Tuttle Specials – serie

This book is a quick and easy way to learn the second 100 basic Chinese traditional characters.The major struggle facing all beginning Chinese language students is to learn to recognize, read and write hundreds of Chinese characters. A working knowledge of characters is essential for any student wishing to learn Chinese. The Second 100 Chinese Characters adopts a structural approach that helps students to overcome this initial difficulty and quickly master the basic Chinese characters that are fundamental to this language. This book contains characters that have been carefully selected and sequenced for rapid and effective learning. For effective learning, memorization and practice, each Chinese character is shown separately on a single page, together with its English definitions, hanyu pinyin romanization, alternate form (if any), a stroke order guide and ample space for writing practice. The stroke order guides introduce the student to the standard stroke sequence used in writing the characters, by tracing over them. After learning the correct stroke order, the student can then practice writing the character on their own, thus reinforcing recognition and memorization. Large boxes with grid lines for correct proportions are provided. Related compounds and phrases containing each character are also included to assist in vocabulary building. Three indexes (alphabetically by the English meanings and the pinyin romanization, and by radicals) are provided at the back of the book for quick and easy reference, along with extra sheets of blank boxes for writing practice. This book featuresThe second 100 most frequently-used Chinese characters.Foundation characters for the HSK A level language proficiency test.Standard hanyu pinyin romanizations.Step-by-step stroke order guides and ample space for writing practice.Over 500 words and phrases containing the basic characters.Concise English definitions.

Users requiring a quick and handy reference work for Indonesian, particularly when they are out and about, need look no further than the Tuttle Pocket Indonesian Dictionary. This dictionary has been specially designed for foreigners working or traveling in Indonesia. It is equally useful for Indonesians who live abroad or in an English-speaking environment. No knowledge of Indonesian grammar or word formation is necessary to use this helpful dictionary—simply look up the word as you hear or read it, and you'll quickly find it's meaning. This is a revolutionary feature that most other Indonesian dictionaries are lacking. Special features of this Indonesian dictionary include:Covers the 15,000 most common Indonesian and English words.A useful pronunciation guide.A small, compact size makes it portable and lightweight.Both Indonesian-English and English-Indonesian sections.Special emphasis is given to words vital in daily use, important in business and cultural settings, and useful to travelers.The entries in both sections contain common idioms and expressions, as well as up-to-date IT and Internet vocabulary.There are no other authoritative pocket dictionaries of Indonesian. The Oxford Starter's Indonesian-English Dictionary and the Tuttle Concise Indonesian Dictionary are larger dictionaries with more entries, but these are aimed at students rather than general users.

"Quite simply the most serious early intermediate textbook currently available for thoughtful American students at the university level." —Professor Stephen O'Harrow, Director, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, University of Hawai'i at ManoaThis is a second-year, intermediate Vietnamese language course designed for high school, college or self-study.Continuing Vietnamese is your next step toward master; it follows the best-selling, linguistically-based Elementary Vietnamese, and helps you progress to an intermediate level of communicating in Vietnamese. Invaluable for anyone planning to travel, study or work in Vietnam, this complete language course has been extensively tested at Harvard University. The accompanying native-speaker audio helps to develop listening comprehension and ensure correct pronunciation. The book contains ten lessons, each composed of two parts. Part 1, the dialogue part, introduces the learner to conversational Vietnamese as it's currently spoken in Hanoi so that the learner will be able to participate in engaging conversation on a variety of topics. Part 2, the narrative part, includes written materials that are characteristic of formal Vietnamese. It aims to develop the learner's reading and writing skills as well as speaking skills. The lessons focuse on various aspects of life in present-day Vietnam, including topics such as culture, history, geography, economy, theater, music, tourism, literature, poetry, cinema and sports. Each lesson helps you to learn Vietnamese by building your Vietnamese proficiency using several complementary elements to thoroughly develop your skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Key features of Continuing Vietnamese include:Online audio recordings offering native speakers' renditions of all the dialogues and narratives, vocabulary, grammar and usage explanations, everyday Vietnamese expressions, pronunciation drills and exercises, and even some popular Vietnamese proverbs.Exercises and practice activities which hone your skills throughout the learning process.Cultural notes that help bring Vietnam to life.A contemporary focus on today's Vietnamese speech patterns.A format that sharpens all four language skills: listening, speaking, writing and reading.All media content is alternatively accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.

