So Far from the Bamboo Grove (rpkg)

Book Description

Though Japanese, eleven-year-old Yoko has lived with her family in northern Korea near the border with China all her life. But when the Second World War comes to an end, Japanese on the Korean peninsula are suddenly in terrible danger; the Korean people want control of their homeland and they want to punish the Japanese, who have occupied their nation for many years. Yoko, her mother and sister are forced to flee from their beautiful house with its peaceful bamboo grove. Their journey is terrifying -- and remarkable. It's a true story of courage and survival.

Customer Reviews:

Based on her old memory, some are not corrent, though........2007-09-08

Her writing is both attractive and shocking even to adults. Even though there are diputes regarding distorting the historical fact, her story is touching and also good.
One thing I feel sympathy is that the setting she described is far from truth. Were it not for the odd setting, this story could be more attractive even in Asians who had had terrible memories toward Japanese army during the World War II.

Due to the severe weather, bamboo has not been growing up in northern part in Korea. Besides, Korea was divided into North and South Korea in 1948. Since the setting is 1945, Japanese ruled in Korea, which means there were no organized communist army at that time in northern part in Korea.

Despite those flaws, this book is worth for discussions among people especially who are aware of Asian history.

Please read this book from the beginning to the end carefully........2007-08-20

I purchased this book after I had heard an argue over this book between Koreans and this author. Koreans said this book is showing fabricated history, and this author said it is the true story. Koreans even kicked this book out of libraries in the U. S. The author said sorry for misunderstanding.
I have parents, who are the same age with this author. To tell you the truth, this book is the part of true history.
My parents, one is from North Korea and the other is from South Korea. My parents had told me so many times about WWII and Korean war, how they survived. That is the reason why I am saying this book is the real history. Koreans, please read this book carefully from the beginning to the end. This author was appreciating to Koreans, who helped her big brother to escape from North Korea. The rape incidents are true. My parents told me that there were so many mad Koreans to try to revenge Japanese. In North Korea, there were Russian soldiers raping any age Korean women. In South Korea, it was chaos. Yes, it is true that Japanese took Korean girls to sexually serve Japanese soldiers. However, because of that reason,after WWII, a few mad Koreans tried to kill Japanese, who were in Korea. In Japan, a few mad Japanese tried to kill Koreans, who were in Japan, too. Please, peple. This it the real tragic story behind war. There are innocent people. Even though the country started the war, still there are so many other nice people behind of this bad decision.
Back in before 1945, there were a lot of Japanese and Koreans, who leanred each other's languages. But also, there were some people, who only knew how to speak the other language. One of my mom's friend, who had been in Japan before 1945, came back to Korea after WWII ended, but did not know how to speak Korean. She was misunderstood as a Japanese to Koreans. She and her family were almost beaten to dead by Koreans.
Hatred is making people to be blind. There are no perfect people. Even nice people can make mistakes.
Please no more fighting... It does not help anything.
To know each other, to understand each other, please read this book carefully. And please do not judge anyone because some of those bad people's mistakes.

Trash.......2007-05-29

Don't waste your time on this book. It's full of lies and distorts the truth. The japanese still refuse to apologize for their horrific war crimes/crimes against humanity.

Excellent Book.......2007-04-28

So far, this book has been the best I've read. It wasn't a boring book about somebody's life, but it described every little detail that Yoko experienced during her frightening journey. This book was graphic, but I believe that's why I enjoyed this book. I like reading novels that tell you stuff like that because it makes it easy to picture how difficult and stressful this trip was for Yoko and her family. I definitely recommend this book! *****

I am simply confused by these comments by "kid's review" and "a reader".......2007-04-22

This might be a "well written" book, but it is completely distorting the truth about the Japanese WW2 aggressions and atrocies. It makes as if atrocies were committed by the victims rather than the aggressor. If you knew even a bit of history, you would have some misgivings and the second thoughts about why the author wrote this book and why she is trying so hard for this book to be adopted by the elementary schools around the U.S. Depiction of mindless rapes and atrocies committed by the Koreans and Russians in this book could have happened, however what does she say about those close to half million comfort girls and women who were forcefully removed from their homes and brutally raped by Japanese soliders day after day and had to live as sex slaves for the duration of the war. Most of these women were never compensated for the crimes committed by Japanese government and people to this day. On top of that, Japanese government continually denies the atrocities by their soliders and civilians during the war (although it's partially due to lawsuits which may result from their admissions). You might say that this is a story about a Japanese girl and writing her memoir about WW2 although I seriously question whether this book is suitable for the elementary school kids considering the level of violence depicted in this book.

