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  • Sake Confidential | Catalog | Stone Bridge Press

    SBP 2023-2024 Catalog Sake Confidential A Beyond-the-Basics Guide to Understanding, Tasting, Selection, and Enjoyment Author John Gauntner An American sake expert takes you to a whole new level of insider knowledge and expertise. With today's sake drinkers increasingly informed and adventurous, now is the time for a truly expert guide to take you deeper into appreciation of this complex but delightful Japanese beverage, brewed from rice and enjoyed both warm or chilled. And what better mentor than John Gauntner, the "Sake Guy" and the world's leading non-Japanese sake educator and evangelist? Here in over two dozen no-holds-barred essays, John reveals "the truth about sake" from a connected insider's perspective. No other book or website presents such a knowledgeable, practical, and concise yet complete guide to sake idiosyncrasies, misperceptions, and controversies. Sake Confidential is the perfect FAQ for beginners, experts, and sommeliers. Indexed for easy reference with suggested brands and label photos. Preview Goodreads Details PUBLISH DATE 6/10/14 PISBN PRICE 9781611720143 $11.95 GENRE Nonfiction EISBN PRICE 9781611725513 $9.95 DIMENSIONS 4.5 x 9" HARDCOVER ISBN PRICE NA NA # OF PAGES 184 AUDIOBOOK ISBN PRICE NA NA Praise "A superb, easy-to-swallow overview of this fascinating, complex and subtle beverage, offered with pith and clarity." —The New York Times "This book is not just for sake lovers; it’s a must read for anyone interested in Japanese culture." —The Japan Times "Sake Confidential is essential reading for anyone curious or passionate about Japan’s national spirit." —Metropolis Magazine “This is an informative and fascinating Sake book which I highly recommend. It fills a needed niche for a Sake book that goes beyond the basics, but still is approachable by even the casual reader or newbie to Sake. Even those knowledgeable to Sake are likely to learn at least a few things from this book.” —Food and wine columnist Richard Auffrey, The Passionate Foodie blog "Written in a style that Gauntner's readers have come to know and enjoy: conversational, straightforward, earnest, unpretentious, and passionate." —The Sake Press "With limited resources available in either Japanese or English, I decided to seek out a higher source, and wasn’t surprised when saké insiders both in Japan and abroad recommended John Gauntner." —Anna Lee Iijima, Wine Enthusiast Magazine "John Gauntner is a once-in-a-lifetime tour guide and professor wrapped up in an enjoyable and personable package." —Beau Timken, Owner/operator of True Sake, the first sake-only retailer in the United States "John keeps the material interesting for both total sake neophytes as well as those who have a more advanced understanding of sake. . . . he is able to make even the most mundane facts interesting." —Blake Spahn, CEO, Ty Ku Video Book Photos Retail Outlets Books sold at E-Books sold at Audiobooks sold at About the Author(s) John Gauntner Author of Sake's Hidden Storie and The Sake Notebook , both self-published ebooks, and coauthor of Sake Pure and Simple . Learn More

  • MONKEY Imprint Books | Stone Bridge Press

    MONKEY Imprint Books Dragon Palace Hiromi Kawakami Stories from a Japanese master of transformative fiction, where reality, myth, and human foibles meet shifting dimensions of gender, biology, and destiny. Read More Takaoka's Travels Tatsuhiko Shibusawa Introducing Tatsuhiko Shibusawa—Japan’s Italo Calvino—in this fantastical tale of a Japanese prince who encounters both beauty and danger on a pilgrimage to India. Read More The Thorn Puller Hiromi Ito Introducing Hiromi Ito, an award-winning Japanese author who has been compared to Haruki Murakami and Yoko Tawada. Read More Load More Titles Collections JAPAN JAPAN LANGUAGE LANGUAGE CHINA CHINA LITERATURE LITERATURE TRAVEL TRAVEL CULTURE FOOD & DESIGN CULTURE FOOD & DESIGN FILM ANIME & MANGA FILM ANIME & MANGA PHILOSOPHY & RELGION PHILOSOPHY& RELIGION

