Koto: A Traditional Instrument in Contemporary Japan

Along with Mt. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, Geisha, and the Shamisen, the Japanese koto is THE symbol of traditional Japan. Other then a couple of advanced musicological studies, and a chapter or two in other books about Japanese music, no other book gives such a complete reference to this all important instrument. Not only does this book include just about every aspect about the history, design, construction, and music theory of the Japanese koto, but it is also a beautiful book with wonderful photos, diagrams, and charts...


Type: BookResource
Author: Henry Johnson
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Traditional Japanese Music and Musical Instruments

The book opens with a brisk and eloquent history of Japan's musical life, then moves on to its religious music, Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian; its court music; the music of the noh drama; and the music of specific instruments: biwa, shakuhachi, koto, and shamisen. After examining the components of kabuki music, it closes with a chapter on folk music, popular musical arts, and the music of other ethnic groups in Japan...


Type: BookResource
Author: William Malm
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The Ear Catches the Eye: Music in Japanese Prints

The Ear Catches the Eye" presents a clear overview of the diversity of Japanese musical instruments, their use in the Kabuki and Nô theaters during various festivals, and within the celebrated Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. The 150 prints of musical instruments have been described at length and the photographs of the actual instruments are accompanied by detailed explanations of their shape and use...


Type: BookResource
Author: Magda Kyrova
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Strongholds of the Samurai: Japanese Castles 250-1877

This is a well written book by Stephen Turnbull about the history and evolution of Japanese castles and fortified temples. The book covers from the early Nara-Heian era all the way up to fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The book is well illustrated, photographed, mapped and written. Anyone with passing interest in Japanese Samurai history will find this book to be a very good basic source of reference.....


Type: Book
Author: Stephen Turnbull 
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The Samurai: A Military History

The Samurai has long since become a standard work of reference. It continues to be the most authoritative work on samurai life and warfare published outside Japan. Set against the background of Japan's social and political history, the book records the rise and rise of Japan's extraordinary warrior class from earliest times to the culmination of their culture, prowess and skills as manifested in the last great battle they were ever to fight - that of Osaka Castle in 1615....


Type: Book
Author: Stephen Turnbull 
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Himeji Castle: Japan's Samurai Past

Learn all about Himeji Castle, which may be the best standing example of a Japanese castle. This book really gives a feel for what it would be like to visit the castle. If you get a chance, visit it in person! The illustrations and photographs are excellent. There is a timeline, glossary, index, and list of resources for further study...


Type: Book
Author: Jacqueline A. Ball
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A Samurai Castle (Inside Story)

This book on samurai castles of the 16th and 17th centuries covers details of their construction, history, and the life and times of their inhabitants. Each double-page spread provides a paragraph or two on a particular aspect of the era (e.g., elegant interiors, castles and towns, entertaining visitors, women's lives, arms and armor) and detailed, informative full-color illustrations. Brief descriptions of some famous samurai are included...


Type: Book
Author: Fiona Macdonald
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