Edited by William Fitzhugh and Chisato O. Dubreuil; Arctic Studies Center, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 2000

A presentation of Ainu culture, the native people of northern Japan; HC $75.00; pb $49.95

By Kenji Kawakami; W.W. Norton, 2005

From the back cover:  In Japan, Kanji Kawakami is famous for his tireless promotion of Chindogu:  the art of the unuseless idea... These hilarious inventions have taken Japan by storm.  Every one of the 200 items in The Big Bento Box of Unuseless Japanese Inventions has been manufactured to the highest standards, fully tested by pioneering members of the Japanese public, and documented in their unuselessness with photographs; pb $14.95

Clueless In Tokyo -- An Explorer's Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things In Japan

By Betty Reynolds; Weatherhill, 1997; pb $16.95

Confucius Lives Next Door:  What Living In The East Teaches Us About Living In The West

By T.R. Reid; Random House, 1999

Includes index; pb $14.95

By M. Sally Kobayashi; Books 43°N, 2004

Two million people attend the internationally acclaimed Sapporo Snow Festival each year; learn how Sapporo has turned its abundance of snow into a truly enjoyable asset that draws tourists from all over Japan and abroad; this book is available signed by the author plus postage from Japan; pb $11.00

Edo Culture - Daily Life and Diversions in Urban Japan, 1600-1868

By Nishiyama Matsunosuke; University of Hawaii Press, 1997

Includes bibliography, references, and index; pb $21.95

The Encyclopedia of Japanese Pop Culture

By Mark Schilling; Weatherhill Inc., 1997; pb $29.95

Etiquette Guide To Japan

By Boye DeMente; Tuttle Publishing, 2001; pb $10.95

Everyday Life in Traditional Japan

By Charles J. Dunn; Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1972

Describes the daily life of different classes under the control of the shogun in Tokugawa Japan; pb $14.95

Flea Markets of Japan:  A Pocket Guide for Antique Buyers

By Theodore Manning; Kodansha, International, 2003

Includes a list of 115 flea markets, names and descriptions of over 400 antiques and artifacts, over 250 shopping-related Japanese words and phrases; also complete explanation of flea-market bargaining techniques and special section on etiquette; pb $14.95

Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan

By Lafcadio Hearn; Tuttle Co., 1997 reprint ed.

First published in 1894, Hearn (1850-1904) was one of the first great interpreters of things Japanese for Western readers; pb $16.95

History of Japan (revised edition)

By R.H.P. Mason and J.G. Caiger; Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1997

An introduction to the history of Japan, tracing the development of modern Japan from prehistory to the early 1900's including an analysis of the religion, culture, and arts; pb $18.95

Introduction to Japanese Culture

Edited by Daniel Sosnoski; Tuttle Publishing, 1996

Chapters include:  Holidays and Festivals, Arts and Skill, Recreation and Leisure, Cuisine and Diet, Religion and Spirituality, The Home and Daily Life, Communication and the Printed Word, Places and Sights; pb $18.95

Japan:  True Stories of Life on the Road (Travelers' Tales Guides)

Collected and edited by Donald W. George and Amy Greimann Carlson; Travelers' Tales, Inc., 1999

A collection of first-hand experiences shared by travelers from all walks of life; pb $17.95

Japan for Kids:  The Ultimate Guide for Parents and Their Children

By Diane Wiltshire and Jeanne Huey; Kodansha International, 2nd ed., 2000

Essential reading for families visiting or living in Japan; includes information on travel tips, health care, shopping, activities, festivals, and much more; pb $17.00

Japan From A to Z - Mysteries of Everyday Life Explained

By James M. Vardaman, Jr. and Michiko S. Vardaman; Yenbooks, 1996; pb $7.95

Japan: The Culture

Japan: The People

Each title by Bobbie Kalman; Crabtree Publishing, 2000

Ages 8+; pb $7.95 each

By Karin Muller; Rodale, Inc., 2005

From a Westerner's perspective, the author describes her yearlong quest to deepen her appreciation for such Eastern ideals as unquestioning commitment and single-minded devotion to detail; HC $23.95; pb $14.95