  • Books About Japan | Stone Bridge Press

    Japan A Bridge of Words Hiroaki Sato Prolific, award-winning translator of classical and modern Japanese poetry Hiroaki Sato recorded his thoughts on American society in mainly two columns across 30-plus years, collected here for the first time. Read More A Glossary of Zen Terms Hisao Inagaki Of special interest to scholars and students of Zen classics, a glossary of specialized vocabulary to aid understanding and practice. Read More A Tractate on Japanese Aesthetics Donald Richie Sure to be a classic, Donald Richie's concise, profound insights into the mysteries of Japanese Aesthetics. Read More Basho's Haiku Journeys Freeman Ng & Cassandra Rockwood Ghanem Haiku tell the story of the poet Basho and the diaries he wrote while walking throughout Japan in the 1600s. Read More Discovering Yamaguchi Sake Jim Rion A new and remarkable look at the sake produced in Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture Read More Easy and Fun Katakana Kiyomi Ogawa & Orrin Cummins Learn the second key Japanese syllabary from every angle: reading, writing, and real-world examples. Read More A Critical Handbook of Japanese Film Directors Alexander Jacoby A comprehensive volume on major directors in the history of Japanese film. Read More A Lateral View Donald Richie A revealing look at contemporary Japanese culture. Read More Amorous Woman Donna George Storey An American woman's sexual awakening in Japan, testing the limits of love and sensual pleasure. Read More Basho's Narrow Road Matsuo Basho A stimulating exploration of the haiku masterpiece. Read More Dragon Palace Hiromi Kawakami Stories from a Japanese master of transformative fiction, where reality, myth, and human foibles meet shifting dimensions of gender, biology, and destiny. Read More Eating Wild Japan Winifred Bird A delicious collection of essays, recipes, and practical plant information exploring Japan's thriving culture of foraged foods. Read More A Dictionary of Japanese Buddhist Terms Hisao Inagaki A vital resource for students of Buddhism and Japanese Culture, revised and expanded. Read More A Shameful Life Osamu Dazai A new, definitive translation of the postwar classic know to the west as No Longer Human—a tortured vision inspiring the likes of Junji Ito and Bungo Stray Dogs Read More Amy’s Guide to Best Behavior in Japan Amy Chavez Going to Japan? This unfussy modern guide guarantees you keep it polite and get it right! Read More Being Japanese American Gil Asakawa A celebration of JA culture: facts, recipes, songs, words, and memories that every JA will want to share. Read More Dreamland Japan Frederik L. Schodt The classic text by renowned manga expert in a beautiful new casebound edition, with a new foreword and afterword by the author. Read More Epochs of Chinese and Japanese Art Ernest F. Fenollosa Two volumes of the essential and definitive survey of Chinese and Japanese art in one book. Read More A Diplomat in Japan Sir Ernest Satow The classic historical account of Japan’s first encounters with the West. Read More A Straight Road with 99 Curves Gregory Shepherd & Ruben LF Habito From fascination to disillusionment and back, a memoir of one man's quest for Zen and spirituality in America and Japan. Read More Anime Explosion! Patrick Drazen A fascinating guide to themes and films in the expanding Japanese megaverse. Read More Crazy for Kanji Eve Kushner A passionate and playful guide to kanji that examines characters from every angle for an in-depth understanding. Read More Easy and Fun Hiragana Kiyomi Ogawa & Orrin Cummins Learn the basic Japanese syllabary from every angle: reading, writing, and real-world examples. Read More Evening Clouds Junzo Shono A masterpiece of quiet lyricism set against a backdrop of change and renewal in suburban Tokyo. Read More Load More Titles Collections JAPAN JAPAN LANGUAGE LANGUAGE CHINA CHINA LITERATURE LITERATURE TRAVEL TRAVEL CULTURE FOOD & DESIGN CULTURE FOOD & DESIGN FILM ANIME & MANGA FILM ANIME & MANGA PHILOSOPHY & RELGION PHILOSOPHY& RELIGION