A modern Japanese take on classic knitted accessories.With a contemporary approach to traditional knitting patterns and textures, Small Knits brings to life a collection of stylish necessities for warmth and fashion. From selbu mittens to unisex hats and neckwarmers—these pieces work for just about any mood, recipient and wardrobe.In this book, you'll find instructions and photos for 19 charming projects, plus variations, including:Elegant Nordic mittens, handwarmers and a beretStylish neckwarmers in houndstooth and argyle patternsAn eyecatching Fair Isle hat and handwarmersComfy, durable socks in herringbone and other classic stitchesA delicate, lacy shawlAnd much more!Instructions, diagrams and Japanese-style knitting charts take you through each project from start to finish. A section on technique shows how to execute the stitches used in this book. These projects are fun and rewarding for experienced knitters who've enjoyed a taste of the Japanese knitting style or would like to give it a try.

In Japan, the old ways have prevailed well into the 21st century.Small family run shops still make miso, tofu, shoyu, tamari, amazake and other traditional healing foods the same way they were made centuries ago. Perched on ladders, tamari makers gently stir fermenting brew in two-hundred-year-old wood vessels that easily top ten feet. Farmers cultivate shiitake and green tea and harvest sea vegetables according to the ancient, natural ways. These producers use the purest ingredients available and provide superior foods that promote and sustain health.In Japanese Foods That Heal, John and Jan Belleme introduce eighteen essential foods from Japan that are still cultivated and prepared using time-honored methods and recipes. These traditionally made healthy Japanese foods have been proven to cure and prevent degenerative disease, and to prevent premature aging—a fact the Japanese have known for centuries. By stocking up on these healing Japanese foods, your pantry will become a key element of your healthy lifestyle!This healthy Japanese cookbook includes everything you need to know about these healthy and delicious foods—from nutrition and medical facts to recipes and tips for creating wholesome and flavorful meals. You will come to appreciate how each food was produced in years past, how it can benefit your health and well-being, and how it is made today. This collection of recipes shows you how rewarding it is to prepare simple, nourishing meals that both promote good health and please the palate. A pronunciation guide and food glossary demystify Japanese foods that at first may seem exotic to Westerners. And a shopping resource offers practical tips for finding all the foods used in the book.Using this healthy Japanese cooking book as a guide, you will soon learn that the old Japanese saying Isoku Dogen, or "Food is Medicine," is more than a proverb; it is the key to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

This book makes it easy to create and admire wonderful Japanese-style paintings and portraits!Modern Japanese-style paintings are recognizable by their restrained use of three-dimensionality and perspective, reliance upon expressive lines, and the bold use of color to direct the viewer's eye. There are other ways that artists imbue their work with Japanese- inspired attributes, including through the skillful use of shape, texture, and facial expression.Author Shinichi Fukui introduces readers to 7 notable modern Japanese artists (Kazuo Kawakami, Chiaki Takasugi, Miho Tanaka, Ryohei Nishiyama, Jose Franky, Ryohei Murata, and Keiji Yano) who specialize in shin hanga-style portraiture of Japanese women. He then presents instructions to create 21 different original paintings—from sketching models, preparing and mixing paints, blocking in color, and rendering fine details.Using these techniques, and a bit of acrylic paint, readers will be able to create eye-catching works of art that express a timeless Japanese aesthetic.

