Reincarnation and Misfortune in Old & Modern Japan: An Investigation of Traditional Beliefs and Modern Thought – Including the Hatsushiba Transcripts


Book Description

This book examines the history of reincarnation in Japan and shows how the idea has developed over time. It looks at exactly what reincarnation is and where it originated. The book also examines reincarnation and tradition, reincarnation and psychology and analyses reincarnation in the context of religion. It offers some curious tales from Japanese history which offer detailed explanations of real incidents of rebirth. The book also looks at the Japanese media and the occult in the modern age. Western views of reincarnation and Eastern Buddhist and Shinto views are also investigated. The book's purpose is to both inform serious students of Japanese history, Japanese religions and reincarnation and the wider public who have an abiding interest in all things Asian, and in particular the customs and traditions of Japan.




Life in Old Japan Coloring Book


Book Description

Based on antique prints, more than 40 handsome illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, tea ceremony, Noh play, and more. Detailed captions offer fascinating facts.




Old Japan


Book Description

Japan has often been thought of as a closed country, but before the country was closed in 1635 many travellers from the West were able to experience its unique traditions and culture. Their accounts speak of legends of powerful dragons and devils, tales of the revered emperor and the protocol surrounding him, following complex etiquette in everything from tea ceremonies to footwear, and bloodthirsty warlords who exacted cruel and unusual punishments for the smallest of crimes. In Old Japan Antony Cummins uses these captivating eyewitness accounts to reveal fascinating facts and myths from the mysterious Land of the Rising Sun.




Walking the Kiso Road


Book Description

Step back into old Japan with this fascinating travelogue of the famous Kiso Road, an ancient route used by samurai and warlords The Kisoji, which runs through the Kiso Valley in the Japanese Alps, has been in use since at least 701 C.E. In the seventeenth century, it was the route that the daimyo (warlords) used for their biennial trips—along with their samurai and porters—to the new capital of Edo (now Tokyo). The natural beauty of the route is renowned—and famously inspired the landscapes of Hiroshige, as well as the work of many other artists and writers. William Scott Wilson, esteemed translator of samurai philosophy, has walked the road several times and is a delightful and expert guide to this popular tourist destination; he shares its rich history and lore, literary and artistic significance, cuisine and architecture, as well as his own experiences.




Old Tales of Japan


Book Description




Last Kappa of Old Japan


Book Description

With unique and playful illustrations this multicultural children's book is a classic Japanese fairy tale that young children and parents alike will love. The Last Kappa of Old Japan is a warmly written and beautifully illustrated children's book that introduces many aspects of traditional Japanese culture and folklore, while teaching an important lesson about environmentalism. The story is of a young Japanese farm boy who develops a friendship with a mythical creature-- the kappa--a messenger of the god of water. The tale begins in post-Modern Japan when the boy is young and the kappa is healthy and ends when the kappa, now the last one left on Earth, keeps an important promise to his human friend. A story of love, friendship, and adventure, readers of all ages will enjoy this picture book by award-winning author/illustrator, Sunny Seki.




Remnants of Days Past


Book Description

"Remnants of Days Past, by Kyoji Watanabe, is an epic journey into Japan's past. It is a comprehensive look at the Tokugawa rule and the Edo period, an age in which the civilization of "Old Japan" was still on display and which, for better or worse, ceased to exist with the advent of modernization. Watanabe covers in great detail several topics pertaining to this civilization, including the status and position of the various social classes, views of women and children, attitudes towards sex, labor, and the body and religious beliefs, as well as the unique cosmology behind this civilization. Watanabe makes use of a number of works written by foreign observers who visited Japan from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji to support his views. As the author writes in the book, "What is important in my mind is the reality that the civilization of 'Old Japan' developed through a universal desire, as well as the ideas behind this desire, to make it as comfortable as possible for human existence." This is a massive work that takes an in-depth look at what modern Japan has lost"--




