Essential Korean Grammar gives you excellent examples that lay out the best grammar options for communicating, and when to use each option. The grammar items are cleverly rated so you can determine what's most useful for you to study, based on your Korean knowledge level and your plans. There is a star rating system, from 5 stars ("e;critical"e;; with these under your belt you can communicate almost everything you need to say) to 1 star (don't worry about this unless there's some reason you need to know itfor example, the TOPIK exam). Essential Korean Grammar is a toolbox to help you form correct and natural-sounding sentences, and determine which grammar you need for reading or writing Korean. It details: How to combine grammar points with each type of word. How it is similar to and different from related grammar points. Commonly used expressions. Things for learners to watch out for. The example sentences for each grammar point use simple vocabulary that even a beginner will know. A perfect supplement to any Korean language textbook!
The History, Metallurgy and Iconography of the Samurai Sword
Learning Hiragana and Katakana is a systematic and comprehensive Japanese workbook that is perfect for self-study or use in a classroom setting. Written Japanese combines three different types of characters: the Chinese characters known as kanji, and two Japanese sets of phonetic letters, hiragana and katakana, known collectively as kana, that must be mastered before the Japanese kanji can be learned. Learning Japanese Hiragana and Katakana provides beginning-level students of Japanese a thorough grounding in the basic hiragana and katakana phonetic symbols or syllabaries. A comprehensive introduction presents their primary function, origin, pronunciation and usage. The main body of the book is devoted to presenting the 92 hira and kata characters along with their variations, giving step-by-step guidelines on how to write each character neatly in the correct stroke order, with generous practice spaces provided for handwriting practice. This Japanese workbook includes: Systematic and comprehensive coverage of the two Japanese kana systems. Ample provision for Japanese kana practice, review, and self-testing at several levelsDetailed reference section explaining the origin and function of kana, and the various kana combinations. Access to online Japanese audio files to aid in correct pronunciation. Helpful additional information for language students accustomed to romanized Japanese. Vocabulary selected for usefulness and cultural relevance.About this new edition: The new third edition has been expanded and revised to include many additional reading and writing exercises. Accompanying online recordings demonstrate the correct pronunciation of all the characters, vocabulary, and sentences in the book.
In The Art of the Japanese Sword, master swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara offers a detailed look at the entire process of Japanese sword making, including the finishing and appreciation of Japanese blades.Japanese sword art stands out in many ways: functionality as a weapon, sophisticated metallurgy and metalsmithing, the shape of the blade itselfall contribute to the beauty of these remarkable weapons. The Art of the Japanese Sword conveys to the reader Japanese samurai sword history and Japanese sword care, as well as explaining how to view and appreciate a blade. With 256 full-color pages, this sword book illustrates in meticulous detail how modern craftsmen use traditional methods to prepare their steel, forge the sword and create the unique hardened edge. By gaining a good understanding of how a sword is actually made, the reader will be able to appreciate the samurai sword more fully. Topics include: Appreciating the Japanese swordHistory of the Japanese swordTraditional Japanese steelmakingMaking the swordFinishing the sword
The essential resource for learners and linguists
Includes an audio disc, 200 hole punched cards with organising ring, and a 32pp booklet.
This book draws on Lee's own notes, letters, diaries and training logs to present the full extent of his training methods. They include nutrition, aerobics, isometrics, stretching, and weight training.