This origami pack contains 96 high-quality origami sheets printed with colorful stars and diamond patterns.These striking patterns were chosen to enhance the creative work of origami artists and paper crafters. There's enough paper here to assemble amazing modular origami sculptures, distribute to students for a class project, or put to a multitude of other creative uses.This origami paper pack includes:96 sheets of origami paper12 different star and diamond patternsSmall 6-inch squaresInstructions for 6 original projects

Master Chinese characters the quick & easy way!Learn the Second 100 Basic Chinese Traditional CharactersCracking the code of Chinese characters can be tough, but with this book, it becomes much easier. Perfect for beginners, this guide helps you quickly recognize, read, and write essential characters.Why This Book Works:Easy-to-follow Structure: Characters are carefully selected and sequenced for rapid learning.Comprehensive Pages: Each character gets its own page with: English definitionsHanyu pinyin romanizationAlternate forms (if any)Stroke order guidePlenty of space for practiceHighlights:Stroke Order Guides: Trace characters to learn the correct stroke sequence, then practice on your own.Grid Lines: Keep your characters proportionate and neat.Vocabulary Building: Related compounds and phrases for each character.Quick References: Three indexes for English meanings, pinyin, and radicals.Extra Practice: Additional sheets with blank boxes for more writing practice.What's Inside:The second 100 most frequently used Chinese characters.Foundation characters for the HSK A level language proficiency test.Standard hanyu pinyin romanizations.Step-by-step stroke order guides.Over 500 words and phrases.Concise English definitions.

The Unquenchable Lamp of the Covenant continues the popular series by Rev. Abraham Park, offering Christian seekers an engaging, yet precisely Bible-based exploration of God's redemption plan for humanity. In this book, we learn what the Bible's carefully listed genealogy of Jesus Christ shows us about that more significant purpose. The biblical timeline outlined in this Bible study of New Testament genealogies reveals how God was at work in redemptive history to guide it towards its fulfillment.This title is part of The History of Redemption series which includes:Book 1: The Genesis GenealogiesBook 2: The Covenant of the TorchBook 3: The Unquenchable Lamp of the CovenantBook 4: God's Profound and Mysterious ProvidenceBook 5: The Promise of the Eternal Covenant

Master the game of Go with this expert guide.Go is a two-player board game that first originated in ancient China but is also very popular in Japan and Korea. There is significant strategy and philosophy involved in the game, and the number of possible games is vast—even when compared to chess. This is the first comprehensive strategy guidebook in English to cover the entire game of Go by illustrating the nuances and finer points of Go strategy. Its 203 problems and their commented answers demonstrate to players of all level of skill not only successful moves, but also the incorrect moves and why they are wrong. This enables players to identify strengths and weaknesses in their games. From opening play to the endgame, Winning Go is an essential tool in helping serious players master the sophisticated sequence and flow of advanced Go play.Useful Go strategies include:The opening (fuseki)The middle (chuban)The endgame (yose)Clever moves (tesuji)Life and death (shikatsu)Winning corner skirmishes (joseki)Accurate countingPlayers will learn about not only creating good shapes, but also how to avoid or take advantage of bad ones, along with the right and wrong order of moves. This makes Winning Go the ideal choice for a first problem book because it enables both players and teachers to improve upon their Go game. From opening play to endgame, Winning go is an essential tool in helping serious Go players master the sophisticated sequence and flow of advanced Go play.

The Japanese sword has long been appreciated both as a weapon and as an object of art. Only in Japanese culture has the sword been developed to such a level of technological excellence and spiritual importance. As a cutting weapon, the fully developed curved katana, or samurai sword, of the samurai warrior was uniquely effective. As a cultural object, it offers invaluable insights into the social and spiritual history of the Japanese people.Cutting Edge: Japanese Swords in the British Museum offers a fascinating introduction to the design, manufacture and collecting of these Japanese weapons. It covers the development of sword art and designs, traditional forging methods, regional variations in style and signature works by legendary craftsmen. Included are hundreds of photos of swords and other art objects.

