The Etiquette of Seppuku

The Etiquette of Seppuku

Author: A. B. Freeman-Mitford

Publisher: Blurb

Published: 2020-07-14

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9781388459352

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Eye witness accounts of the ceremonies undertaken in the ritual suicide by seppuku of the Samurai class. This is definitely not a 'How To' book!


Book Synopsis The Etiquette of Seppuku by : A. B. Freeman-Mitford

Download or read book The Etiquette of Seppuku written by A. B. Freeman-Mitford and published by Blurb. This book was released on 2020-07-14 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Eye witness accounts of the ceremonies undertaken in the ritual suicide by seppuku of the Samurai class. This is definitely not a 'How To' book!


Seppuku

Seppuku

Author: Andrew Rankin

Publisher: Kodansha USA

Published: 2012-11-20

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 1568364482

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The history of seppuku -- Japanese ritual suicide by cutting the stomach, sometimes referred to as hara-kiri -- spans a millennium, and came to be favored by samurai as an honorable form of death. Here, for the first time in English, is a book that charts the history of seppuku from ancient times to the twentieth century through a collection of swashbuckling tales from history and literature. Author Andrew Rankin takes us from the first recorded incident of seppuku, by the goddess Aomi in the eighth century, through the "golden age" of seppuku in the sixteenth century that includes the suicides of Shibata Katsuie, Sen no Riky? and Toyotomi Hidetsugu, up to the seppuku of General Nogi Maresuke in 1912. Drawing on never-before-translated medieval war tales, samurai clan documents, and execution handbooks, Rankin also provides a fascinating look at the seppuku ritual itself, explaining the correct protocol and etiquette for seppuku, different stomach-cutting procedures, types of swords, attire, location, even what kinds of refreshment should be served at the seppuku ceremony. The book ends with a collection of quotations from authors and commentators down through the centuries, summing up both the Japanese attitude toward seppuku and foreigners’ reactions: "As for when to die, make sure you are one step ahead of everyone else. Never pull back from the brink. But be aware that there are times when you should die, and times when you should not. Die at the right moment, and you will be a hero. Die at the wrong moment, and you will die like a dog." -- Izawa Nagahide, The Warrior’s Code, 1725 "We all thought, ‘These guys are some kind of nutcakes.’" — Jim Verdolini, USS Randolph, describing "Kamikaze" attack of March 11, 1945


Book Synopsis Seppuku by : Andrew Rankin

Download or read book Seppuku written by Andrew Rankin and published by Kodansha USA. This book was released on 2012-11-20 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of seppuku -- Japanese ritual suicide by cutting the stomach, sometimes referred to as hara-kiri -- spans a millennium, and came to be favored by samurai as an honorable form of death. Here, for the first time in English, is a book that charts the history of seppuku from ancient times to the twentieth century through a collection of swashbuckling tales from history and literature. Author Andrew Rankin takes us from the first recorded incident of seppuku, by the goddess Aomi in the eighth century, through the "golden age" of seppuku in the sixteenth century that includes the suicides of Shibata Katsuie, Sen no Riky? and Toyotomi Hidetsugu, up to the seppuku of General Nogi Maresuke in 1912. Drawing on never-before-translated medieval war tales, samurai clan documents, and execution handbooks, Rankin also provides a fascinating look at the seppuku ritual itself, explaining the correct protocol and etiquette for seppuku, different stomach-cutting procedures, types of swords, attire, location, even what kinds of refreshment should be served at the seppuku ceremony. The book ends with a collection of quotations from authors and commentators down through the centuries, summing up both the Japanese attitude toward seppuku and foreigners’ reactions: "As for when to die, make sure you are one step ahead of everyone else. Never pull back from the brink. But be aware that there are times when you should die, and times when you should not. Die at the right moment, and you will be a hero. Die at the wrong moment, and you will die like a dog." -- Izawa Nagahide, The Warrior’s Code, 1725 "We all thought, ‘These guys are some kind of nutcakes.’" — Jim Verdolini, USS Randolph, describing "Kamikaze" attack of March 11, 1945


Hara-kiri

Hara-kiri

Author: Jack Seward

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2012-07-17

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 1462907628

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Hari-Kiri is a definitive text on Japanese ritual suicide, also known as suppuku. To the average westerner, the word hara-kiri conjures up an image of excruciating, self-inflicted pain; of a deep, fatal incision. To the Japanese, this kind of suicide embodies the best qualities of courage, honor, and discipline. Through extensive research, author Jack Seward brings to the English-speaking public a dissertation on the subject that is thoroughly enlightening. Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Japanese, he was able to glean information from ancient documents—many of them scrolls in the Japanese archives—that few foreigners have seen. The earliest writings on hara-kiri (known more formally as seppuku) are thus revealed, as are the intricate rituals surrounding the ceremony. "The major purpose of this book," says the author, "is to clarify the historical and sociological significance of a unique method of self-destruction." In fulfilling this purpose, author Seward has come up with a definitive work that is sure to arouse interest both as a scholarly effort and as simple, fascinating reading.


