overlooked aspect of the martial arts. Overall, this text is a wonderfull addition to any martial arts library...I highly recommend.
910160
I have fortunately been able to read an advance copy of this book . The book is well researched with more relevant detail on wooden Japanese Furniture than all previous publications combined. I was able to identify and date several pieces in my collection , as well as find out that I had been misled by some Japanese dealers with regard to age and origin . Now it is much easier to identify Tansu in it's historical context . Who would have guessed that Politics played an important part in Tansu usage and design , or that streets became clogged with Tansu during emergencies , causing many more deaths and the rewriting of local laws . This book tells it all.