Japan consists of four large islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. There are an additional 7,000 islands. When you combine the land area of all of these islands, Japan is about the size of Germany. The modern day capital of Japan is Tokyo, located on the island of Honshu and Japan's largest city with a population of 8 million. Japan has 47 prefectures which are equivalent to our states.
Hachiko Waits by
"Profoundly sad and hopeful at the same time . . . Hachiko Waits shows us the very best in life; loyalty, devotion, our ability to love-all taught by a beloved, intelligent, and heroic dog. I love it." -Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Award-winning author of Sarah Plain and Tall The loyalty and devotion of a dog has no bounds What a good dog you are. What a fine dog you are. Hachi, you are the best dog in all of Japan." Professor Ueno speaks these words to his faithful dog before boarding the train to work every morning. And every afternoon just before three o'clock, Hachi is at the train station to greet his beloved master. One day, the train arrives at the station without the professor. Hachi waits. For ten years Hachi waits for his master to return. Not even Yasuo, the young boy who takes care of Hachi, can persuade him to leave his post. Hachiko Waits is a novel inspired by a true story. Readers will be touched by the story of Hachiko and his impact on the people of Japan. Hachiko Waits is a 2005 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Adventure of Momotaro, the Peach Boy by
Perhaps the most beloved of all Japanese folk tales is the story of Momotaro, the boy born from a peach. Momotaro's expedition to the Land of the Demons, accompanied by his faithful companions, the Dog, the Monkey, and the Pheasant, is filled with fun and excitement for all young readers. One of five of the best-loved stories from Kodansha's Children's Classics series, printed in a smaller format with the original Japanese beside the English translation - and all with the same delightful illustrations.
Inch-High Samurai by
The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a lady is Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb. The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.
Kintaro, the Nature Boy by
Legend of Kintaro is one of Japan's most enduring and popular children's stories. Kintaro was raised in the forest by his beautiful young mother, and his gentle nature and prodigious strength win him the love and admiration of all forest creatures. This classic Japanese fairy tale is retold in rhyming style, with classic illustrations to appeal to both children and adults. Kintaro is a strong, gentle boy, who is chosen by a famous samurai for his band of warriors. He sets off with the warriors, and soon they encounter a fierce group of demons ...
Moon Princess by
An old bamboo cutter finds a tiny child in the hollow of a bamboo stalk. Thus begins the beloved story of the Moon Princess, whose unearthly beauty brings her fame and would-be husbands from throughout the land. An old bamboo cutter finds a tiny child in the hollow of a bamboo stalk. Thus begins the beloved story of the Moon Princess, whose unearthly beauty brings her fame and would-be husbands from throughout the land, but whose destiny shines far off in the sky. The delicate color and detail of Kancho Oda's illustrations, painted over half a century ago,
Urashima and the Kingdom Beneath the Sea by
The brave young fisherman who visits the Kingdom Beneath the Sea in this magical legend is sometimes thought of as Japan's own Rip Van Winkle. The glowing colors and exotic patterns of Shiro Kasamatsu's illustrations, originally painted half a century ago, lend a unique air of enchantment to a classic folk tale, retold in lilting verse by writer, translator and lyricist Ralph F. McCarthy.
Tsunami! by
Ojiisan, the oldest and wealthiest man in the village, doesn't join the others at the rice ceremony. Instead he watches from his balcony. He feels something is coming; something he can't describe. When he sees the monster wave pulling away from the beach, he knows. Tsunami! But the villagers below can't see the danger. Will Ojiisan risk everything he has to save them? Can he? Illustrated in stunning collage by Caldecott winner Ed Young, here is the unforgettable story of how one man's simple sacrifice saved hundreds of lives. An extraordinary celebration of both the power of nature and the power each of us holds within.
The Greatest of All by
A humble field mouse proves himself the most worthy of all.