Join the fermentation revolutionâEUR"Japanese style!"The benefits loom large: fermented foods are anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and antioxidantâEUR¿and are swarming with vitamins." âEUR"Discover magazineThis comprehensive do-it-yourself home fermentation guide centers on the amazing superfoods at the heart of the healthy Japanese diet. Author and fermentation expert Hiroko Shirasaki starts with easy preparations for shio koji, amazake, nukazuke and three types of miso. Then she shows you how to harness the probiotic power of these and other fermented ingredients in scores of delicious home-style recipes. Some of these fermented foods you may already know: kimchi, gochujang, mirin. OthersâEUR"like umeboshi, natto, sake lees, fermented ginger and kastsuobushiâEUR"offer new perspectives on the flavorful powers of fermentation. The seasonal menus in this book contain over 95 recipes catering to a broad range of tastes:"Easy Nukazuke Pickles" (vegetables cured in a bed of fermented rice bran) offers a completely new way to unleash the power of pickling!"Amazake Fruit Yogurt" makes the perfect probiotic breakfast or snack"Shio Koji (a fermented rice-based marinade) Mushroom Soup" creates a super-nutritious and delightfully delicious twist on a favorite dish"Sea Bream and Clams Steamed in White Miso and Wine" pairs the briny sea with the natural umami of a homemade miso made with soybeans and rice"Root Vegetable Soup with Brown Rice Miso" offers a healthful twist on a classic comfort food"Mixed Sushi with Fermented Ginger" ups the antioxidant ante in a familiar favorite"Amazake Gochujang Bibimbap" brings Korean flavors to a classic lunch box dishAnd many more! Let miraculous microbes work their magic, infusing your daily diet with vitamins and nutrients that promote gut health, reduce hypertension and boost the immune system. The easy recipes in A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Fermentation showcase the health benefits and amazing flavors these superfoods have to offer!
"This book teaches you all the basics of the Chinese language, including practical conversations, vocabulary, and how to write the basic characters--with manga comic strips for easy learning! It enables you to begin communicating effectively from the first day. All Chinese words and sentences are given in Chinese characters and hanyu pinyin romanized form for easy pronunciation, with English translations"--
Bring your manga to life with awesome action, powerful poses, body basics: IT'S ALL HERE!Learn the essentials of manga drawing from professional Japanese illustrators, and let them show you how to tell better stories with your manga art. Start with anatomy and body structure to create compelling characters in a few simple head-to-toe steps. Then it's time to build your world and tell your story. With this all-in-one guide, your characters, drawing, and storytelling abilities will quickly soar!In this book you'll learn not only the basics, but the insider tips and secrets only the professionals know. You'll also learn to avoid common pitfalls and overcome obstacles that might otherwise lessen the impact of your work and prevent you from becoming a successful artist!Here are just some of the features of this practical handbook: A complete art course in one volumeâEUR"from anatomy and body structure to facial features and expressions, clothing and accessories, action poses and narrative techniques A guide to world-building and storytelling in the authentic Japanese manga styleTwo professional Japanese illustrators share their expertise in figure drawing and composition as well as two- and three-dimensional design and perspectiveHundreds of dynamic examples and tips show you how to master the details that make a difference and the effects that can elevate your work to another levelOver 1,000 color illustrations help to guide you on your path to becoming a better artist!Drawing Manga gives you the tips and tools you need to develop your skills and tell the stories you want to tell effectivelyâEUR" just like the pros!*Recommended for artists 16 & up*
"A Beginner's Guide to House Plants teaches you how to bring your indoor spaces alive with lovely and easy-to-maintain plants -- and how to keep them healthy. It provides detailed instructions on how you can unleash the power of plants to energize and relax you, and how to promote well-being by greening your environment. In this book you'll find hundreds of useful tips, including: How to select the right plants for your spaces and lifestyle -- Practical advice on purchasing, potting and styling your plants -- How to care for many different types of plants--from succulents and ferns to exotics -- A mini field guide to over 60 popular plants you should know about -- And so much more! Cultivating house plants can be both creative and fun! Plant expert Ryusuke Sakaino provides tips on how to use colors, textures, patterns and shapes to create a lush living space, with one plant or many. His gorgeous photos will inspire you to add greenery to every room in your home and office. No longer just a pandemic hobby, plants deserve to be a permanent part of your lifestyle!"--Publisher.
The Genius of Japanese Carpentry tells the story of the 1200-year-old Yakushiji monastery in Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the dedicated modern-day craftsmen who are working to restore what has been lost to the depredations of time, fire and warfare. Although the monastery's reconstruction will not be fully completed until 2030, one of the primary temples, the Picture Hall, has been wholly restored employing the same materials, tools and techniques originally used in its creation over a millennium ago. Featuring intricate, puzzle-like joinery and the integration of timber pieces to orient them in the same direction as when it was a growing tree, this book skillfully documents the stunning craftsmanship of the ancient Japanese, which is still alive today. First published more than thirty years ago, this book has become a classic. Author Azby Brown, one of the world's leading experts on Japanese architecture, chronicles the painstaking restoration of the Yakushiji monastery through: Extensive interviews with carpenters and woodworkersOriginal drawings based on the plans of master carpenter Tsunekazu NishiokaDetailed photographs and diagrams showing the woodworking techniques, tools and materials used>An inspiring testament to the dedication of these craftsmen and their philosophy of carpentry work as a form of personal fulfillment, The Genius of Japanese Carpentry offers detailed documentation of the restoration of this historic building and a moving reminder of the unique cultural continuity found in Japan.
