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Additions to JICC library
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The JICC library recently received a selection of books on various aspects of Japanese art and culture, generously donated by Kodansha Europe. The following is a synopsis of the books:
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Courtyard Gardens of Kyoto's Merchant Houses, by Katsuhiko Mizuno
One of the pleasures of visiting Kyoto is to wander around narrow streets lined with machiya, the traditional townhouses of the merchant class. Tucked away inside each of these unusually long, narrow dwellings is a hidden oasis: a small garden known as the tsuboniwa. Following on from Landscapes for Small Spaces and The Hidden Gardens of Kyoto, the third book by garden enthusiast and photographer Katsuhiko Mizuno focuses on these miniature courtyard gardens of the machiya. Each photograph is accompanied by analytical and insightful comments from the author, making this a useful reference book for all garden lovers, as well as a visual feast for anyone with an interest in traditional Japanese design.
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 The Book of Sake: A Connoisseur¡Çs Guide, by Philip Harper
Once found only in sushi bars and Japanese restaurants, sake now lines the shelves of gourmet food shops, supermarkets and restaurants, listed alongside the customary wine selections. In The Book of Sake, Philip Harper provides the ultimate introduction by the ultimate insider, being the only non-Japanese to rise to the official rank of "master brewer" (toji), now in his 14th brewing season. Readers will learn how to select a good sake and how to match an evening¡Çs selection with food. Harper introduces a collection of sake lore, a guide to reading labels, a groundbreaking new tasting chart and a variety of sakes for all palates by the esteemed sake critic Haruo Matsusake. In addition, Harper offers highlights of Japan¡Çs sake regions and presents perhaps the most intriguing tour of the sake brew master¡Çs art ever to be published in English.
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Getting Wet: Adventures in the Japanese Bath, by Eric Talmadge
Beyond the scope of typical travel books on Japan, Getting Wet is a personal exploration of bathing culture, drawing on trips and encounters everywhere from secluded hot springs villages to a public bathing "theme park" in the heart of Tokyo. It delves under the surface to cover aspects like the ways of bathing in ancient times and the dos and don¡Çts of going au naturel in contemporary Japan; the religious rites; the science of bathing; the truth behind the claims of healing powers; the huge industry that the hot springs resorts have become and some reflections on how the bathing culture has changed over the past century and where it may be going. Finally, the book offers sage advice, guidelines, sample day trips and other practical matters for those who actually may be thinking of testing out the waters.
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 Kaiseki: Exquisite Cuisine of Kyoto¡Çs Kikunoi Restaurant, by Yoshihiro Murata
Kaiseki is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, and chef Murata's Kaiseki is at once a cookbook and a work of art. This sumptuously illustrated volume features, in seasonal format, the style of cooking that began as tea ceremony accompaniment and developed into the highest form of Japanese cuisine. After an explanation of the history and the components of Kaiseki cuisine, Yoshihiro Murata, the third generation owner/chef of Kyoto's famed Kikunoi restaurant, introduces the establishment's menu. With candidness and insight, he shares his thoughts on ingredients, preparation methods and the philosophy behind his dishes.
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 Aikido: The Complete Basic Techniques, by Gozo Shioda, with Yasuhisa Shioda
Aikido offers a comprehensive and detailed overview of the essential techniques, providing the reader with a rich and engaging insight into this universally respected martial art. The many techniques are presented in lucid, concise explanations that will serve as both a valuable study guide and an important source of reference material. Gozo Shioda demonstrates how the basic exercises that comprise the core teaching in Aikido will develop physical focus in the practitioner, and teach them how to harness that focus for wider practical applications. Also included is a wealth of rare photographs of Shioda demonstrating the techniques, as well as a section on practical application. This book serves as a testament to the universality of Aikido, a martial art which, partly down to its emphasis of defence over attack, can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age.
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The Fine Art of Kimono Embroidery, by Shizuka Kusano
Shizuka Kusano's canvasses are kimono, obi and tapestries, on which she creates extraordinary compositions in brilliant colour and subtle tones, with a rich contrast in textures. Her themes are drawn from Japanese poetry, literature and art, as well as traditional seasonal motifs such as trees, flowers and birds. Working exclusively with silk threads and fabric, and delicately balancing the use of space in her composition, Kusano's designs achieve sophistication for which the best Japanese art is known. Selected works are shown in full colour with explanatory notes, while a separate section covers the primary techniques used on each piece. In addition, Kusano includes a history of embroidery in Japan, explains how she came to be interested in embroidery and developed her art, and provides commentary on her themes and inspirations.
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