Tuttle Publishing

What happens when origami paper models magically spring to lif? his exciting graphic novel tells the story of Aya Wada, a teenage girl who visits her relatives in Japan and unknowingly adopts a powerful feline Kami spirit named Neko, who follows her home to America. Each chapter tells an amusing story about how Neko brings Aya's folded origami paper models to life—literally!Follow along as Aya and Neko create magic, memories and a little mayhem wherever they go:Neko reveals her existence on the return trip from Japan, helping Aya conjure up her first enchanted origamiAya folds a paper cockroach that scuttles across the floor of the school cafeteria, creating utter chaos!A paper dove pulled from a magician's hat during a talent show becomes an attacking bird demon!An origami fortune-teller model projects weird and wonderful images on Aya's bedroom ceilingNeko produces an animated paper puppet to illustrate how the spirit world can intersect with origamiAya and Neko team up to use their magical-origami talents to comfort a distraught preschooler at the playgroundEach chapter includes instructions for a simple origami model that readers can fold using the illustrated tear-out folding papers that are included at the back of the book.

"Meet Japan's original decluttering guru (no, not that one)! Before Marie Kondo stormed into the global consciousness, Hideko Yamashita taught Japan the art of creating tidier spaces." —The New York TimesJapan's original decluttering guru, Hideko Yamashita, first developed her decluttering method known as Danshari over two decades ago. Danshari is much more than just "a way to tidy up." Yes, you'll feel refreshed once your surroundings are in order—but that's just the beginning!At its heart, Danshari is about release. It's about removing what no longer serves you emotionally as well as physically. Discarding clutter frees you from outdated beliefs and emotional burdens that are holding you back. The word Danshari literally means "reduce, release and relieve"—or, in other words, lightness, clarity and freedom. This isn't just about throwing out old stuff. It's about creating space in your life for clarity, peace and joy with other people. Whether it's stressing about money, difficult relationships, family expectations or the fear of aging—Danshari offers you a way forward!Ms. Yamashita's real-life stories illustrate the life-changing power of Danshari, for example:Kaede went through a traumatic divorce, but was only able to tell her family about it after she had thrown away the old furniture left behind by her ex. Yoko spent three months getting rid of accumulated junk, literally creating a space in her home for a future husband—whom she met soon after her house was ready!Sachi spent 20 years accepting gifts of dinnerware from her mother-in-law until her cupboardswere overflowing. When she finally managed to throw these items away, her resentful feelings toward her mother-in-law also vanished. And many more true stories of Danshari's power to transform!In a recent New York Times interview, Ms. Yamashita explains how her philosophy differs from that of other decluttering experts, such as Marie Kondo. She says the Danshari method encourages people to think about why they are attached to certain items and to examine the impact old belongings and obsessions can have on their emotional state. "For me, Danshari is not about tidying up, organizing or tossing away things that don't spark joy […] It is about returning to a state in which parting with things feels natural."This is far more than a guide to cleaning up your house. It's a roadmap to a whole new life!

An engaging history covering a century of conflict on the Korean PeninsulaKorea at War recounts how two separate nations emerged on the Korean peninsula as the result of devastating conflicts involving provocative personalities and superpower intrigues. The topics covered in this fascinating book include:The brutal years of Japanese colonial rule which began with Japan's annexation of Korea and ended with its defeat in World War II—and which still dominate Japanese-Korean relations todayThe division of the country into a totalitarian North and a prosperous, democratic SouthNorth Korea's invasion of the South, motivated by Stalin, which led to the bloody Korean War—a conflict that is still not settled to this dayThe irascible General Douglas MacArthur, who was relieved of his command by President Truman when he disobeyed a direct order and attempted to expand the war into ChinaThe rise of the Kim regime in North Korea and the continuing threat of nuclear war todayHistorian Michael J. Seth explores these and other themes including the complete story of North Korea—a nation and a people who for three generations have lived under the world's most repressive regime. He also discusses how South Korea has made the incredible leap from one of the world's poorest nations to one its richest and most dynamic. Korea at War is the story of two nations with a shared past that could hardly be more different today. With over 50 color photographs and maps, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand contemporary Asian politics and current affairs.