For many visitors, traveling to Thailand means one thing: enjoying the delicious street food. In Thailand's Best Street Food, freelance writer and food blogger Chawadee Nualkhair details everything that visitors need to know to track down the most delectable dishesno matter where they are hidden.Most people think Bangkok is the only place to find great Thai street food, but Nualkhair ate her way across the country and found incredible food stalls everywhere, from Phuket in the south to Chiang Mai in the north. Even seasoned travelers may find it difficult to identify the best venuesnever mind figuring out how and what to order. Fortunately for anyone bound for Thailand, Nualkhair draws on her vast experience to provide essential tips on locating food stalls in cities across the country, including:Directions on how to find a particular stallStreet maps for each sectorEach stall's specialtyServing options, beverages, and notable extrasWhether or not seating is availableInformation on bathroom facilitiesAs an added bonus, Nualkhair includes recipes for the 12 most popular Thai street food dishes adapted for the Western kitchen. Thai street food is one of today's hottest food trends, and Thailand's Best Street Food makes it easy for foodies to savor incredible Thai foodwherever their travels take them.
Old, broken objects can become more beautiful than ever!The thought of throwing away a cherished dish or mug can be heartbreaking. If you've ever wanted to repair a treasured piece rather than tossing it in the trashbut didn't know howthe traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi ("e;gold repair"e;) offers the perfect solution!A Beginner's Guide to Kintsugi teaches you the traditional Japanese techniques of pottery and glass repair based on the ancient Wabi Sabi idea that imperfections are beautiful, and visible repairs are part of the "e;life story"e; of an object.Author Michihiro Hori provides simple, safe, and inexpensive methods that you can do at home using tools and materials that are readily available online. Hori guides you through the entire processfrom assembling and mixing the materials to reconstructing replacements for hopelessly shattered shards.With this book, you'll learn how to:Reinforce cracks, rebuild shattered areas, and apply the time-honored staple techniqueFix broken handles so they are fully functional againSafely work with lacquer and metallic powders to achieve beautiful, visible repairsWork with a variety of repair materials from gold leaf to washi paperRepair pottery and glass using traditional techniques for stunning resultsAs you take the time to prepare your materials and work closely with the pieces, you'll find yourself becoming attuned to the mindful philosophy at the heart of Kintsugi and the Wabi Sabi principle of appreciating old and imperfect objects. Most of all, the meditative process of Kintsugi will help you look at broken objects in a new way.
Paint the classic subjects that inspired ancient Chinese masters. This book introduces the venerable art of painting with ink on rice paper using traditional techniques developed over a thousand years ago. It is ideal for a beginner hoping to practice a large variety of techniques and subjects.With this practical guide, you will learn to paint:Towering landscapesThe elegant Four GentlemenPlants like bamboo, orchids, plum blossoms, and chrysanthemumsFive animals from the Chinese ZodiacThe basic strokes used in calligraphyAnd more! Known as a "e;soft martial art,"e; brush painting is as meditative as it is artistic. As you move through the lessons and exercises, you'll gain insight into and appreciation for the symbolism, historical context, techniques, and mindfulness associated with this ancient art form.