  • Winifred Bird

    Stone Bridge Press Authors Winifred Bird Winifred Bird is a writer, translator, lifelong cook, and lover of plants both wild and domesticated. For almost a decade she lived in rural Japan, where she worked as an environmental journalist, grew organic rice and vegetables, and ate as many foraged foods as possible. She lives with her family on an island in Lake Michigan, where she is a contributor to the local newspaper. Titles by Author Eating Wild Japan Winifred Bird A delicious collection of essays, recipes, and practical plant information exploring Japan's thriving culture of foraged foods. Read More

  • Henry (Yoshitaka) Kiyama

    Stone Bridge Press Authors Henry (Yoshitaka) Kiyama From translator Frederik L. Schodt's website: Henry Yoshitaka Kiyama was born on January 9, 1885, in Neu, a little village in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan. In 1904, at the age of nineteen, he sailed to San Francisco, where there was a growing community of Japanese immigrants, many of whom were shosei , or young student-workers. Kiyama was a talented artist, and while working at a variety of jobs he attended the San Francisco Art Institute. He excelled at life-drawing and painting, and between 1915 and 1920 won several awards and mentions. He also won a scholarship from the New York Art Students League and exhibited his work several times in San Francisco. An April 20, 1920, article in the San Francisco Bulletin reported on an exhibit at the Palace of Fine Arts, and described Kiyama's work as follows: "[His no. 115], Old Wagon Shed, is a solidly modeled, well balanced and vigorously colored design, and his 114, Old House at North Beach, in room 15, in soft green and gray, is quietly effective." Many of Kiyama's works survive today and are occasionally exhibited in the Yonago City Art Museum in Tottori Prefecture. He has a considerable reputation in the area of his birth, not as a cartoonist, but as an example of an early local artist who mastered Western art techniques. Kiyama lived in San Francisco off and on until 1937, eventually opening his own art studio at 1901 Sutter Street, in nihonmachi, or "Japantown." It was a period of intense discrimination and agitation against Asian, and particularly Japanese, immigrants. In 1937, Kiyama returned temporarily to his homeland. While he was there, war broke out between the United States andJapan. Unable to return to San Francisco, Kiyama taught art at a local high school in Neu, and continued painting. Henry Kiyama died on April 24, 1951, at the age of sixty-six. Cartooning was but a small part of his life, but the comic book he created in San Francisco may ultimately ensure his lasting fame. Between February 13 and 15, 1927, Henry Yoshitaka Kiyama held an exhibit of his work at the Kinmon Gakuen [Golden Gate Institute] in San Francisco. In addition to his drawings and paintings, he displayed what was titled Manga Hokubei Iminshi , or "A Manga North American Immigrant History." A cartoon work consisting of 52 episodes, it depicted the lives of Kiyama and three friends in San Francisco between 1904 and around 1924. Drawing in the style of newspaper comic strips then popular in America, Kiyama hoped to have his work serialized in a local news-paper. He was unable to do so. At 104 pages his work was too long, and probably too documentary in nature. Rather than a newspaper comic strip, Kiyama had really created the material for a "comic book." In 1931, while visiting in Japan, Kiyama finally had his work printed. He brought it back with him to San Francisco, where he self-published it under the title of Manga Yonin Shosei, or "The Four Students Manga. " It came with forewords and accolades by prominent local people, including the consul general of Japan. It is one of the first modern-format comic books ever published in the United States, especially with all-new material and a documentary, autobiographical theme. Around 1980, Frederik L. Schodt came across a copy of Kiyama's work in a library in Berkeley, California. In 1997 he began translating it, and in October 1998 it was published by Stone Bridge Press (Berkeley, California), retitled The Four Immigrants Manga: A Japanese Experience in San Francisco,1904-1924. Kiyama's comic was handwritten in Meiji-period Japanese, but whenever other ethnic groups appear in the story they speak in their native language. Thus the European Americans speak English (somewhat fractured in Kiyama's rendition) and the Chinese denizens of San Francisco who occasionally appear speak Cantonese. In the Stone Bridge Press English edition, every effort has been made to preserve the flavor of Kiyama's unique multilingual style, and to remain faithful to his story. Kiyama's hand-lettered English text is left as-is, and for contrast his Japanese text has been rendered into typeset lowercase English using a turn-of-the-century font. Where Japanese puns are untranslatable, English equivalents have been substituted. In some places Kiyama's panels have been "flipped" to preserve the flow of English left-to-right logic. The Stone Bridge Press English edition of Kiyama's work comes with an introduction and extensive historical notes. The book was a finalist for the USA Pen/West translation award. http://www.jai2.com/HK.htm Titles by Author The Four Immigrants Manga Henry (Yoshitaka) Kiyama The first English translation of the groundbreaking 1931 graphic novel! Read More