"When Fritz,the Janitor's bad kid,Went snooping in the basement,He found a rock snugly hidBeneath the window casement.He struck a match with one fell swoop;Then, on the concrete kneeling,he lit the rocket and—she—oop!It shot up through the ceiling."Long before Richard Scarry or Dr. Seuss, an American artist delighted a generation of children and their parents with hilarious, topsy-turvy illustrations and slightly subversive tales told in rhyme. This was illustrator/author Peter Newell.Originally published in 1912, The Rocket Book remains as profoundly enjoyable and incredibly popular as ever. This classic work will delight readers of all ages with the story of how a rocket launched from the basement floor of an apartment building and how it interrupts the day.Peter Newell (1862-1924) began his career as an artist drawing portraits, using crayons as his medium. In his fantastic humor, many believe, is the first appearance of the gentle humor of the absurd which The New Yorker has subsequently developed to such a high level.

Craft colorful and unique jewelry with this Asian-inspired craft book.Bracelets embellished with Chinese floral and butterfly motifs, a gold-and-pearl lariat inspired by the fridges of a Persian carpet, and the popular Shamballa bracelet— these are just a few of the many artful pieces you'll learn to make in this wonderful new DIY jewelry book. Jewelry techniques include:Wire Strung JewelryLoop & Chain JewelryMemory Wire JewelryKnotted JewelryElastic Cord BraceletsSuitable for novices and experienced jewelry-making experts alike, some of the projects take just a few minutes to complete, and all of them are fun and inexpensive to do. They result in jewelry that looks great and can be worn anywhere! Most of the 33 jewelry projects in this jewelry making book use materials you can find at any craft store. Each chapter in Creative Beaded Jewelry takes you through the basics of a different stringing method and then sets you on an adventure through the many ways you can use it to create personalized designs.

Make homemade Japanese paper and fold it into beautiful and decorative forms with this Japanese papercraft book.In Japanese Paper Crafting, world-renowned paper artist Michael G. LaFosse of the Origamido Studio teaches you all the essential techniques needed to make your own beautiful handmade washi paper at home. The book's clear and simple step-by-step instructions, diagrams and photographs show you not only how to create your own handmade paper using inexpensive and easy-to-find materials—but how to turn your handmade papers into exquisite paper craft objects. Readers will enjoy crafting 17 original LaFosse designs using their very own handmade washi papers! With Japanese Paper Crafting you can: Make your own traditional-style Japanese papers. Learn two traditional Japanese methods of papermaking, and try your hand at creating truly distinctive papers.Create 17 exquisite projects that feature your own handmade paper—or any other paper in your craft collection.This book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves scrapbooking, making handmade gift cards, origami and paper crafts in general. Making your own washi paper is the natural starting point for creating high-quality paper craft objects of any type. The fabulous projects in the book include:NotebooksPursesWalletsGift CardsDesktop AccessoriesAnd many more…

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan is a complete, two-volume set of one of the most outstanding books on 19th century Japanese history and culture.Though Lafcadio Hearn went on to write a dozen more books on Japan, this collection of first impressions remains his most popular. Among the reasons is that here, more than anywhere else, the author most vividly captured a place that so affected him that he stayed for the rest of his life. The modern reader can still, through these pages, experience that "first charm of Japan, intangible and volatile as a perfume." Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan combines two volumes of a work that first appeared in 1894. In the pages of this book are the customs, the superstitions, the charming scenery, the revelations of Japanese character, and all the other elements that Lafcadio Hearn found so bewitching. Here, for example, are essays on such subjects as the Japanese garden, the household shrine, the festivals, and the bewildering Japanese smile—all aspects of Japanese life that have endured in spite of the changes that have taken place during the modernization of Japan. The Japanese character and the Japanese tradition are still fundamentally the same as Hearn found them to be, and for this reason, his writing is still extremely revealing to modern readers. This edition also contains a new foreword by noted writer and examiner of Japanese culture Donnie Richie that puts Lafcadio Hearn and his classic works into perspective for readers just discovering Hearn's writing for the first time.