If Anne Frank were a German and she were still alive to this day and if she wrote about the mindless rapes committed by Jewish resistance fighters and Jewish American soliders after WW2 and no mention was made about the Holocaust during WW2. Wouldn't you think that is a DISTORTION of history?

If they were going to adopt this book as the textbook for the elementary school kids, they should at least adopt another book written by a Chinese or Korean author talking about a girl who was amidst of Nanking Massacre or a girl kidnapped by Japanese soldiers during WW2 to serve as sex slaves. That should give a balanced view of what really happened during WW2 and should mitigate unfounded stereotypes about certain ethnicities or racial groups.

And who are these "kid's review" and "a reader"? They are writing unanimous praise of this book. Somehow, the same person is writing two dozen reviews and trying to promote this book. Do you smell something fishy here?

The Bamboo Sword: And Other Samurai Tales

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Lovely Peeks Into Another Time
An exciting and engaging collection of remarkable samurai stories

The Bamboo Sword: And Other Samurai Tales
Shuhei Fujisawa
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 4770030053

Book Description

This delightful collection of eight stories evokes early 17th-century Japan, when peace finally reigned after centuries of warfare. It was a period of upheaval and change as the rulers carved out their territories, and clan politics were full of intrigue, rivalry, and betrayals. The samurai were still valued for their swordsmanship, and were a cut above the peasants, artisans, and merchants in the social hierarchy. Without battles to fight, however, they struggled to retain their sense of pride and meaning in life as they devoted themselves to mundane jobs, marriage, and family. The occasional flash of the sword and samurai discipline was tempered by the unexpected intrusion of human interaction. Sympathies, conspiracies, kindnesses, enmities-all kinds of odd relationships were formed and conflicts resolved in surprising ways. These tales are colorful, atmospheric, exciting, tender, violent, and gently ironic.

Customer Reviews:

Lovely Peeks Into Another Time.......2007-06-28

Fujiawa's collection of short stories "The Bamboo Sword and Other Samurai Tales" is a simply lovely book with lovely stories. Collected from a variety of other collections published in the Japanese, this present work forms a sort of introduction to Fujisawa.

The stories look at life during the Edo Period, (under the Tokugawa Shoguns), from a variety of angles, not only from the viewpoint of the samurai, (although they are certainly the main focus). The viewpoints include even a day in the life of a knife sharpener who moonlights as a burgular, (one of the more interesting stories for me).

Each of the stories is deeply human in its quality, taking in such elements as a samurai's problem with his wife and so on. They are touching windows on a domestic world often glossed over in other works and the movies. However, don't be fooled: there is plenty of action with swords and fighting in the book to satisfy the more martially oriented.

At only 253 pages, I found the book far too short and can only hope that more of Fujisawa's stories get translated into English. He is a gentle though energetic writer. This is onle of the best books I have read in some time.

An exciting and engaging collection of remarkable samurai stories.......2006-05-03

The Bamboo Sword And Other Samurai Tales by Shuhei Fujisawa is a superb collection of eight intrinsically interesting and truly evocative stories inspired by two popular Japanese films: "The Twilight Samurai" and "The Hidden Blade". These tales of the samurai include: A Passing Shower; All For A Melon; Kozuru; Shinza, The Samurai; Out Of Luck; The Runaway Stallion; Dancing Hands; and the title piece, The Bamboo Sword. Shuhei Fujisawa has written an exciting and engaging collection of remarkable samurai stories. that will grasp and hold the readers total attention from beginning to end. The Bamboo Sword is very highly recommended to all readers intrigued by tales of the eastern regions and the orient in general, and those who enjoy Japanese samurai lore in particular.