  • Kansuke Naka

    Stone Bridge Press Authors Kansuke Naka From his wikipedia page: Kansuke Naka (中 勘助) Naka Kansuke 22 May 1885 – 3 May 1965) was a Japanese novelist and essayist. Naka was born in Tokyo. He lived in Hiratsuka from 1926 to 1932, and he was evacuated to Shizuoka Prefecture during World War II, but otherwise he spent most of his life in Tokyo. He married Kazuko Shimada in 1942. Naka was one of the students taught by Natsume Sōsek at the University of Tokyo before Sōseki gave up teaching to write for the newspaper Asahi Shimbun . It was Sōseki who arranged the serial publication in that paper of Naka's first novel, a nostalgic depiction of his childhood and teens to which he gave the title Gin no saji ("The Silver Spoon ", 1911–13, tr. 1976 by Etsuko Terasaki). The novel is popular in Japan and is an account of life in Tokyo at the beginning of the 20th century during the Meiji era, replete with historical details as well as a contemporary sense of isolation; it follows Naka's psychological journey from childhood to adulthood. Naka also wrote Inu ("The Dog", 1922) and Rōkan (a collection of poems, 1935). Naka was praised by Tetsurō Watsuji, a leading critic, and also by Zhou Zuoren, for his rare willingness to criticize Japanese nationalists. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansuke_Naka Titles by Author The Silver Spoon Kansuke Naka & Hiroaki Sato The Silver Spoon is a sharp detailing of life at the end of the Meiji period (1912) through the eyes of a boy as he grows into adolescence. Read More