This book is intended to help you easily determine your Japanese name and learn the most suitable way to write it with Japanese Kanji.Japan more than most countries, places emphasis on harmoniously blending in with others. In fact, it has not one, but two proverbs similar to the Western, "When in Rome…" Go ni itte wa, go ni shigagae, or "Obey the customs of the village you enter;" and Deru kugi wa utareru, or "The nail that sticks up will be hammered." This suggests, then that the Westerner who manages to leap across the cultural chasm and adapt his or her name to the vernacular is taking the first step toward a happy and productive stay among the Japanese. Even though an English name might not have an equivalent Japanese name, Write Your Name in Kanji will help you understand what goes into selecting a name, and will present a number of choices so that you can pick the most appropriate characters to represent your own name in the Japanese language. In doing so, this book may even help give you a better understanding of your original English (or other) name. As you will see with this Kanji book, you may consider several different Japanese equivalents for your name and select the most appropriate to your tastes and character. If you are not satisfied with the meaning carried by your original English name, chances are that you can find a name approximating it phonetically but containing a fabulous meaning that your English name lacks. You may decide to use one of the "attention-getting transcriptions" to amuse your friends or deliver such an unforgettable first impression that new business associates will never forget you. If you stick to the original meaning of your English name, you may also find a corresponding one in fascinating kanji. If you prefer a simple phonetic transcription, you can simply elect to render your name in its katakana or hiragana equivalent. Once you've selected a name that appeals to you, you might even have it engraved into a hanko (a seal or stamp always required in lieu of a handwritten signature for official or business-related documents) and officially register it in Japan. You will be issued a certificate legitimizing your seal, and the characters it bears, as legally valid and binding on any official document you affix it to in Japan. This would certainly make an impression on your Japanese friends or associates!

Apply the combat science of Bruce Lee's revolutionary martial art!This martial arts manual describes his research into the how and why of Jeet Kune Do techniques. Bruce Lee wrote of "three stages of cultivation" that lie along the path to JKD mastery:The Stage of Innocence—this is the level of the absolute beginner.The Stage of Art—the student is immersed in the process of technical and physical training.The Stage of Artlessness—the stage of "highest art" in which the body is no longer hindered by the mind. As Bruce Lee would say, "It hits all by itself."To reach the final stage, the student must progress methodically through the Stage of Art—there are no shortcuts! Author Teri Tom guides you on this journey by revealing the science behind the moves in Jeet Kune Do repertoire. You'll learn how to protect yourself from injury, and maximize the effectiveness of the following core techniques and their variations: Straight Lead; Rear Cross; Hook; Uppercut; Straight Kick; Hook Kick; Side Kick; and Spinning Back Kick.You'll also learn aboutBruce Lee's revolutionary approach to combat that takes advantage of human biomechanics;How to evade attacks, and use those evasive movements to launch counter-attacks;Natural ways to chain your moves into seamless combinations; The importance of developing mental and physical speed, footwork, cadence, good timing and judgment of distance; All techniques are traced to the original sources that inspired Bruce Lee.

Unlock the secrets of the legendary weapons of the samuraiWhile the samurai is well known as the military nobility of medieval Japan, their range of weapons, which went far beyond the katana, bow, and spear, is lesser known. For instance, some weapons, like the tesson, or iron fan, were used in secret where samurai swords were not allowed. Others were improvised, with warriors using whatever fighting tool was at hand. In Samurai Weapons, readers will follow the story of Zenigata Heiji, among others, who developed an uncanny ability to use heavy coins as dangerous weapons by throwing them like bullets.Author Don Cunningham, who held ranks in judo, jujutsu, and kendo, including a second dan license from the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, gives us a historical look at these ancient arms in a way that's useful for novices and samurai experts alike.Chapters cover such rich details as:Japanese martial arts cultureHidden weaponsSensu, truncheons, and polearmsLearn how and why samurai weapons included not only the sword of popular lore but also a variety of others. Cunningham describes the society of Japan, how the samurai class arose, and the place in society that samurai held through the centuries, focusing in particular on the various weaponry they used, how they used it, and why. Samurai Weapons highlights how these weapons and fighting styles have influenced various schools of Japanese martial arts.