Book Synopsis Hara-kiri by : Jack Seward

Download or read book Hara-kiri written by Jack Seward and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2012-07-17 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hari-Kiri is a definitive text on Japanese ritual suicide, also known as suppuku. To the average westerner, the word hara-kiri conjures up an image of excruciating, self-inflicted pain; of a deep, fatal incision. To the Japanese, this kind of suicide embodies the best qualities of courage, honor, and discipline. Through extensive research, author Jack Seward brings to the English-speaking public a dissertation on the subject that is thoroughly enlightening. Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Japanese, he was able to glean information from ancient documents—many of them scrolls in the Japanese archives—that few foreigners have seen. The earliest writings on hara-kiri (known more formally as seppuku) are thus revealed, as are the intricate rituals surrounding the ceremony. "The major purpose of this book," says the author, "is to clarify the historical and sociological significance of a unique method of self-destruction." In fulfilling this purpose, author Seward has come up with a definitive work that is sure to arouse interest both as a scholarly effort and as simple, fascinating reading.


African Samurai

African Samurai

Author: Thomas Lockley

Publisher: Harlequin

Published: 2019-04-30

Total Pages: 518

ISBN-13: 1488098751

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This biography of the first foreign-born samurai and his journey from Africa to Japan is “a readable, compassionate account of an extraordinary life” (The Washington Post). When Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, he had already traveled much of the known world. Kidnapped as a child, he had ended up a servant and bodyguard to the head of the Jesuits in Asia, with whom he traversed India and China learning multiple languages as he went. His arrival in Kyoto, however, literally caused a riot. Most Japanese people had never seen an African man before, and many of them saw him as the embodiment of the black-skinned Buddha. Among those who were drawn to his presence was Lord Nobunaga, head of the most powerful clan in Japan, who made Yasuke a samurai in his court. Soon, he was learning the traditions of Japan’s martial arts and ascending the upper echelons of Japanese society. In the four hundred years since, Yasuke has been known in Japan largely as a legendary, perhaps mythical figure. Now African Samurai presents the never-before-told biography of this unique figure of the sixteenth century, one whose travels between countries and cultures offers a new perspective on race in world history and a vivid portrait of life in medieval Japan. “Fast-paced, action-packed writing. . . . A new and important biography and an incredibly moving study of medieval Japan and solid perspective on its unification. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Eminently readable. . . . a worthwhile and entertaining work.” —Publishers Weekly “A unique story of a unique man, and yet someone with whom we can all identify.” —Jack Weatherford, New York Times–bestselling author of Genghis Khan


Book Synopsis African Samurai by : Thomas Lockley

Download or read book African Samurai written by Thomas Lockley and published by Harlequin. This book was released on 2019-04-30 with total page 518 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This biography of the first foreign-born samurai and his journey from Africa to Japan is “a readable, compassionate account of an extraordinary life” (The Washington Post). When Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, he had already traveled much of the known world. Kidnapped as a child, he had ended up a servant and bodyguard to the head of the Jesuits in Asia, with whom he traversed India and China learning multiple languages as he went. His arrival in Kyoto, however, literally caused a riot. Most Japanese people had never seen an African man before, and many of them saw him as the embodiment of the black-skinned Buddha. Among those who were drawn to his presence was Lord Nobunaga, head of the most powerful clan in Japan, who made Yasuke a samurai in his court. Soon, he was learning the traditions of Japan’s martial arts and ascending the upper echelons of Japanese society. In the four hundred years since, Yasuke has been known in Japan largely as a legendary, perhaps mythical figure. Now African Samurai presents the never-before-told biography of this unique figure of the sixteenth century, one whose travels between countries and cultures offers a new perspective on race in world history and a vivid portrait of life in medieval Japan. “Fast-paced, action-packed writing. . . . A new and important biography and an incredibly moving study of medieval Japan and solid perspective on its unification. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Eminently readable. . . . a worthwhile and entertaining work.” —Publishers Weekly “A unique story of a unique man, and yet someone with whom we can all identify.” —Jack Weatherford, New York Times–bestselling author of Genghis Khan


Kabuki a Pocket Guide

Kabuki a Pocket Guide

Author: Ronald Cavaye

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2012-07-09

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 1462903991

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Kabuki A Pocket Guide introduces readers to the foundations of Kabuki—its history and its actors, its acting styles and its performance, its color and music—to the sheer beauty and joy of Kabuki. Kabuki, the popular theatre of Japan, began in about 1603 and is still flourishing today. It was the entertainment of the common people as opposed to Noh, the refined theatre of the aristocracy, and is a close relative of the Bunraku puppet theater. All the actors in Kabuki, even those who play female roles, are men and plays and dances deal with the love of the heroes and villains form Japans real or legendary past. Concise enough to take to performance, this pocket guide to Kabuki provides a wealth of fascinating information about plays, the actors, and their history. As only an insider can do, the author takes us behind the scene to meet the actors, attend rehearsal, and get a first-hand look at the makeup, costumes, sets and props that go into a Kabuki performance.