Explore Japanese culture with Penny, Paulie, and magical Shimesu!Twins Penny and Paulie are thrilled to be in Tokyo—even if they're stuck in a boring hotel while their dad attends "important" meetings. But when they meet a strange, frog-like creature named Shimesu in the hotel pond, their trip turns into a wild adventure. Shimesu is a yokai, a supernatural being, and he's in big trouble. Banished from Yokai Mountain, he needs their help to get home. Soon Penny and Paulie are diving through his magical water vortex to destinations across Japan and experiencing the country in ways no visitor ever could!Blending an exciting adventure with fun facts about Japanese culture, this book explores:How ancient Japanese castles kept enemies out—and what samurai wore into battleThe etiquette of visiting a Shinto shrine and the meaning behind its objectsThe trendy pop culture of Tokyo's Harajuku and Akihabara districtsThe many kinds of noodles, street food, and seafood enjoyed in JapanAnd much more!Experienced comic book artist and children's educator Matthew Loux creates the perfect balance of humor, page-turning action and cultural detail. Kids, parents, teachers, and librarians alike will want this book on their shelves.

"A thoughtful, evidence-informed guide for anyone who wants to proactively navigate the healthcare maze and achieve better health and wellness." —Leana S. Wen, MD, MSc, Former Baltimore Health Commissioner and author of Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public HealthStop fighting your body and start fighting for it. Apply Sun Tzu's timeless strategic principles to build lasting health and resilience. In this innovative guide, public health expert Y. Tony Yang draws on the wisdom of The Art of War to create a practical framework for personal wellness. Translating Sun Tzu's five foundational factors into modern science-backed guidance, Yang offers an integrated approach to nutrition, exercise, self-care, work-life balance, and prevention. We all know the basics of healthy living, but sustainable well-being requires clarity, structure, and coordination. How can you reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, strengthen stress resilience, and optimize long-term vitality? This book helps you develop a personalized, evidence-based strategy supported by:Case studies outlining specific strength, stability, and cardiovascular training approachesClear charts summarizing key concepts and guiding self-assessmentPersonal risk evaluations and adaptable nutrition frameworksAs Sun Tzu observed, the five factors must be understood as an integrated whole. True health is not a fight against the body, but a disciplined alignment of habits, environment, and intention working together to support lifelong vitality. ******"From sleep and metabolism to social connection and environmental toxins, Y. Tony Yang turns cutting-edge science into practical tactics for everyday life." —Lynne Peeples, Harvard-trained biostatistician, and author of The Inner Clock"Prof. Yang is arguably best placed to spell out the ramifications of Sun's ideas as applied to health.…this is compelling reading for everyone, and compulsory reading for anyone fighting the war on epidemics." —Dr. Bernard Cheung, MD, PhD

Musashi's tale continues as he transforms himself from an inexperienced soldier with no direction into Japan's greatest swordsman!This is the second book of Musashi: The Novel, a sweeping three-book unabridged translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling masterpiece—Japan's most beloved historical novel. Masterfully translated for the first time in its entirety by Alexander Bennett, this vivid and fast-paced story reveals the exploits and inner life of a man who finds not only his true purpose but also his humanity. In Book Two Musashi continues his travels across Japan, earning a name for himself as a fearless swordsman. One by one, he dispatches the most skilled fighters in Japan with minimal effort, and it all seems too easy. But stung by their defeat at his hands, the Yoshioka fighters vow revenge, and their leader, Seijuro, seeks out Musashi for a duel to the death. Wrestling with his demons, Musashi is torn by his love for Otsu and his goal of becoming Japan's most famous warrior. He decides to take on a young student, but in doing so, is he losing his focus? Musashi holds his destiny in his hands, yet difficult choices will have to be made.