Complete impressive origami projects in just 10 steps with this beautiful and easy origami book.10-Fold Origami features a completely original take on a very classic subject in this papercraft book, which features beautiful full-colored illustrations and easy-to-follow diagrams for 26 wide-ranging origami models. This origami book includes:96 page, full-color origami book26 original origami projectsEasy-to-follow directionsHelpful diagrams and photographsPaper folding basics and tipsA difficulty rating is assigned to each paper crafts project, so you choose how advanced your next piece will be. For a rewarding craft that calms the spirit and sharpens the mind, look no further than 10-fold Origami.Origami projects include:PinwheelSunny Side UpPicture FrameWedding RingGoose and Golden Egg

Knotting, "the joining of two cords," is an old and revered art form in China and an integral part of Chinese life. Since ancient times, Chinese knots have been used for a variety of practical and decorative purposes: to record events, aid in fishing and hunting, wrap and tie items, embellish personal attire, jewelry and fashion, ornament other works of art, and communicate. The intricate knot work and magnificent color combinations not only lent elegance to everyday objects, or a touch of gaiety and enchantment but were an aesthetic expression of Chinese folk symbolism, expressing wishes for good fortune and wealth or the joys of love and marriage. In craft book Chinese Knotting, author Lydia Chen first traces the origins, history, and symbolism of this fascinating craft, before taking the reader through the fundamental elements necessary for tying Chinese decorative knots—the materials, implements, and main processes.Step-by-step instructions are then given for the 11 basic knots, which provide the building blocks for the 14 compound knots-combinations and variations of the simple knots-that follow in the next section. The final section presents 41 knotting projects of varying difficulty. Detailed instructions, clear diagrams, and color photographs, combined with an exciting assortment of creative applications, will help readers discover the relaxation, artistic satisfaction, and beautifully personalized ornamentation that Chinese Knotting can offer.

Hapkido, "The Way of Coordination and Internal Power," is one of the three major Korean martial arts. Founded in 1963 by Master Choi Young-Sul, it is a complete system of self-defense, encompassing striking, kicking, and grappling techniques. Conceptually, Hapkido techniques more closely parallel those of Aikido than Taekwondo. In fact, as the author describes, there is a parental link between the arts.In Hapkido: Korean Art of Self-Defense, Scott Shaw presents a precise description of the techniques, concepts, and applications of this Korean martial art of self-defense.Profusely illustrated with 220 clear photographs, this instructional hapkido book describes and depicts self-defense techniques against a variety of punches, holds, and kicks. Hapkido has been utilized by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, but until now little has been written on it. This hapkido guide is one of the few in English to present the essential techniques of this fascinating Korean martial art. Chapters include:The History and Development of Korean Martial ArtsThe Evolution of HapkidoDanjon: The Center of KiHapkido FundamentalsHapkido Self-Defense Techniques

This is a book about the structure, history and evolution of the Japanese language.The Japanese Language is a classic study of one of the world's most widely used but least understood languages. Emphasizing the richness and complexity of Japanese as well as its limitations, this fine book provides a lively discussion about the uniqueness of the Japanese language. The relationship of Japanese to other languages is not well understood even by native speakers, and Professor Kindaichi sets out to define it. He concludes that Japanese is indeed only remotely related to other world languages although it shares many features in common with the languages of mainland Asia. Japanese shares with those languages a rich and detailed vocabulary for natural phenomena and an unusually complex and accurate way of expressing social relationships. Moreover, its capability to absorb innovations from abroad easily matches or exceeds that of English or German. The author, after briefly discussing the unique isolation of the Japanese language, moves on to consider the varieties of ordinary speech—dialects, jargon, sex—and role-based distinctions, and the difference between informal, formal, and literary language. He then examines the structure of Japanese pronunciations, its rhythm, and accent. The longest section of the book is devoted to the variety of the vocabulary, what can and cannot be said in Japanese. Readers who are just beginning their own study of Japanese will find this section especially fascinating, for each point is backed by examples from literature and everyday speech. Kindaichi also investigates the so-called vagueness of Japanese and traces it to its source-the unusual sentence order. This book includes:The highly debated origins of the Japanese language.Dialects, jargon, sex and role-based distinctions.Differences between informal, formal, and literary language.Structure, rhythm, and accent of pronunciation.What can and cannot be said in Japanese.