Expressive eyes, oversized heads and doll-like cutenesschibi are beloved in the world of manga!Beginner's Guide to Drawing Manga Chibi Girls shows artists of all ages and abilities how to create their own kawaii characters in six, easy-to-follow lessons. Step-by-step instructions walk you through the basics every aspiring artist needs to learn, like body proportions and facial expressions. Once you've mastered those, learn how to add different hats, hairstyles and costumes to your chibi girls or pose them in fun positionsfrom jumping for joy to hugging a friend.This all-in-one guide includes everything you need to start drawing these adorably exaggerated manga characters:Photo-illustrated tutorials let you look over the authors' shoulders as they create original chibi characters from scratch, right before your eyes!Before-and-after comparisons help you pinpoint mistakes and avoid common pitfallsStep-by-step progressions that help you master a range of head-to-body ratios and create charming figures that pop off the pageProfessional manga artists and chibi experts Mosoko Miyatsuki and Tsubura Kadomaru guide you through the drawing process and essential steps as your characters take shape. Follow along as they offer a trove of tips and examples, which help you to track and assess your progress. Before you know it, you'll be creating super cute chibi girls all on your own!
"A guide to modern standard Arabic"--Cover.
The most enjoyable way to learn about an unfamiliar culture is through its stories--especially when they're told in two languages!This book introduces 40 stories from the Philippines through bilingual Tagalog and English texts presented on facing pages. Paired with cultural notes, vocabulary lists, exercises, comprehension questions and free online audio recordings, Tagalog Stories for Language Learners is an excellent resource for intermediate language learners.This compilation includes a mix of traditional folktales retold for a modern audience, as well as several well-known works of contemporary Philippine literature. Along the way, you will meet fabulous mythological characters like the Bagobo goddess Mebuyan and the shape-shifting Aswang. Other characters cope with day-to-day issues, such as the domestic worker who cannot find her keys and a beauty queen who leaves behind her comfortable city life in order to help peasants in the countryside.Four of the stories are by well-known Filipino writers and are presented in complete or partially condensed form. These include:Estrangheritis by Inigo Ed. Regalado (1907)--The writer is critical of Filipinos who exalt all things foreign while, in fact, benefitting from their own land but unappreciative of their national culture.Desire by Paz Latorena (1928)--The story of a Filipino woman who has to deal with the narrow-mindedness of a foreigner who is far more interested in her body than in her personality.Greta Garbo by Deogracia Rosaro (1930)--Monina, who looks like Greta Garbo, plans a weekend getaway with her beau, only to be left at the station waiting, and later discovers he has gone on a honeymoon!Maria Elena Paterno's Sampaguita (1991)--Two popular legends about the Sampaguita (Philippine jasmine flower) which touch on the themes of courage and forbidden love.Stories from different periods are presented so learners get a feel for authentic Filipino texts.
With How to Draw Manga Furries, you'll follow the lead of five professional Japanese artists as they show you how to bring dynamic fantasy characters to lifeon the page or on screen!Furries are anthropomorphic charactersanimals who have human traits (not to be confused with kemonomimi, or humans with some animal features!). They're widely popular in manga, anime and cosplayfrom fan favorites like Wolf's Rain and Lackadaisy to the newer Beastars and BNA: Brand New Animal. The genre allows creators to be more imaginative, freeing artists from traditional human personality traits, actions and physical appearance.With the help of the expert authors, you'll learn to draw:Anatomically correct furry manga bodies, skulls, faces, appendages and tails with human proportionsCharacters based on cats, dogs, wolves, foxes, goats, birds, whales, sharks, crocodiles, dragonsand more!Furries seen from their most powerful perspectivefrom muzzle to rump to flipper tipIllustrations shown from many various angles with different poses, positions and movementsAnd so much more!With this book as your guide, your imagination will run wild as you create memorable heroes, wicked villains and compelling sidekicks with your pen or on screen.*Recommended for artists 10 & up*
Japan's beloved literary masterpiece brought to life in manga form!Soseki Natsume's comic masterpiece, I Am a Cat, satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society in early 20th century Tokyo. Written with biting wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a rather cynical stray kitten. He finds his way into the home of an English teacher, where his running commentary on the follies and foibles of the people around him has been making readers laugh for more than a century.This is the very first manga edition in English of this classic piece of Japanese literature. The story lends itself well to a graphic novel format, allowing readers to pick up on the more subtle cues of the expressive cat, while also being immersed in the world of his perceptive narration. It is true to classic manga form, and is read back to front.The cast of characters includes:KushamiHis master, who is not good at his job and quite stupidThe KenedasA conceited couple with a spoiled daughterMeiteiKushami's friend who is fond of jokes and tall talesA group of local cats including lovely Mikeko, and violent KuroBeautifully illustrated by Japanese artist Chiroru Kobato, this edition provides a visual, entertaining look at a unique period in Japan's historyfilled with cultural and societal changes, rapid modernization and a feeling of limitless possibilitythrough the eyes of an unlikely narrator.