The epic story concludes as Musashi prepares to take on his greatest rival with his destiny in the balance!This is the third book of Musashi: The Novel, a sweeping three-book unabridged translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling masterpiece—Japan's most beloved historical novel. Masterfully translated for the first time in its entirety by Alexander Bennett, this vivid and fast-paced story reveals the exploits and inner life of a man who finds not only his true purpose but also his humanity. In this final book, Musashi is left to surmount one final obstacle—the great swordsman Sasaki Kojiro, who is legendary for his skill with the sword. As Musashi journeys to fight Kojiro, he encounters old friends and new enemies. Devoting himself to meditation and Zen study, he realizes that the pursuit of glory through violence is fruitless, and the only path to success can be found through introspection and discipline. To become truly happy, he must defeat not only his greatest rival but his self-doubt, tying up loose ends in the process. He meets with Otsu as he prepares to fight Sasaki, wielding only a wooden staff, with his destiny in the balance. This unforgettable conclusion cements Musashi's place as one of literature's most compelling heroes, brought to English readers at last in its full, unabridged glory.

A new and unabridged 3-book translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling novel about Miyamoto Musashi—the most famous swordfighter in Japanese history!This is the first book of Musashi: The Novel, a sweeping three-book unabridged translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling masterpiece—Japan's most beloved historical novel. Masterfully translated for the first time in its entirety by Alexander Bennett, this vivid and fast-paced story reveals the exploits and inner life of a man who finds not only his true purpose but also his humanity. Book One opens in the year 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, a scene of unimaginable carnage where Musashi lies wounded on the battlefield. After being imprisoned for three years, he wanders the countryside aimlessly as a vagabond, desperate to make a name for himself. He becomes a dueling Ronin—a swordfighter without a master. And while his destiny seems clear, to achieve it he must leave his old life behind.

Explore the rich history and culture behind Tokyo''s most interesting districts and iconic sites?on foot!This is the first comprehensive walking guide to Tokyo, presenting 29 easy-to-follow tours through the city''s most historic and lively precincts. Experience the true spirit and culture of Tokyo?the feudal capital of the Shogun in the era of samurais and geishas?as you wander historic back streets where remnants of the past survive in the shadow of shiny skyscrapers, a fascinating contrast of old and new! You will learn about the founding of Tokyo, the celebrated geisha quarters of the "floating world" and the city''s ancient samurai culture. Visit the sublime Imperial Palace Gardens and the glitzy shopping districts of Ginza and Shibuya. Then explore the traditional craft districts and temples of Asakusa?the beating heart of the old city. This book is a labor of love by John and Phyllis Martin, historians and museum curators who taught courses in Japanese history and culture. They highlight unique temples, museums, gardens and shrines for quiet meditation, as well as meccas for lovers of Japanese art and popular culture. Each step of the way, the Martins recount interesting stories from Tokyo''s past. Among the many exciting places you''ll visit are:Famous sites like the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and Tsukiji Fish MarketUnusual museums like the Sword Museum, Hokusai Museum and the Kite, Tobacco and Salt MuseumSpooky cemeteries where the famous 47 Ronin warriors are buried and the controversial Yasukuni Shrine to Japan''s war deadTrendy Harajuku, Omotesando and Akihabara where you can buy the latest fashions and geeky gearSerene Japanese gardens nestling amidst the sleek skyscrapers in Tokyo''s bustling business districtsSacred shrines like the Hill of Masakado''s Head, the Statue of Kiyomaro and the Yushima Tenjin Shrine Scenic daytrips to nearby Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Nikko and Kawagoe ("Little Edo") This book is packed with invaluable information and illustrated with over 100 color photos and 50 full-color maps. Each walk has a QR code that loads it automatically into Google Maps on your phone!

