A mesmerizing blend of old and new traditions, Japan is a country of diverse land, climate, and people. Books in the Countries of the World series teach readers about countries' unique features through engaging content and pictures. Explore Japan's history and its creation of art forms including origami, calligraphy, and ikebana, the art of flower arranging. This book includes a table of contents, activity sections, sidebars, infographics, recipes, a glossary, and references to learn more.
This is the story of one of the earliest Japanese Americans to settle in Florida. How did a poor Japanese immigrant transform himself into one of south Florida's most generous millionaires? He bowed to the earth, gave thanks to the Florida moon, and grew pineapples! Here for the first time in book form is the inspirational story of George Morikami, a true Florida pioneer. In the early 1900s, young Sukeji "George" Morikami lived happily with his family in a quiet Japanese fishing hamlet. But when his true love's parents refused to let him marry her, he was crushed. He left to find his fortune in America, never to see the Japanese moon again. Penniless and unable to speak English, George arrived at Yamato, an upstart farming colony in what is now Boca Raton. George's dreams of earning enough money to return home, buy his own land, and claim his beloved would never be realized. Destiny had other dreams--American dreams--in store for George Morikami. Today, his legacy lives on at the beautiful and unique Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. Next in series > > See all of the books in this series
In the midst of World War II, a German-American family finds themselves stranded in Japan in this inspiring tale of an extraordinary family adapting to the hazards of fate, and finding salvation in each other. In the spring of 1941, seven-year-old Hildegarde Ercklentz and her family leave their home in New York City and set off for their native Germany, where her father has been recalled to the headquarters of the Commerz & Privat Bank in Berlin. It was meant to be an epic journey, crossing the United States, the Pacific, and Siberia—but when Hitler invades Russia, a week-long stay in Yokohama, Japan becomes six years of quasi-detention, as Hildegarde and her family are stranded in Japan until the war’s end. In this spellbinding memoir, Mahoney recounts her family’s moving saga, from their courage in the face of terrible difficulties—including forced relocation, scarce rations, brutal winters in the Japanese Alps—to their joyous reunion with their German relatives in Hamburg, and their eventual return to New York City in 1950. Richly detailed and remarkably vivid, Journey Interrupted is a story unlike any other—the inspiring tale of an extraordinary family adapting to the hazards of fate, and finding salvation in each other.
Curious Minds: Around the World whisks young readers on a cultural and geographical adventure across the globe. From towering mountains to sprawling deserts, bustling cities to remote villages, this book introduces the diversity of our world’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. Filled with fun facts and engaging stories, it encourages a love for travel and learning about different ways of life!
Japanese painter, sculptor, writer, installation and performance artist Yayoi Kusama has been in the vanguard of contemporary art for sixty years. Best known for her use of patterns of dots (which she claims evolved from the hallucinations she’s had since childhood), Kusama, now 84 years old, is finally getting the international recognition she deserves. Hi, Konnichiwa brings together Kusama’s vivid imagery and haunting words with photos of the artist at work and at various stages in her life. The pieces are mostly from recent years (2000-2012), although there are some that go back as far as the 1950s. Here are Kusama’s large-scale canvases, environmental sculptures, multi-media installations, and numerous self-portraits. Here, too, are photos of the artist at ten years old, and as a young woman in Tokyo and then New York, often wearing outrageous clothes of her own design. And we see Yayoi Kusama in recent years, working in her studio in Tokyo—minus the garish make-up and red wig. The book is a chronicle of her creative endeavors and of her life, offering a glimpse into the fevered imagination of this very complicated and fascinating woman. Yayoi Kusama was born in 1929 in Japan, and from an early age, suffered from hallucinations, which she maintains inspired the visual language she continues to use today. At art school in Kyoto, she first began to experiment with the subversive themes that became her trademark. After leaving school, Kusama had a period of intense productivity, and by 1955, was gaining prominence as an artist in Japan. In 1958, Yayoi Kusama moved to New York, where she was one of the pioneers of the Pop Art and performance art movements. She became a darling of the media, promoting free sex and anti-war activism. She started Kusama Fashion Company, which was quite successful—her clothes sold in hundreds of stores including Bloomingdales By the 1970s, the earlier energy and excitement of the New York art scene had subsided. In 1973, Kusama went back to Japan, and in 1977, took up residence in a psychiatric hospital, where she still lives. She built a large studio nearby and continues to work there. While she certainly didn’t fade into obscurity, Yayoi Kusama moved out of the spotlight. The last few years, however, have seen renewed interest in her work. In 2008, Christie’s sold a painting for $5.1 million, then a record for a living female artist. A major retrospective opened at the Whitney Museum in New York in Summer 2013; and at the same she Kusama collaborated with Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton collection featuring her polka dots. Kusama recently signed with a new gallery in New York, and a solo show is planned for Fall 2013.
By examining the current status and recent developments in a number of countries in Asia, this book makes recommendations, provides analysis, and suggests new approaches to startup angel financing in the Asia Pacific region.
Explore Brazil, a country with some of the world's most significant natural wonders, as well as some of it's most populous urban areas. Unusual animals like toucans and jaguars call Brazil's lush rainforests their home. The country is also known for its vibrant, bustling cities, like Rio de Janeiro. Books in the Countries of the World series teach readers about countries' unique features through engaging content and pictures. This book includes a table of contents, activity sections, sidebars, infographics, recipes, a glossary, and references to learn more.
With a mix of South Asian influences, Pakistan is a country known for its Islamic art and architecture, popular religious celebrations, and rich foods. Books in the Countries of the World series teach readers about countries' unique features through engaging content and pictures. Learn about Pakistan's people, government, and fascinating history, from life under British rule to Pakistan's independence. This book includes a table of contents, activity sections, sidebars, infographics, recipes, a glossary, and references to learn more.
With more than 130,000 copies sold, this award-winning chapter-book series starring a spunky Japanese American heroine returns with four new standalone books set on a family vacation in Japan! Toothbrush? Check. Her special journal? Check! Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi—flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch messmaker—can hardly wait for her family vacation to Japan, and by the time their plane finally touches down, she’s ready to dive into their new adventure. There are so many things to see in Tokyo: Ramen Street, which she learns is not a whole street made of ramen; old temples with fancy gates; and Tokyo Tower, where you can even spot Mount Fuji on a good day. But when they arrive, Jasmine finds herself unable to get away from her older sister Sophie’s crabby attitude. Plus there's so much about Japan she didn't know, and she seems to be getting in trouble right and left. Will Jasmine be able to cheer up her sister AND find her footing in a new country? With her trademark humor and warmth, Debbi Michiko Florence weaves family drama and a fun introduction of Japanese culture into this delightful next chapter in Jasmine's world.
The Dominican Republic is a vibrant country influenced by its Spanish and African heritage. Explore the unique celebrations, food, and art of this tropical island nation. Books in the Countries of the World series teach readers about countries' unique features through engaging content and pictures. Readers will learn about the Dominican Republic's forests, brimming with orchids and hundreds of bird species, as well as its people and their rich past. This book includes a table of contents, activity sections, sidebars, a glossary, and references to learn more.