Soul of the Samurai contains modern translations of three classic works of Zen & Bushido.In Soul of the Samurai, bestselling author and respected translator Thomas Cleary reveals the true essence of the Bushido code or Zen warrior teachings according to 17th-century Japanese samurai master Yagyu Munenori and his Zen teacher Takuan Soho.The three works of Zen & Bushido translated in Soul of the Samurai are:The Book of the Sword by Yagyu Munenori The Inscrutable Subtlety of Immovable Wisdom by Takuan Soho The Peerless Sword by Takuan SohoYagyu was a renowned swordsman and chief of the Shogun's secret police, while Takuan was the Zen spiritual mentor to the Emperor. This samurai philosophy book contains the first English translations of their seminal writings on Bushido. Cleary not only provides clear and readable translations but comprehensive notes introducing the social, political, and organizational principles that defined samurai culture—their loyalty to family, their sense of service and duty, and their political strategies for dealing with allies and enemies.These writings introduce the reader to the authentic world of Zen culture and the secrets behind the samurai's success—being "in the moment" and freeing the mind from all distractions, allowing you to react instantaneously and instinctively without thinking. In these classic works, we learn that Zen mental control and meditational training were as crucial to the Samurai as swordsmanship and fighting skills.

Early Japanese Railways 1853-1914 is a cultural and engineering history of railway building in Japan during the Meiji era.The importance of early railways in the industrialization of the United States and Europe is a fact all of us are familiar with. To witness the amazing parallel development of the railways in Japan, happening at much the same time as America was connecting its vast hinterland to the East and West coasts, is an eye-opening realization. Early Japanese Railways, tells the fascinating story of the rise of Japanese rail amidst a period of rapid modernization during Japan's Meiji era. Leaving behind centuries of stagnation and isolation, Japan would emerge into the 20th century as a leading modern industrialized state. The development of the railways was a significant factor in the cultural and technological development of Japan during this pivotal period. Free's rare photographic and historical materials concerning Japan's early railways, including a print showing the miniature steam engine brought to Japan by Admiral Perry aboard his "Black Ships" to demonstrate American superiority, combine to form a richly detailed account that will appeal to students of Japanese history and railway buffs alike. This one-of-a-kind book, Early Japanese Railways 1853-1914, illuminates for non-Japanese-speaking readers the early history of Japanese railroads and in the process the fascinating story of Japan's prewar industrial modernization. Anyone interested in train history or model trains will find this book a fascinating read.

Knit adorable mini amigurumi animals with this fun Japanese knitting book.While the demand for Japanese amigurumi or "crocheted stuffed toys" just keeps getting bigger, these incredibly cute Japanese crocheted critters have just gotten smaller! Voodoo Maggie (AKA Erin Clark) has taken her yarn craft to the micro-level and stitched together a new menagerie of mini amigurmi that are so darn cute—and tiny—that you might not want to part with any of them. Maggie's amigurumi crochet patterns are so easy to follow that you'll be able to make enough to satisfy an obvious demand from your friends and family. Erin even provides instructions on how to display these tiny Japanese crochet creatures in their own crochet-decorated terrarium. Itty Bitty Crocheted Critters features step-by-step instructions on how to make twenty of Voodoo Maggie's most popular mini amigurmi miniatures. Amigurumi animals include:Red PandaTusked NarwhalOtter Pinkerton FlamingoCamellia ChameleonThese irresistible little guys are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face. Get ready to "Awwwww!"