A pocket-sized guide to Vietnamese with updated phrases and a helpful pronunciation guide!Survival Vietnamese contains all the right phrases for any situation you will encounter when visiting Vietnam. Perfect for tourists, students and business people, it features simple phonetic pronunciations for Vietnamese words as well as a guide to the difficult tones of Vietnamese?to ensure you can make yourself understood!A special chapter on smartphone and tech terms helps you stay connected when you are there and to set-up the local ride hailing and digital payment apps so you can get around. It even has a handy pocket dictionary at the back!This phrasebook will help you:Make connections ? Clearly communicate in-person and digitally with Vietnamese speakersBe social ? Talk about your favorite social media accounts and learn about new viral trends on the Vietnamese webMake a good impression ? Understand and follow Vietnamese customs, traditions, and social etiquetteLook your best ? Take a seat in the barber''s chair for a cut and a shave, or get some new acrylics at the nail salonStay healthy ? Fill a prescription, describe an ailment to a doctor, and communicate during a medical emergencyAnd much more!

Indonesia, the world''s largest archipelago, is a true diver''s paradise!The tropical seas around Indonesia''s 17,000 islands span several ecological zones and host the greatest variety of marine life and biodiversity found anywhere on this planet. These warm, crystal-clear waters are home to stunning coral reefs, deep trenches and shipwrecks?not to mention majestic creatures ranging from seahorses to fish, whales, dolphins, sharks and manta rays.The Ultimate Guide to Diving in Indonesia is the first and only comprehensive guidebook dedicated entirely to Indonesia''s unique and exciting dive sites and facilities. Seasoned dive instructor and long-time Bali resident Sarah Ann Wormald presents descriptions and photos for each major dive site, including recommendations for the best operators and services to use. Maps of each area, marine life and conservation stories, and detailed travel tips from a local expert help to guide you in planning your visit.This updated and expanded third edition features many new photos, dive operators and dive sites that have surfaced over the past few years. Unique highlights include the burgeoning night-time blackwater diving scene, wall diving around Selayar Island and whale and dolphin watching off the coast of Alor.Wormald covers each major region in Indonesia in detail, among them:Bali ? "The Island of the Gods," famous for its marine life and the USS Liberty shipwreck off TulambenNorth Sulawesi ? Where active volcanoes tower over lush plateaus and gorgeous coral reefsNusa Tenggara ? The vast region from Lombok to Timor featuring everything from submerged seamounts, walls and drop-offs to freshwater caves, slopes and sandy muck diving baysMaluku ? An often overlooked but unique sites that host the perfect combination of reefs and crittersRaja Ampat and West Papua ? Quickly becoming the "mecca" for Indonesian diving, with beautiful landscapes, white sand beaches and shallow water corals which make it the postcard trip of a lifetimeWhether you are a first-timer or an experienced diver, this book has everything you need to plan and fully enjoy the magic of Indonesia''s tropical diving paradise.

"Natsume Soseki is the representative modern Japanese novelist, a figure of truly national stature." ?Haruki MurakamiA chance encounter irrevocably links a university student to an older man he simply calls Sensei ("Teacher"). Intrigued by Sensei''s aloofness, the student visits him with increasing frequency, and Sensei and his beautiful wife eventually open their home and lives to him. The student graduates and is called home to care for his dying father, but Sensei draws him back with a letter revealing a terrible secret that has shadowed him since youth.Written in 1914, toward the end of Soseki''s career, Kokoro provides a timeless psychological analysis of man''s alienation from society. It is recognized as one of his most important works and a milestone in the emergence of the psychological novel in Japan. Today it is widely read for its universal themes of friendship, betrayal and the struggle for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Learn the full back story behind the world''s greatest book on military strategy!The Art of War is one of the world''s great masterpieces?presenting timeless strategies that are as important in the boardroom as on the battlefield. Now, experience Sun Tzu''s classic as never before in this riveting graphic novel brimming with battles, betrayals and political intrigues.The book recounts the conflict between the kingdom of Wu as they plot to attack the far more powerful state of Chu, with both leaders navigating internal plots and power struggles that will forever alter the fate of China. The fascinating accounts in this book include:The story of Sun Tzu, who became a trusted advisor to the powerful Wu clan and then a master military strategist, capturing the attention of Wu Zixu, the clan''s most formidable generalThe creation of the military strategies in The Art of War, as Sun Tzu develops his revolutionary philosophy of asymmetrical warfareThe high-stakes Battle of Boju where Sun Tzu''s teachings take center stage, shaping a battle that will become legendary in the chronicles of military historyAnd many other fascinating stories!Sun Tzu''s Art of War brings to life not only the tactical brilliance of Sun Tzu''s teachings but also the human drama behind them?the ambition, sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of victory.