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A work of art!
A magnificent book!
a treasure

Bamboo in Japan
Nancy Moore Bess , and Bibi Wein
Manufacturer: Kodansha International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 4770025106

Book Description

For centuries, bamboo has fascinated legions of craftspeople, plant lovers and devotees of the handcrafted object. And nowhere is bamboo used more elegantly and distinctly than in Japan. Its presence touches every part of daily life-art, crafts, design, literature, and food. Its beauty
enlivens textile designs, restaurant interiors, and holiday festivities.

Artist and writer Nancy Moore Bess set out to discover just how bamboo-crafted objects attained such heights in Japan. Her travels took her throughout the country and through centuries of accumulated artifacts. After five years of dedicated research and study, she has assembled an unparalleled
collection of writings and photographs that uncover the hidden beauty of bamboo.

Bess unveils the boundless uses of this versatile material in Japan, ranging from the most elegant and refined to the most humble. She shows bamboo's applications in the garden and home, in the cherished accessories of the tea ceremony and flower arranging, and in an endless array of crafts from
elaborate baskets to colorful kites and dolls.

With illuminating text and over 250 exquisite photographs, illustrations, and artwork, Bess reveals the intricacies and resources of this lovely versatile plant. She explores the Japanese reverence for bamboo's natural beauty, adding immeasurably to our knowledge of the Asian sensibility and
lifestyle.

[AN ON-LINE INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR]
Q. Could you tell us a little about your background?

A. I am fond of saying that I'm a basketmaker from California. It is true, but ... I have lived on the east coast more years than those early, influential ones in California. I learned to make baskets on 8th Avenue in New York City. Basketry is the focus of my professional life. I weave, teach, and
exhibit. No matter where I travel, I find basketmakers and a conversation begins. Much of my first trip in Japan (11 months in 1986-87) was devoted to meeting basketmakers and watching them work.

Q. What motivated you to write this book? / What got you started?

A. When I first wrote the book proposal, I was thinking only of those basketmakers I had met in Japan - how hard they worked, how varied their baskets, how ubiquitous basketry was in Japan. As the book topic broadened to include ALL of bamboo in Japan, I found that I had much to learn, and the
research began. Each interview led to more library work. Each book in the library led to more interviews. It was a never-ending circle for five years. I still can't resist a good book that reveals something new to me about bamboo in Japan.

Q. Could you tell us a little about the contents of the book?

A. The main thesis of the book is that bamboo touches every aspect in daily life in Japan, even in urban Tokyo or Osaka. At first, everyone tends to think this is an overly 'romantic' approach; however, upon more careful examination (or reading of Bamboo in Japan), it becomes clear that, unlike
other single 'material' in Japan, bamboo is linked to everything - language, ritual, home life, food, design, art, and crafts. Other plants are important, pine and rice straw, for instance. But they don't have both the symbolism AND the practical use, it is 'either/or.' Only bamboo touches the
everyday and the elegant, the practical and the elite, the farmer and the urban housewife. Only bamboo can go from kitchen zaru to the artwork of Living National Treasures.

Q. What do you see as the centerpiece of the book? / Why is the book important?

A. The marriage of text and illustration makes Bamboo in Japan successful. This bond allows the reader to penetrate the book at many different levels - one can look at the illustrations, read only the captions, dive into one section or all. All the text and illustrations are tied to the main thesis
- bamboo touches every aspect of daily life in Japan - so the impact is considerable.

Bamboo in Japan is important, in part, because it hasn't been done before. Earlier English-language books on the topic of bamboo covered part of the story, but not all. This book offers everyone a chance to really read about this incredible plant in Japan and its many guises. Bamboo enchants, and
Bamboo in Japan lets the reader experience this.

Q. What did you yourself learn from writing the book?

A. So many things ... some personal and emotional. I learned that I can't do everything, but I can be persistent and decide my priorities. I knew I was attracted to bamboo as a craft material, but I didn't realize how passionate I would become about bamboo as a plant. I'll never stop reading and
learning about bamboo and never stop being an advocate for bamboo workers.

Q. What would you like readers to take away with them after reading this book?

A. I'd like people to acknowledge the bamboo craftspeople for their skill, vulnerability, and dedication. I'd like everyone to look to other cultures with an open mind and heart. I'd like them to walk down a lane in Japan and SEE the bamboo.