  • The Understanding China Through Comics Series | Catalog | Stone Bridge Press

    SBP 2023-2024 Catalog The Understanding China Through Comics Series Volume 1 - 5 Author Jing Liu Who founded China? Who are the Chinese people? What is Chinese culture and how has it changed over time? Author and artist Jing Liu uses strong ink art and a storyteller’s feel for pace and plot to depict storylines ranging from the political and economic to the cultural and personal. The result is a series of books that don’t simply recount China’s history but also leave readers with a nuanced understanding of the forces that shaped and continue to shape a great nation. Five volumes cover all the great dynasties, upheavals, population movements, and political alliances and rivalries from ancient times up to the modern age. Each volume includes a handy timeline. Volume 1: Foundations of Chinese Civilization Volume 2: Division to Unification in Imperial China Volume 3: Barbarians and the Birth of Chinese Identity Volume 4: The Making of Modern China Volume 5: The Way Forward Preview Goodreads Details PUBLISH DATE NA PISBN PRICE (vol. 1 978161172-0273) (vol. 2 -0303) (vol. 3 -0341) (vol. 4 -0396) (vol. 5 -0709) $14.95 GENRE Nonfiction EISBN PRICE NA $9.95 DIMENSIONS 6 x 8" HARDCOVER ISBN PRICE NA NA # OF PAGES 144 AUDIOBOOK ISBN PRICE NA NA Praise "A great way to learn about China's vast history!" —Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club "Excels at clarifying the often-confusing transitional periods between dynasties… An excellent introduction to the large trends of early Chinese history." —School Library Journal "Chinese language is being taught in all but one state... A comic format teaching China's history is the perfect companion." —US-China Review "Combines breezy style with historical rigor to strike just the right gong-tone for a middle school audience approaching the vast scope of Chinese history." — Education About Asia 5/5 Stars "An invaluable source... Chinese history is a vast subject, but Jing Liu has a skillful ability to condense it all into an interesting and manageable narrative." —Kids' Book Buzz "The combination of silhouettes—often threatening, martial ones—with open-faced, expressively individualized figures of many social classes adds dramatic tension while neatly balancing the big-picture narrative. There's a lot to absorb even in this abbreviated form, but the visual approach lightens the load considerably." — Kirkus Reviews "The lucid, economical text makes one eager for successive volumes." — Booklist "Simple and effective…This direct, appealing introduction to the foundations of one of the world’s oldest civilizations is recommended for teens and adults." — Library Journal "Given China's superpower ambitions, it goes without saying that our politicians must pick up a copy." —HuffPost "A clear and concise survey of Chinese history and culture that is sure to please." —The Comics Grinder 4.5/5 Stars "A very nice way to establish a foundation to understanding China’s history and a possible gateway to more intense study and comprehension of a very complex subject." — Portland Book Review "The book does what it says it does: a child will come away with a basic understanding of early Chinese history, what makes the Chinese tick as a people and culture." —Asian Review of Books "It is certainly a fascinating look at Chinese history, and doing it in comics has certainly made it more accessible to people, especially for the Western world." —Radio Australia Teacher and Professor Testimonials "This book is “The Magic School Bus” for those starting to explore Chinese culture." —Dan Cao, Instructor at Confucius Institute at UC Davis "An excellent history that clearly explains the great (and ordinary) people who have made China what it is and the conflicts and debates that have shaped Chinese history. There is nothing else like it in English or Chinese." —Alan Baumler, Professor of History at Indiana University of Pennsylvania "No more burying yourself in text-heavy history books to learn about China, this comic-style book manages to be rich in information and bring Chinese history to readers in a more clear, fun, and accessible way than it’s ever been done before. Easily integrated into a social studies or Chinese culture curriculum, I can’t wait to get a copy for my class." —Grace Zeng, Chinese Teacher and Middle School Chinese Curriculum Area Leader at International School of Beijing "Jing Liu has brought to life the long and complex early period of Chinese history in this wonderful graphic novel. Foundations of Chinese Civilization is a delight to read; humorous, informative, and truly captivating." —Alexandra Pearson, Founder of The Bookworm Literary Festival "Since the 1990s, Jing Liu has been entertaining and informing foreigners about China with his cartoons. His new series of comic books is a fun, easy, accessible way to gain a basic understanding of Chinese history and culture." —Jeremy Goldkorn, Founder of Danwei "This comic series is fantastic to use in the classroom. My students are drawn to this book - not only do they enjoy this graphic-novel style, it also helps them understand difficult historical concepts. What a fun supplement to the regular textbook!" —Leslie Burgoine, Middle School History Teacher, Portland, Oregon "I was really impressed with how the author explained, taught, explored and visually told the story of China. Impressive and very informative. It was not only a page turner for me, but my students would run into class to get their hands on a copy to keep reading!" —Sasha Johnson, World History Teacher at Black Pine Circle School, Berkeley, CA Video Book Photos Retail Outlets Books sold at E-Books sold at Audiobooks sold at About the Author(s) Jing Liu An artist and entrepreneur from Beijing, China, currently uses his artistry to tell the story of China. Learn More

  • The Flower Shop | Catalog | Stone Bridge Press

    SBP 2023-2024 Catalog The Flower Shop Charm, Grace, Beauty & Tenderness in a Commercial Context Author Leonard Koren The author of Wabi Sabi explores the intersection of beauty and design at an extraordinary flower shop in Vienna. If beauty is defined as a quality encompassing both extraordinary sensoriality and exemplary human behavior, then possibly the most beautiful flower shop in the world is located in Vienna's low-key but hip 4th District. Blumenkraft (literally, "Flower Power") is a place of inspiration, refuge, and virtue that will inform and enlighten anyone involved in design and modern commerce. Mixing analysis, anecdote, and observation, Leonard Koren once again reveals the key principles of practical wisdom at work in the world. His concise and lucid text is illustrated by his own photographs. Preview Goodreads Details PUBLISH DATE 9/1/05 PISBN PRICE 9781933330006 $19.95 GENRE Essays EISBN PRICE NA NA DIMENSIONS 6 x 8.4" HARDCOVER ISBN PRICE NA NA # OF PAGES 112 AUDIOBOOK ISBN PRICE NA NA Praise Video Book Photos Retail Outlets Books sold at E-Books sold at Audiobooks sold at About the Author(s) Leonard Koren Trained as an artist and architect, writes books about design and aesthetics. Among his most popular books are Wabi-Sabi and Arranging Things . He lives in San Francisco. Learn More