Concise and informative, The Art of Throwing is the ultimate introduction to the exciting world of throwing weapons. It provides thorough explanation and instruction on everything from grips and stances, targets and trajectories, and even how to construct weapons. The fundamentals of weapon throwing are easy to learn, but mastering aim?let alone mastering aim with a variety of weapons?involves time, effort and practice. Let The Art of Throwing ease your transition from novice to expert with its detailed, but easy to follow instructions from an author who has spent years mastering his technique. With a foreword by knife throwing legend Joe "Brokenfeather" Darrah, this edition includes updated information and an hour-long instructional video (available online to download for free) to better aid newcomers in learning the basics or help experienced throwers perfect their techniques.The Art of Throwing includes:Basic concepts?Grips, Methods, and MechanicsThrowing implements?The Bagakay, the knife, the ax, and the spearJapanese throwing implements?The Shuriken and the ShakenChinese throwing implements?The flying dart, the golden coin dart, the flying steel olive, and the flying stickerOther throwing implements?The western dart and the boomerangSport and defensive throwingWeapon and hand careAll media content is alternatively accessible on the Tuttle Publishing website.

The first accessible English version of the Kojiki?Japan''s foundational text!The Kojiki is the classic of Japanese classics?a foundational text for Japanese history and literature and for the Shinto religion. This literary masterpiece has shaped Japanese thought and culture for a millennium and continues to be influential today. Its vivid storytelling style, tales of supernatural interventions in human affairs, and powerful depictions of human emotions continue to inspire countless works of poetry, drama and art.Central to the story are the primordial deities Izanagi and Izanami, their role in creating the Japanese islands, and the birth of divine beings who established Japan''s imperial bloodline. These elements form the spiritual basis for Shinto, Japan''s original religion. The divine origins of the imperial family reinforced their sacred status and right to rule the nation?a concept that has shaped Japan''s political structures for many centuries.In this new and vastly improved edition, the English text has been improved and Japanese characters and place names have been modernized. Latin versions of "racy" passages in the earlier editions have been rendered into English. Footnotes have been shortened and edited for their relevance to modern readers. The result is a truly accessible edition of the Kojiki?a book which remains a cornerstone of Japan''s national identity, offering a window to ancient beliefs and customs that continue to define the Japanese people today.

A magical treasury of beloved tales capturing the rich diversity of the Arabic-speaking world!Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The Arabian Nights. Mischievous jinnis, cunning caliphs and talking animals populate a wondrous, minaret-filled world.Nine traditional folk tales from a variety of Middle Eastern and North African traditions are brought to life by author Jehanne Moharram and the delightful illustrations of artist Chaymaa Sobhy. These include:Morgana Saves the Day (Syria): Ali Baba''s niece outsmarts the forty thieves, proving along the way that loyalty and bravery can pay richer rewards than jealousy and greed The Little Red Fish and the Golden Slipper (Iraq): Kindness is the key message in this Cinderella tale?where a fish''s friendship outlasts and overpowers a stepmother''s wicked waysGoha and the Price of Steam (Egypt): A wise fool offers valuable lessons on humility, perseverance and how to prepare the perfect meal.The Fisherman and the Jinni (Yemen): A jinni teaches an angler the importance of clear thinkingAnd many more!These stories have been passed down for generations in innumerable versions and retellings. The fables and tales in Children''s Favorite Arabic Stories reflect the rich cultural fabric of the Arabic-speaking world which stretches across a vast region from Morocco to Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan to Saudi Arabia and the Emirates?all of which provide the vibrant backdrops to these tales.