An inside look at kokeshi dolls: from the skilled woodworkers behind their design to their important cultural significance. Kokeshi are the simple and charming traditional Japanese dolls characterized by their cylindrical shape and lack of arms and legs. Historically made as children's toys in Japan's northern region of Tohoku, they have now become a popular collector's item and have even inspired famous architects and artists. In this visual guide, readers will find: An overview of the different types of dollsHow kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods usedInterviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwideDetailed information about both traditional dolls and the modern ones being crafted todayAn exploration of the cultural significance of kokeshi dolls--both historically and for the areas of northern Japan that rebuilt themselves after their region was decimated by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011A guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regionsInformation on how to buy the dolls--either directly from Japanese artisans or stockists worldwideFilled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all--from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel.
Bring adorable animals to life with this sweet and whimsical hand-quilting book.From favorite critters like perky penguins, smiling lions and gangly giraffes to unexpected friends like jellyfish, vultures and a unicorn, this book includes an animal for each letter of the alphabet.In Charming Quilted Animals, world-renowned quilt artist Yoko Saito shows you how to:Make over 40 different animal appliquesCreate 26 animal patchesfrom A-ZIncorporate the animals in 25 unique projectsImplement essential quilting techniquesMake fun items like a tapestry incorporating all the animals, a clasp purse, pin cushion, accessory tray, pencil case and tote bag for the kids in your lifeor the kid in you! This charming collection of designs is accessible to quilters of all skill levels.A generous how-to section with photographic illustrations takes you through the basics of hand quilting, while instructions and diagrams for each project show you how to assemble your pieces from start to finish. A link is included for printable tracing sheets containing templates for all the animals and elements used in these projects.There's no limit to what you can do with these playful animal appliques. Let Charming Quilted Animals inspire you to add touches of whimsical wildlife to your quilted designs. This ebook comes with tiled printable templates. Once printed, the tiles must be assembled in order to replicate the complete pattern sheet that is packaged with the print edition. If this is a task you prefer to avoid, we suggest purchasing the print edition instead.
Immerse yourself in the world of the Samurai with this classic text, translated and interpreted for the modern reader. Code of the Samurai is the four-hundred-year-old summary of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido--the ancient Japanese "Way of the Warrior." Bushido has played a major role in shaping the behavior of modern Japanese government, corporations, society, and individuals, as well as in shaping modern Japanese martial arts within Japan and internationally. This accessible and enjoyable translation is by Thomas Cleary, the foremost translator of Asian martial classics, accompanied by the powerful line drawings of master illustrator Oscar Ratti, and a number of color photos. A new foreword by Alexander Bennett, a leading expert on Samurai history, explains the lasting importance of this classic work and its place within the canon of Japanese literature. This accesible classic is an indispensable resource to the corporate executive, student of the Asian Culture, martial artist, and those interested in Eastern philosophy or military strategy, as well as for those simply interested in Japan and its people.
Use fresh flowers to make a dramatic difference in your home and dazzle with the power of flowers when you entertain! Decorating with Flowers celebrates the latest trends in contemporary floral design with a tropical twist. Featuring inspired table settings and installations, this extraordinary flower arranging book will encourage you to create your own unforgettable floral creations. Be inspired to conjure a magical setting for group entertaining or craft a stunning decoration for intimate celebrations. The ten designers and artists showcased share the ideas and insights behind their floral arrangementseach of which is shown in detailed photosmaking this an excellent guide for interior decorators, florists, event planners and homeowners looking to add some pizzazz to a space. Featuring over 300 color photographs, Decorating with Flowers has something for everyonefrom glamorous Flemish flower arrangements to modern Sogetsu ikebana styles, and modular flower sculptures created to enhance minimalist, contemporary spaces.
"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 beret; Stylish neckwarmers in houndstooth and argyle patterns; An eyecatching Fair Isle hat and handwarmers; Comfy, durable socks in herringbone and other classic stitches; A delicate, lacy shawl; And 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"--
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