Book Synopsis Kabuki a Pocket Guide by : Ronald Cavaye

Download or read book Kabuki a Pocket Guide written by Ronald Cavaye and published by Tuttle Publishing. This book was released on 2012-07-09 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kabuki A Pocket Guide introduces readers to the foundations of Kabuki—its history and its actors, its acting styles and its performance, its color and music—to the sheer beauty and joy of Kabuki. Kabuki, the popular theatre of Japan, began in about 1603 and is still flourishing today. It was the entertainment of the common people as opposed to Noh, the refined theatre of the aristocracy, and is a close relative of the Bunraku puppet theater. All the actors in Kabuki, even those who play female roles, are men and plays and dances deal with the love of the heroes and villains form Japans real or legendary past. Concise enough to take to performance, this pocket guide to Kabuki provides a wealth of fascinating information about plays, the actors, and their history. As only an insider can do, the author takes us behind the scene to meet the actors, attend rehearsal, and get a first-hand look at the makeup, costumes, sets and props that go into a Kabuki performance.


The Book of Bushido

The Book of Bushido

Author: Antony Cummins

Publisher: Watkins Media Limited

Published: 2022-02-08

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 1786786192

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This detailed exploration of medieval Japan and the samurai is a must-have for anyone with a love of martial arts or Japanese history This is the go-to volume on bushido ("the way of the warrior"), drawing on a wide range of historical sources to paint a vivid picture of the samurai in action and separating the truth from the myth of samurai chivalry. It offers a long-overdue update to the attractive but inaccurate portrait of the samurai painted in Bushido: The Soul of Japan, which has been a bestseller ever since its publication in 1905, and the equally idealistic Hagakure (c.1716). In The Book of Bushido, Antony explores the reality of warrior behavior versus the idealistic depiction created for an Edwardian audience by the author of Bushido: The Soul of Japan. He reveals the truth of how the samurai really behaved and of what they considered to be a warrior ethos. He replaces the image of the perfect eastern warrior with the much more interesting reality of hardened, bloodstained military leaders with human failings and a complex set of ideas about the world, who engage in ritual, magic and ceremony, who lead their followers in war and peace and who, above all, are fighting a battle between addiction to power and morality. This is the story of bushido – the way of the samurai.


Book Synopsis The Book of Bushido by : Antony Cummins

Download or read book The Book of Bushido written by Antony Cummins and published by Watkins Media Limited. This book was released on 2022-02-08 with total page 422 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This detailed exploration of medieval Japan and the samurai is a must-have for anyone with a love of martial arts or Japanese history This is the go-to volume on bushido ("the way of the warrior"), drawing on a wide range of historical sources to paint a vivid picture of the samurai in action and separating the truth from the myth of samurai chivalry. It offers a long-overdue update to the attractive but inaccurate portrait of the samurai painted in Bushido: The Soul of Japan, which has been a bestseller ever since its publication in 1905, and the equally idealistic Hagakure (c.1716). In The Book of Bushido, Antony explores the reality of warrior behavior versus the idealistic depiction created for an Edwardian audience by the author of Bushido: The Soul of Japan. He reveals the truth of how the samurai really behaved and of what they considered to be a warrior ethos. He replaces the image of the perfect eastern warrior with the much more interesting reality of hardened, bloodstained military leaders with human failings and a complex set of ideas about the world, who engage in ritual, magic and ceremony, who lead their followers in war and peace and who, above all, are fighting a battle between addiction to power and morality. This is the story of bushido – the way of the samurai.


Suicide Squads

Suicide Squads

Author: Richard O'Neill

Publisher: Batsford Books

Published: 2015-06-25

Total Pages: 402

ISBN-13: 1849943214

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In a detailed exploration of the hazardous 'Special Attack' weapons and forces of World War II, Suicide Squads examines the role of explosive motorboats, midget submarines, human torpedoes and kamikaze aircraft. In addition to weapon development, Richard O'Neil describes the actions themselves including Pearl Harbour, the raid on Sydney Harbour and special forces mission at Guadalcanal, Midway and Okinawa. The bravery of the men from all sides who went to war in suicidal or near-suicidal weapons cannot be overestimated. The story of these special attack forces remains a testimony to ingenuity, desperation and courage.