  • Naikan | Catalog | Stone Bridge Press

    SBP 2023-2024 Catalog Naikan Gratitude, Grace, and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection (Out of Print) Author Gregg Krech THIS TITLE IS OUT OF PRINT A unique blend of the spiritual and psychological to help you examine your life, renew your relationships, and reshape your future. Drawing on Eastern tradition, Naikan ("nye-kahn") is a structured method for intensely meditating on our lives, our interconnections, our missteps. Through Naikan we develop a natural and profound sense of gratitude for blessings bestowed on us by others, blessings that were always there but went unnoticed. This collection of introductory essays, parables, and inspirations explains what Naikan is and how it can be applied to life and celebrations throughout the year. Preview Goodreads Details PUBLISH DATE 11/1/01 PISBN PRICE 9781880656631 $14.95 GENRE Religion and Spirituality EISBN PRICE 9780893469924 $9.95 DIMENSIONS 6 x 7" HARDCOVER ISBN PRICE NA NA # OF PAGES 220 AUDIOBOOK ISBN PRICE NA NA Praise Video Book Photos Retail Outlets Books sold at E-Books sold at Audiobooks sold at About the Author(s) Gregg Krech Gregg Krech is the author of five books on Japanese Psychology, including The Art of Taking Action (2015), which has been an Amazon bestseller for five years. His books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Romanian. Learn More

  • Motoko Tamamuro

    Stone Bridge Press Authors Motoko Tamamuro Motoko Tamamuro is an art historian and contributor to Manga Max . Titles by Author The Dorama Encyclopedia Jonathan Clements An encyclopedic survey with a sense of humor. Read More

  • The Heart Sutra in Calligraphy | Catalog | Stone Bridge Press

    SBP 2023-2024 Catalog The Heart Sutra in Calligraphy A Visual Appreciation of The Perfection of Wisdom Author Nadja Van Ghelue THIS TITLE IS OUT OF PRINT With an embossed cover and full page, two-color calligraphic art throughout, The Heart Sutra in Calligraphy is a beautiful gift and a unique resource for study and reflection. Presenting the world's most popular sutra in ancient Chinese seal script, it includes a new English translation, a transliteration of the original Zen chant, and an introduction that discusses the history, meaning, and spiritual significance of the Heart Sutra and Asian calligraphy. Buddhists and artists alike will delight in this inspired and meditative treatment of a treasured wisdom source. Preview Goodreads Details PUBLISH DATE 10/1/08 PISBN PRICE 9781933330792 $19.95 GENRE Nonfiction EISBN PRICE NA NA DIMENSIONS 7 x 11" HARDCOVER ISBN PRICE NA NA # OF PAGES 120 AUDIOBOOK ISBN PRICE NA NA Praise Video Book Photos Retail Outlets Books sold at E-Books sold at Audiobooks sold at About the Author(s) Nadja Van Ghelue Studied traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean calligraphy. Learn More

  • Rebecca Copeland

    Stone Bridge Press Authors Rebecca Copeland Rebecca Copeland is a professor of Japanese literature at Washington University in St. Louis, a writer of fiction and literary criticism, and a translator of Japanese literature. Her stories travel between Japan and the American South and touch on questions of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. The Kimono Tattoo , her debut work, takes readers on a journey into Kyoto’s intricate world of kimono design, and into a mystery that interweaves family dynamics, loss, and reconciliation. https://www.rebecca-copeland.com/ Titles by Author Yamamba Rebecca Copeland and Linda C. Ehrlich Women, Magic, Wisdom: Explore a Japanese myth through the words and images of key scholars and artists. Read More

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