- 224 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
From the demon-killing Minamoto no Yorimitsu to the immortal poet Ono no Komachi, find out about the fascinating world of Japanese warriors and folk-heroes. Japanese mythology is filled with stories of larger-than-life characters that shaped thelandscape of Japan. They are the folk heroes who slayed monsters, fought in epic battles andreflected the most complicated emotions of the people who created them.Through a mix of essays, short stories and anecdotes, Japanese Fighting Heroes follows thelives of samurai, warriors, outliers and iconoclasts who forged their own paths. Legendary fighters like the demon-killing Minamoto no Yorimitsu, philosophising samuraiMiyamoto Musashi, and the One-Eyed Dragon Date Masamune.Creative heroes like the father of Japanese short stories Ryunosuke Akutagawa, the immortalpoet Ono no Komachi, the hilarious Sei Shonagon and her insight into human nature.Trailblazers who broke down barriers like the feminist Hiratsuka Raicho, the statesmanFukuzawa Yukichi, the photographic genius Hiroshi Hamaya. These Japanese folk heroes led fascinating lives that provide insight into our own through theprinciples and practices they lived by. They struggled with universal ideals of honor, duty, courage and kindness, helping them transcend their culture. Whether you're looking to learn about Japanese history, fall down a philosophy rabbit hole orpick up new mental health habits, these heroes can teach us timeless lessons. Japanese Fighting Heroes captures the essence of what it means to be human in any culture.
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Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title
- Copyright
- Contents
- List of Plates
- Acknowledgements
- Note on Japanese Names and Chapter Headings
- Introduction
- 17. The Thunderbird and the Battle for Women’s Rights
- 18. The Sword Makers and the Duality of Human Nature
- 19. The Bridge Between Worlds and the Edge of Enlightenment
- 20. The Photographer of the Sky and the Window to the Soul
- 21. The Designer of Hope and Not Being Defined by Your Past
- 22. The Scientist and the Quest for Knowledge
- 23. The Father of Japanese Short Stories and the Man-Made Wings of Mental Health
- 24. The Humanist Director and the Bittersweet Mirror of Cinema
- Appendix: Name Pronunciation
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Plates