Peach Girl by
When the farmer and her husband find a giant peach at their door, they can't imagine how it got there. But they are even more surprised when the skin bursts open and out leaps . . . a girl. Momoko is here to make the world a better place, and what better way to start than by investigating the rumours about a fearsome local ogre? Everyone says the ogre has teeth like knives, shoots flames from his eyes, and eats small children. The villagers won't go near him. But Momoko wants to find out for herself, and her new friends Monkey, Dog, and Pheasant might just be able to help her - as long as she's willing to share those tasty peach dumplings. In Peach Girl Raymond Nakamura creates a quirky modern telling of an old Japanese folktale. Award-winning illustrator Rebecca Bender's spirited acrylics bring to life a spunky heroine, a trio of expressive animals, and a vivid Japanese landscape.
The Beckoning Cat by
In this story based on a Japanese folktale, an impoverished boy named Yohei shares his dinner with a cat that appears on his doorstep. When Yohei faces a crisis, the cat remembers his generosity and brings help.
Japanese Fairy Tales by
Classic Fairy Tales richly illustrated
The Girl Who Loved Caterpillars by
Twelfth-century Japan was hardly a time of feminism, but this story tells a tale, found on a scroll, of a strong girl with ideas of her own. . . . The drama of the story is stunningly captured by Cooper's soft oil-wash paintings. . . . Truly, a timeless story.--School Library Journal, starred review. Full-color illustrations.
Yoshi's Feast by
Yoshi's Feast
Basho and the River Stones by
The great poet Basho lives in the woods and shares the cherries from his cherry tree with the local foxes. But one tricky fox becomes greedy--He uses his magic to turn three river stones into gold coins, and then tricks Basho into giving up all of the cherries. When the fox returns to gloat over his victory, he discovers that Basho is content. Wiser than the fox, Basho knows that a poem inspired by the beauty of the river stones is more valuable than gold. Oki S. Han's watercolors evoke ancient Japan in this sequel to the New York Times bestseller Basho and the Fox.
Kogi's Mysterious Journey by
Kogi longs to capture the spirit of nature in his art. He draws majestic mountains, trees, waterfalls, and Lake Biwa's glimmering fish, but his paintings are always lifeless and dull-until one supernatural morning when he wades into the cool, deep, shimmering water and becomes a golden fish. There he learns firsthand the freedom within the silence that pulsates in all of life. When hunger drives him to risk the fisherman's baited hook, another miraculous transformation forces Kogi back to his life as a painter, but a painter now forever changed. Elizabeth Partridge's elegant prose and Aki Sogabe's cut-paper illustrations bring clean lines and lush color to this mysterious tale of discovery. Adapted by Elizabeth Partridge. Illustrated by Aki Sogabe
Wabi Sabi by
Wabi Sabi, a little cat in Kyoto,Japan, had never thought much about her name until friends visiting from another land asked her owner what it meant. At last, the master Says, "That's hard to explain." And That is all she says. This unsatisfying answer sets Wabi Sabi on a journey to uncover the meaning of her name, and on the way discovers what wabi sabi is: a Japanese philosophy of seeing beauty in simplicity, the ordinary, and the imperfect. Using spare text and haiku, Mark Reibstein weaves an extraordinary story about finding real beauty in unexpected places. Caldecott Medal-winning artist Ed Young complements the lyrical text with breathtaking collages. Together, they illustrate the unique world view that is wabi sabi. A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book for 2008!
The Boy in the Garden by
There was a story that Mama read to Jiro: Once, in old Japan, a young woodcutter lived alone in a little cottage. One winter day he found a crane struggling in a snare and set it free. When Jiro looks out the window into Mr. Ozu’s garden, he sees a crane and remembers that story. Much like the crane, the legend comes to life—and, suddenly, Jiro finds himself in a world woven between dream and reality. Which is which? Allen Say creates a tale about many things at once: the power of story, the allure of the imagined, and the gossamer line between truth and fantasy. For who among us hasn’t imagined ourselves in our own favorite fairy tale?