Book Synopsis Suicide Squads by : Richard O'Neill

Download or read book Suicide Squads written by Richard O'Neill and published by Batsford Books. This book was released on 2015-06-25 with total page 402 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a detailed exploration of the hazardous 'Special Attack' weapons and forces of World War II, Suicide Squads examines the role of explosive motorboats, midget submarines, human torpedoes and kamikaze aircraft. In addition to weapon development, Richard O'Neil describes the actions themselves including Pearl Harbour, the raid on Sydney Harbour and special forces mission at Guadalcanal, Midway and Okinawa. The bravery of the men from all sides who went to war in suicidal or near-suicidal weapons cannot be overestimated. The story of these special attack forces remains a testimony to ingenuity, desperation and courage.


Book of Etiquette

Book of Etiquette

Author: Lillian Eichler

Publisher:

Published: 1921

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Book of Etiquette by : Lillian Eichler

Download or read book Book of Etiquette written by Lillian Eichler and published by . This book was released on 1921 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


47 Ronin

47 Ronin

Author: Mike Richardson

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Published: 2021-02-02

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 1506725287

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Japan's enduring national legend comes to comics! The tale of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their wronged master epitomizes the samurai code of honor, and creators Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai have done justice to their story! Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this collection of the acclaimed miniseries recounts this sweeping saga of honor and violence in all its grandeur. Opening with the tragic incident that sealed the fate of Lord Asano, 47 Ronin follows a dedicated group of Asano's vassals on their years-long path of vengeance! * From Mike Richardson (Star Wars: Crimson Empire) and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)! * Tons of bonus art and behind-the-scenes extras! "If you're a fan of the samurai genre then this is a no-brainer... if you've never given it a chance then this is the perfect gateway book to the genre." —Comic Bastards "Stan Sakai makes Japan all the more exciting with this comic, and Richardson's narrative builds an epic tale reminiscent of Kurosawa's greatest films." —Graphic Policy


Book Synopsis 47 Ronin by : Mike Richardson

Download or read book 47 Ronin written by Mike Richardson and published by Dark Horse Comics. This book was released on 2021-02-02 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Japan's enduring national legend comes to comics! The tale of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their wronged master epitomizes the samurai code of honor, and creators Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai have done justice to their story! Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this collection of the acclaimed miniseries recounts this sweeping saga of honor and violence in all its grandeur. Opening with the tragic incident that sealed the fate of Lord Asano, 47 Ronin follows a dedicated group of Asano's vassals on their years-long path of vengeance! * From Mike Richardson (Star Wars: Crimson Empire) and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)! * Tons of bonus art and behind-the-scenes extras! "If you're a fan of the samurai genre then this is a no-brainer... if you've never given it a chance then this is the perfect gateway book to the genre." —Comic Bastards "Stan Sakai makes Japan all the more exciting with this comic, and Richardson's narrative builds an epic tale reminiscent of Kurosawa's greatest films." —Graphic Policy


The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories

The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories

Author: Jay Rubin

Publisher: Penguin UK

Published: 2018-06-28

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 014139563X

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This fantastically varied and exciting collection celebrates the great Japanese short story, from its modern origins in the nineteenth century to the remarkable works being written today. Short story writers already well-known to English-language readers are all included here - Tanizaki, Akutagawa, Murakami, Mishima, Kawabata - but also many surprising new finds. From Yuko Tsushima's 'Flames' to Yuten Sawanishi's 'Filling Up with Sugar', from Shin'ichi Hoshi's 'Shoulder-Top Secretary' to Banana Yoshimoto's 'Bee Honey', The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories is filled with fear, charm, beauty and comedy. Curated by Jay Rubin, who has himself freshly translated several of the stories, and introduced by Haruki Murakami, this book will be a revelation to its readers.


Book Synopsis The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories by : Jay Rubin

Download or read book The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories written by Jay Rubin and published by Penguin UK. This book was released on 2018-06-28 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This fantastically varied and exciting collection celebrates the great Japanese short story, from its modern origins in the nineteenth century to the remarkable works being written today. Short story writers already well-known to English-language readers are all included here - Tanizaki, Akutagawa, Murakami, Mishima, Kawabata - but also many surprising new finds. From Yuko Tsushima's 'Flames' to Yuten Sawanishi's 'Filling Up with Sugar', from Shin'ichi Hoshi's 'Shoulder-Top Secretary' to Banana Yoshimoto's 'Bee Honey', The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories is filled with fear, charm, beauty and comedy. Curated by Jay Rubin, who has himself freshly translated several of the stories, and introduced by Haruki Murakami, this book will be a revelation to its readers.