Japan in 100 Words - (Tuttle Specials) by Civardi & Gavin Blair (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Discover Japan in 100 Words!

This book captures the essence of Japanese life and culture through 100 carefully selected words. From familiar concepts like zen, kawaii, and anime to lesser-known gems, "Japan in 100 Words" covers it all.

What You'll Learn About:

• Chochin: Decorative lanterns seen everywhere from shrines and temples to izakaya
• Fugu: The delicacy of carefully prepared (and poisonous) blowfish
• J-pop: The now globally popular musical genre
• Karoshi: Literally translated as "overwork death"
• Omiai: The Japanese version of an arranged marriage
• And much more!

Beautiful full-color illustrations bring these ideas, places, and objects to life. Whether you're a seasoned Japanophile or a first-time visitor, this book is a perfect addition to your library and a fun, informative guide to Japanese culture.

Review Quotes

"Each entry is accompanied by a clearly-written, up-to-date description that covers history and context...This would be an excellent book for those who are not familiar with Japan, and an even better textbook for junior-high and high school students in social studies programs." --Kyoto Journal

About the Author

Ornella Civardi has translated and edited the works of celebrated Japanese writers and poets, such as Yukio Mishima, Yasunari Kawabata, Junzaburo Nishiwaki and Yoko Ogawa. She has a degree in Oriental Languages and Literature from the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, with her thesis focused on Japanese literature. In 2005 she won a prestigious award, the Alcantara Prize, for her translation of Kawabata's Racconti in un palmo di mano (Palm-of-the-Hand Stories).

Gavin Blair has spent nearly two decades as a writer and journalist in Japan. He covers the Japanese entertainment industry for The Christian Science Monitor and The Hollywood Reporter, and reports on Japan for France 24 TV, CBC/Radio-Canada, Al Jazeera, BBC Radio and several other media outlets. He authored Giappone - La vita in zen (Zen in Japanese Culture) (NuiNui)--a visual journey through Zen's influence on all aspects of Japanese life.

Ayano Otani is a Japanese artist and author. She has exhibited her works in pencil, watercolor and paper creations throughout Asia and Europe and has also collaborated with several European fashion designers. With NuiNui she published I Bakedanuki e i fantasmi giapponesi (The Bakedanuki and the Japanese Ghosts), a fairy tale inspired by Japanese folklore.