Public Policy and the Old Age Revolution in Japan


Book Description

Thirty years ago, when compared to the U.S., England, France, and Sweden, Japan had the lowest life expectancy for males and females. Today, Japan has the highest life expectancy and is the world’s most rapidly aging society. Public Policy and the Old Age Revolution in Japan captures the vitality of Japanese policymakers and the challenges they face in shaping a modern society responding to its changing needs. The rapid transition to an aging society poses a set of complex policy and resource dilemmas; the responses taken in Japan are of great value to policymakers, professionals, and students in the fields of gerontology, Asian and Japanese studies, sociology, public policy, administration and management, and anthropology in other industrial aging societies. Readers of Public Policy and the Old Age Revolution in Japan will discover the array of social and economic implications that comes with an increasingly aged society. Such a change in demographics affects pension expenditures and pension contributions, capital formation and savings rates, health costs, service systems, tax bases, labor pools, career counseling, training, advertising, and marketing. This book does not stop with these topics, however. Readers also learn about: how older Japanese workers are staying employed and employable policies in Japan for a smooth transition from work to retirement Japan’s Silver Human Resource Centers the new direction of health services in Japan the Japanese financing system for elderly health care the expansion of formalized in-home services for Japan’s aged Japanese housing policy and the concept of universal design the Gold Plan, a comprehensive ten-year plan to promote health care and welfare for the aged the concept of ikigai--promoting feelings of purpose and self-worth in the aged Public Policy and the Old Age Revolution in Japan is one of only a handful of books prepared in English by American and Japanese authors for an international audience about aging and social policy in Japan. The book’s recent collection of articles by leading scholars on the subject makes it a unique and timely source of information. Above all, Public Policy and the Old Age Revolution in Japan makes it clear that the rest of the world has many valuable lessons to learn by studying Japan’s approach to its rapidly aging society.




Old and New Japan


Book Description




Romances of Old Japan


Book Description

Embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and tradition with "Romances of Old Japan" by Yei Theodora Ozaki, a timeless collection of tales that transport readers to a world of samurai, spirits, and enchantment. Join Ozaki as she brings to life the beauty and wonder of Japan's cultural heritage through these mesmerizing and evocative narratives. In "Romances of Old Japan," Yei Theodora Ozaki invites readers to explore the captivating realm of Japanese mythology and legend, where honor, duty, and love intertwine to create timeless stories of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. Through her vivid prose and enchanting storytelling, Ozaki paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and folklore of ancient Japan. Themes of honor, loyalty, and the supernatural permeate "Romances of Old Japan," offering readers a window into the heart and soul of Japanese culture. Whether she's recounting tales of brave warriors, noble samurai, or mischievous spirits, Ozaki's stories are steeped in tradition and infused with the timeless wisdom of Japanese folklore. Through her evocative descriptions and vivid imagery, Ozaki transports readers to a world of breathtaking beauty and timeless wonder, where every page is filled with the sights, sounds, and sensations of ancient Japan. Whether she's describing the serene tranquility of a moonlit garden or the fierce intensity of a samurai duel, Ozaki's prose is as enchanting as it is immersive, drawing readers deeper into the heart of each tale. The overall tone of "Romances of Old Japan" is one of reverence and respect for the rich cultural heritage of Japan, as Ozaki celebrates the timeless traditions and enduring values that have shaped the nation's history and identity. Her stories are a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to conquer all obstacles, inspiring readers to embrace the beauty and wonder of Japan's cultural legacy. Since its publication, "Romances of Old Japan" has been celebrated as a classic work of literature, praised for its exquisite prose, captivating storytelling, and profound insight into the heart and soul of Japan. Ozaki's collection of tales continues to enchant readers of all ages, offering a glimpse into a world of magic, mystery, and timeless romance. As you delve into the pages of "Romances of Old Japan," you'll find yourself transported to a world of samurai, spirits, and enchanted landscapes, where the boundaries between reality and myth blur and the impossible becomes possible. Ozaki's timeless tales are sure to captivate your imagination and leave you longing for more. In conclusion, "Romances of Old Japan" is more than just a collection of stories—it's a celebration of Japan's rich cultural heritage and a tribute to the enduring power of storytelling. Whether you're a lover of folklore, mythology, or simply appreciate a good tale, Yei Theodora Ozaki's enchanting narratives are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of "Romances of Old Japan" by Yei Theodora Ozaki. Let this timeless collection whisk you away on a journey of adventure, romance, and enchantment that will leave you spellbound from beginning to end. Secure your copy now and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Japan's cultural legacy.