Japanese Culture (4th edition)

By H. Paul Varley; University of Hawaii Press, 2000

A survey of over 2000 years of the arts, religion, and culture of Japan; pb $22.00

Japanese Origami:  Paper Magic

By Ann Stalcup; Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 1999

Describes some specific origami figures (crane, frog, boxes, doll's festival, carp, helmet, iris, Star Festival)  and their significance in Japanese culture; includes directions only for creating an origami ornament for Star Festival; includes glossary and index; Age 8+; LB $19.50 

out of print; one copy remaining

The Japanese Way - Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the Japanese

By Noriko Takada and Rita L. Lampkin; NTC/Contemporary Publishing, 1997

Topics in alphabetical order with index and bibliography; pb $12.95

Kids' Trips in Tokyo:  A Family Guide to One-Day Outings

By Ivy Maeda, Kitty Kobe, Cynthia Ozeka, Lyn Sato; Kodansha International, 1998

pb $17.00

Kyoto:  A Cultural Guide to Japan's Ancient Imperial City

By John H. Martin and Phyllis G. Martin; Tuttle Co., 2002

A guidebook of fourteen walking tours with historical facts and events; pb $14.95

Little Adventures in Tokyo:  39 Thrills for the Urban Explorer

By Rick Kennedy; Stone Bridge Press, 1998 (1992)

A guide to strange sidetrips and unusual ways of having fun; pb $12.95

Old Kyoto - A Guide to Traditional Shops, Restaurants, and Inns

By Diane Durston; Kodansha International, 2005 (1986)

Includes 51 maps and over 120 photos; provides a look into people, places, legend, and a vanishing way of life; pb $22.00

By Amy Katoh; Photography by Yutaka Sato; Tuttle Publishing, 2005

An exploration of the mythical plump, smiling image of Otafuku including its folk beginnings; includes more than 100 color photographs of Otafuku images, many selected from the author's collection; text in English and Japanese; HC $19.95

The Other Japan - Voices Beyond the Mainstream

By David Suzuki and Keibo Oiwa; Fulcrum Publishing 1999

A look at a side of Japan not often seen-- including aboriginal peoples, "untouchables," artists, farmers, grocers-- those with a concern for peace, environment, and ancestral ways; pb $18.95

The Spirit of Tea

By Sen Soshitsu XV; translated by Paul Varley and Kurokawa Shozo; Tankosha Publishing, 2002; pb $24.95

Squeamish About Sushi --  and Other Food Adventures in Japan

By Betty Reynolds; Tuttle Publishing, 2000

An entertaining guide to the pleasures and pitfalls of dining Japan-style, with clues and hints not found in the usual guide to eating out; HC $16.95

Still Clueless in Tokyo:  Another Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan

By Betty Reynolds; Weatherhill, Inc., 2003

A sequel to Clueless In Tokyo; pb $16.95

The Tea Ceremony

By Sen'o Tanaka and Sendo Tanaka; Kodansha International, revised edition 1998; paperback edition 2000

Includes more than 330 photographs and illustrations of tea houses, gardens, prize tea utensils, and scenes from a ceremony; appendix and glossary; pb $28.00

By Susan Pompian; Kodansha International, 1998

Includes over 300 free attractions of traditional and modern Japan; Gold Award winner for Best Guidebook; pb $19.95

Untangling My Chopsticks:  A Culinary Sojourn in Kyoto

By Victoria Abbott Riccardi; Random House, 2003

An exploration of the author's unique experiences as a student of kaiseki (the refined form of cooking that accompanies the tea ceremony) in Kyoto for one year; HC $23.95

Vanishing Japan:  Traditions, Crafts, & Culture

By Elizabeth Kiritani; Tuttle Co., 1995; pb $14.95

By Kate T. Williamson; Princeton Architectural Press, 2006

Filled with brief and some very unique observations of the author's experiences in Japan; accompanied by her delightful watercolor illustrations; pb $19.95

Back to Top