Q. What people or books were influential in the writing of your book?

A. The Japanese publications about bamboo and crafts were an amazing resource. I only wish I could read them myself and not have to rely on sections being translated for me. That separation between me and the information is troubling. I always think there is one more book I need to read, one more
craftsperson I need to talk with, one more garden I need to photograph ... then I'll be on top of it. The bamboo enthusiasts in both Japan and the USA were amazing. We all share a common passion, and they were generous with information and, sometimes, funding. The Japan Bamboo Society in Kyoto was
especially helpful, as was The American Bamboo Society here. I'd still be writing if ABS hadn't helped me out with grants!

Q. What are your plans for the future, in terms of new books or other projects?

A. I don't think I'll ever stop the research on bamboo. At the moment, I am concentrating on gathering information about bamboo as a 'motif' in folk tales around the world. I suspect that will be my next book. However, the link to Japan will not be broken. I try to assist others who want to do
research there; I keep in touch with bamboo folks there and with basketmakers; I get back whenever I can scramble together the money for a ticket. There is nothing like the feeling of flying into Narita or arriving on the night train into the bamboo region of Beppu - that expectation of yet another
wonderful bamboo moment!

Q. Is there anything else the reader should know?

A. Find something you are passionate about and pursue it. Or borrow my passion, bamboo in Japan, and immerse yourself in another world.

Customer Reviews:

A work of art!.......2002-01-31

There have been other fine books that show and describe bamboo in Japan, both plants and craft, but no other book has so effectively shown how this remarkable plant has shaped a culture in all of its aspects, from the roots of its language, to its cuisine, its art, and its commerce---from the most mundane tools of daily life to the most sublime aspect of art and spirit. Beautifully designed, the book itself is a work of art, with text and photographs woven together in such a way that one finds that one has not simply read a book about a topic, but has become a part of that experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

A magnificent book!.......2001-08-23

BAMBOO IN JAPAN is one of the most exciting and beautiful books I've read in years. During her many years of researching in Japan, Bess discovered that bamboo contributes to every aspect of Japanese life: from architecture to religion, from household goods to children's toys. Bamboo is made into fans, baskets, kites, fences, tea ceremony whisks and scoops; into rakes, blinds, lanterns, spoons, dolls, umbrellas, fish rods, swords, and even into musical instruments such as the eerie, reedy shakuhachi. The book is filled with fascinating facts and anecdotes. Ancient documents chronicle the use of a small bamboo knife that was thought to have magical powers, and so was used to cut the umbilical cord after birth. In the 17th century an ordinance mandated that peasants plant bamboo in order to use the leaves for fuel. Did you know that some varieties of bamboo grow so quickly that one can actually watch them grow? Or that the adult plant is strong enough to support traditional scaffolding tens of stories high, yet delicate enough to be cut into fibers hardly wider than a hair? A Japanese folktale describes a bamboo cutter's discovery of a beautiful miniature princess in a bamboo shoot. Additionally, Bess includes resources for observation and research in Japan and in the US. An internationally known textile and basket craftsperson, Bess has produced a book so vibrant and colorful, it will grow and grow sky high in your imagination.

a treasure.......2001-08-18

What a pleasure to see the soul of bamboo portrayed with such insight! Many examples of bamboo in use, a feast for the eyes. This book is a treasure of bamboo knowledge.

Bamboo Style: Exteriors Interiors Detail (Icons)

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Bamboo Design Inspiration

Bamboo Style: Exteriors Interiors Detail (Icons)

Manufacturer: Taschen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3822849677

Book Description

The many uses of beautiful bamboo Besides feeding pandas and making a yummy addition to many Asian dishes, bamboo is also used as a building material, both functional and decorative. The dried stems are extremely sturdy and lend themselves to a multitude of uses. Shigeru Ban, for example, found a way to create lumber from laminated woven bamboo for a house he designed in Beijing. Other houses show off bamboo in more straightforward ways, lining the ceilings or floors with stems, or even forming walls. Bamboo is also used to construct furniture, lending a chair or a bed a warm, earthy feeling. This unique look book captures the many uses of bamboo in houses throughout China, Japan, and Indonesia.

