Japan: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the culture, society, and global positioning of Japan. Starting by looking at the common stereotypes, clichés, and tropes associated with Japan, this accessible introduction to the country is designed to arm readers with key skills and knowledge for their study of Japan. This new edition covers topics including: How do we go about studying Japan? What can be learnt about Japan from looking at its transportation system? What is the impact of an aging society? What are the connections between popular culture and wider Japanese society? How does Japan respond to disasters? How are core values about identity formed and what are their implications? How did Japan respond to the COVID-19 pandemic? With exercises, discussion points, and reflective questions throughout, Japan: The Basics is an ideal starting point for all those studying Japan.

Learn the Japanese you need. Gain the language skills you want. Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Japanese is yourtrusted companion to your Japanese learning experience. Each chapter focuses on key grammar concepts and essential vocabulary, which are accompanied by helpful, clear examples. With these fundamentals under your belt, you will learn to communicate in authentic Japanese--how to meet new people, engage in small talk, make suggestionsand requests, express ideas, and more. You will, of course, get plenty of practice, practice, practice using your new skills. Whether you are learning on your own or taking a beginning Japanese class, Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Japanese will help you build your confidence in communicating in this complex language. Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Japanese includes: Everyday Japanese presented in both Japanese characters(hiragana, katakana, and kanji) and phonetic translation High-frequency vocabulary Grammar basics An introduction to Japanese pronunciation and writingsystems Hundreds of exercises in a variety of formats for whatever your learning style

Japan: The Basics, is an engaging introduction to the culture, society and the global positioning of Japan. Taking a fresh look at stereotypes associated with Japan, it provides a well-rounded introduction to a constantly evolving country. It addresses such questions as: • How do we go about studying Japan? • What are the connections between popular culture and wider Japanese society? • How are core values about identity formed and what are their implications? • How does Japan react to natural and manmade disasters? • How does nature influence Japanese attitudes to the environment? With exercises and discussion points throughout and suggestions for further reading, Japan: The Basics is an ideal starting point for all those studying Japan in its global, cultural context.

Sentence structure and helps you express yourself with confidence in your new language. Book jacket.

Japanese From Zero! is an innovative and integrated approach to learning Japanese that was developed by professional Japanese interpreter George Trombley, Yukari Takenaka and was continuously refined over eight years in the classroom by native Japanese professors. Using up-to-date and easy-to-grasp grammar, Japanese From Zero! is the perfect course for current students of Japanese as well as absolute beginners.

In this beautiful and extraordinary zen calligraphy book, Shozo Sato, an internationally recognized master of traditional Zen arts, teaches the art of Japanese calligraphy through the power and wisdom of Zen poetry. Single-line Zen Buddhist koan aphorisms, or zengo, are one of the most common subjects for the traditional Japanese brush calligraphy known as shodo. Regarded as one of the key disciplines in fostering the focused, meditative state of mind so essential to Zen, shodo calligraphy is practiced regularly by all students of Zen Buddhism in Japan. After providing a brief history of Japanese calligraphy and its close relationship with the teachings of Zen Buddhism, Sato explains the basic supplies and fundamental brushstroke skills that you'll need. He goes on to present thirty zengo, each featuring: An example by a skilled Zen monk or master calligrapher An explanation of the individual characters and the Zen koan as a whole Step-by-step instructions on how to paint the phrase in a number of styles (Kaisho, Gyosho, Sosho) A stunning volume on the intersection of Japanese aesthetics and Zen Buddhist thought, Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy guides beginning and advanced students alike to a deeper understanding of the unique brush painting art form of shodo calligraphy. Shodo calligraphy topics include: The Art of Kanji The Four Treasures of Shodo Ideogram Zengo Students of Shodo

Sew chic, dark-toned clothes with this stylish sewing book and add a touch of originality to your wardrobe. Basic Black is the English edition of a classic Japanese sewing book which provides sew-it-yourself Western-sized patterns for 26 basic garments, along with detailed, easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions. Author Sato Watanabe has published many books that are favorites among Japanese sewing fans. In this book, she shows you how to make truly professional-quality pieces easily and inexpensively at home. DIY Sewing designs include: Lace Shirred Blouse Tiered Sleeveless Dress Zip-up Vest with High Neck Frilled Shirt in Charcoal Flannel Short Coat And many more… All of the styles and fashion are easily customized to create your own personal style, and there is truly something for everyone and every occasion in this book--from a smart two-texture combo dress to a relaxed, bohemian tunic--and everything in-between. All the styles are thoroughly modern and practical, ranging from softly feminine or straight-line simple to smartly-tailored or loosely-deconstructed. Simple lines make these garments perfect for women of all ages and all sizes. This book includes a complete western-sized sewing pattern for each design that is easily adjusted to fit your body form. The understated, graceful designs in this book are ones that you'll come back to again and again.

A guide to creating the fresh taste of Japan in your own kitchen.When most of us think of Japanese food, we don't think of food we can prepare ourselves.Basic Japanese Cookingwill change that, and remove the intimidation out of making authentic Japanese cuisine. As author and traveler Jody Vassallo explains, once you let go of the idea of perfection, Japanese food can come together in under half an hour and it's fun to make, too.While it takes years of training to become a recognized sushi master, in your own kitchen, you don't need to hold yourself to such high standards. As long as the ingredients are fresh and the rice is cooked well, what you prepare is bound to be delicious.Basic Japanese Cookingdoesn't stop at sushi, either. It includes recipes for mouthwatering soups and colorful udon, soba, and ramen noodle dishes, along with Japanese favorites such as tempura and edamame. With color photographs illuminating everything from basic ingredients to suggested utensils, this book is a great place for curious cooks to begin.