Explore one of Japan's most beautiful traditions while entertaining your family and friends!Tea Ceremony: Explore the unique Japanese tradition of sharing tea is an exciting and fun way to introduce Asian culture to kids. Readers will learn all the steps for performing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. With this book kids will be able to:Perform the traditional Japanese tea ceremony at home through easy-to-follow instructionsExplore all the elements of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, including the tea utensils such as the scoop, whisk, bowl, andFukasa (silk cloth used for cleaning utensils)Know the proper technique for whipping tea and the different kinds of tea usedThe Asian Arts & Crafts for Creative Kids series is the first series, aimed at readers ages 7-12, that provides a fun and educational introduction to Asian culture and art. Through hands-on projects, readers will explore each art—engaging in activities to gain a better understanding of each form.

This instructional Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu book & DVD combo offers a complete guide to ground fighting principles and techniques to use when the fight goes to the ground.In a street defense scenario, the ground is a dangerous place to be. While it's a good idea to learn defensive strategies for ground fighting, it is important to put those skills into the context of how you want to use them. Whether you're an experienced submission-grappling competitor, a traditional martial artist training in a stand-up striking style, or law enforcement professional, Ground Defense provides you with an essential system of self-protection for street-oriented ground scenarios. Jiu-Jitsu Strategies and Tactics for Self-Defense: When the Fight Goes to the Ground establishes the risks and hazards of various ground defense scenarios, presenting effective strategies for neutralizing and minimizing them. You will learn a wide range of tools for defense, including the targeting of vital areas, body shifting/control techniques, and the concept of "weapons of opportunity." All of these techniques are easy to learn and apply, providing an adaptable skill set for anyone, regardless of size, strength or gender. These tools are then shown in various combinations, with examples of how to use them against specific types of attacks, including simple hold-downs, ground and pound, submission grappling pins, chokes, arm locks, leg locks, knife attacks and multiple assailant scenarios. In addition, this martial arts book gives you useful training suggestions and regimens, addressing graduated skill development, challenges presented by different body types, and safety practices at all levels of training.All media content is alternatively accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.

Beginning Japanese is a complete Japanese textbook and language learning package for beginning learners — who want to become fluent in Japanese and have fun while doing it!Start speaking, reading and writing Japanese today with the most exciting new introduction to the Japanese language! Beginning Japanese is a Japanese self-study book with companion audio recordings, a series website, and a manga-style story that follows Kiara—an American exchange student who lives in Japan and wants to learn Japanese. With the help of her Japanese friends and the time-traveling "tomo tanuki" raccoon dog, Kiara learns to speak, read, and write Japanese kanji and kana while she visits famous people and places in Japanese history. Written by experienced high-school Japanese teachers, this Japanese language book will show you correct pronunciations; how to read and write hiragana, katakana, and 151 basic kanji; and understand conversational Japanese, all through an exciting storyline and multimedia materials available for free online. Key features of this program:An engaging manga-style illustrated story—including a time-travel adventure which unfolds as learners advance, adding motivation to learn JapaneseAuthentic written, visual, and oral materials embedded seamlessly throughoutKanji is taught beginning with Chapter 1—and together with current vocabulary rather than separatelyTechnology is used extensively for practical tasksA dedicated website provides additional content and updatesContent is aligned with the ACTFL National StandardsThe companion media includes:Native Japanese language speakersPronunciation guidesAccompanying dialoguesNew word listsFun songsListening activities and testsExtensive printable exercisesAlso, the Beginning Japanese Website offers:Online games and activitiesAdditional information and updatesDownloadable Hiragana Practice Book, Katakana Practice Book, Kana Practice SheetsDownloadable kanji and kana flashcardsBeginning Japanese is the first volume in a 2-level series. Deepen your learning with the Beginning Japanese Workbook, a volume of drills and exercises that reinforce the lessons in the textbook. If you already speak basic Japanese, continue your learning with the second level, Intermediate Japanese. Whether you're learning Japanese for fun, preparing for a Japanese proficiency exam, or want to achieve AP- or IB-level competency, Beginning Japanese is your key to becoming a confident Japanese-speaker.All media content is accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.