Customer Reviews:

Bamboo Design Inspiration.......2007-07-25

I was given this book as gift by Joerg Stamm a famous bamboo builder. It is one of the most popular books in our library in our sales and design office. Shot mostly in Bali area (I think) it is a great photo essay of design possibilities using bamboo materials. Since it is what we do for a living we are always looking for ideas to help us create new tropical sanctuaries for our customers. I recommend it highly for design ideas, and a fine coffee table book filled with delicious images sure to inspire.

Bamboo of Japan: Splendor in Four Seasons

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Bamboo of Japan: Splendor in Four Seasons
Shinji Takama
Manufacturer: Japan Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0870407074

Bamboo Baskets: Japanese Art and Culture Interwoven with the Beauty of Ikebana

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Bamboo Baskets: Japanese Art and Culture Interwoven with the Beauty of Ikebana
Maggie Oster
Manufacturer: Studio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Baskets | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Flower Arranging | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Textile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0670861871

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Tales from the Bamboo Grove
Yoko Kawashima Watkins
Manufacturer: Bradbury Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0027925250

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A Real Treasure

Bamboo Hats and a Rice Cake
Ann Tompert
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 051759272X
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Customer Reviews:

A Real Treasure.......2007-06-22

This book is wonderful for many reasons. Most obviously, the method of teaching the reader to identify the different Japanese characters is not only effective but a real hoot -- my kids and I had a blast matching each character to its definition.

But it's the story itself that's most valuable. It's entertaining and fun (my 8-year-old son giggled excitedly when the Jizo statues came to visit the couple), but it also offers a great lesson on selflessness. .

I recommend this book to anyone, but especially to anyone who'd like to introduce their kids to Buddhism or Japanese culture in general.

Oh, and Demi's illustrations are sublime as usual.

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The Stunning Beauty of Japanese Bamboo Basketry
The Living Tradition

Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Arts
Robert T. Coffland
Manufacturer: Art Media Resources, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Folk Art | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1878529676

Book Description

This book introduces the reader of the world of contemporary Japanese bamboo arts. Twenty of Japan's leading bamboo artists are featured in portraits and through their stunning bamboo baskets and sculptures. The artists include the two Living National Treasures of Japan, Iizuka Shokansai and Maeda Chikubosai II, as well as artists of traditional and contemporary styles. The author gives the reader the necessary background information to understand how this art form evolved over the last hundred and fifty years and the current challenges the field faces. With beautiful photographs by Pat Pollard and portraits of artists by Art Streiber.

Customer Reviews:

The Stunning Beauty of Japanese Bamboo Basketry.......2000-11-27

I am so excited about this book! As a professional weaver and teacher of basketry I have a passionate interest in Japanese bamboo basketry. The book, Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Arts, makes the breathtaking aesthetics of Japanese Bamboo Basketry accessable to everyone.

Thanks to people like Robert T. Coffland and his tireless efforts, basketry in general is taking it's rightful place as a serious fiber art form, worldwide. His knowledge of the history, artists, and the complexities of this discipline is apparent in the book's first section. The stunning photography of Pat Pollard and Art Streiber make even the smallest detail visible in the basketry and reveal the intense commitment in the faces and surroundings of the artists.

I keep this book nearby while I am working and randomly open it to any page. As I look at the artists in their element and read their stories I can almost imagine myself there. I am inspired! I study the beautifully photographed works and I am nourished!

This book is not only an essential for basketry artists and collectors but I think designers and decorators would benefit by having this book as a guide.

The Living Tradition.......2000-11-23

Coffland presents not only brief history of traditional bamboo arts, but in a marvelously succinct introduction to the artists featured, he also presents some of the dilemmas faced by both Japanese and American basketmakers. His explanation of what it takes to become a bamboo artist/basketmaker offers the American basketry artist a cultural cross-reference on the meaning of artistry and accomplishment. As Executive Director of the National Basketry Organization, Inc., and an aspiring basketry artist, I would like to see every serious basketmaker read this book...it would refresh our minds, spark our creativity, and remind us that artistic accomplishment is not instant gratification. The quality of the writing, photographs, and portraits make this a must read.

When the Bamboo Bends: Christ and Culture in Japan

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When the Bamboo Bends: Christ and Culture in Japan
Masao Takenaka
Manufacturer: World Council of Churches
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 2825413623

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