Tree of Cranes by
As a young Japanese boy recovers from a bad chill, his mother busily folds origami paper into delicate silver cranes in preparation for the boy's very first Christmas.
Yuki and the One Thousand Carriers by
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Japanese provincial governors had to travel between the cities of Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). This 300-mile journey on the historic Tokaido Road required the presence of one to three thousand attendants (carriers). Yuki's father has been called to Edo and she, along with her mother and pet dog, must accompany him in this royal procession. Yuki does not want to go. She will miss her home and her teacher. But she must not be disrespectful so Yuki captures her thoughts in haiku, a Japanese form of poetry. Once outside the gate How will I find my way back? Will home disappear? Inspired by the woodcuts of Japanese printmaker, Hiroshige, award-winning author Gloria Whelan brings a cultural event to life through the observant eyes and thoughtful verses of a young Japanese girl.
The Long Silk Strand by
Boyds Mills Press publishes a wide range of high-quality fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction
Crow Boy by
Winner of a Caldecott Honor A shy Japanese boy having difficulty adjusting to school is misjudged by his classmates. Chibi has been an outcast since that frightening first day of school when he hid under the schoolhouse. Afraid of the teacher and unable to make any friends, Chibi passes his free time alone -- alone at study time, alone at playtime, always a "forlorn little tag-along." But when Mr. Isobe arrives, the teacher sees things in Chibi that no one else has ever noticed... "A shy mountain boy in Japan leaves his home at dawn and returns at sunset to go to the village school. Pictures and text of moving and harmonious simplicity." --Saturday Review
Japan by
An introduction to the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of Japan. Includes a map, legend, recipe, craft and game.
A Look at Japan by
Simple text and photographs provide an introduction to the geography, animals, culture, and people of Japan. Includes a map.
Colors of Japan by
What color is Japan? It's pink like cherry blossoms, green like tea, and orange like the lava from an erupting volcano. Get to know Japan in this beautifully illustrated introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan by
This country series offers information on culture, geography, history, economy, and government, all in one. Organized by topic, each book will allows young readers to experience a world beyond their own, while making cross-country comparisons. Sections like "Keepsakes", "Windows to the Past", and "X-tra Special Things" focus on elements unique to the featured country. Also featured are maps, language and fun fact sidebars, a glossary, books for further reading, and websites.
Welcome to Japan by
Readers are introduced to the basic geography, topography, history, people, culture, climate, and industries of Japan.
Japan by
Japan is a nation made up of many islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Over 100 million people live in this small nation of islands. Many live in the countryside, but millions live in crowded cities like Tokyo. Students will learn about the physical features of the landscape and surrounding waters as well as the cultural aspects of the Japanese from old traditions to modern everyday life.
Japan by
Describes the history, geography, government, economics, and people of Japan.
Celebrate by
The island country of Japan has a distinct, vibrant culture. The Japanese national anthem, a pronunciation to common Japanese sayings, and the country’s history are all discussed in this descriptive volume. Crafts featured include constructing your own Japanese flag and fan.
Japan ABCs by
An alphabetical exploration of the people, geography, animals, plants, history, and culture of Japan.
Japan by
Japan is a nation made up of many islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Over 100 million people live in this small nation of islands. Many live in the countryside, but millions live in crowded cities like Tokyo. Students will learn about the physical features of the landscape and surrounding waters as well as the cultural aspects of the Japanese from old traditions to modern everyday life.
Japan - The Land by
This revised and beautifully designed new edition covers every aspect of Japan's geography, natural resources, agriculture, and landforms. Updated photographs and information on topics such as modern industry, new approaches to pollution and recycling, and high-speed trains are included. Other topics include: earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunami traditional and modern farming techniques new solutions to environmental problems city and country life
Japan by
This updated book includes new information on the distinctive blend of traditional and modern ways of life in Japan, the challenges faced by Japanese society today, and leisure activities such as manga and karaoke. Brilliant new photographs depict their homes, workplaces, and schools. Other topics include: family life various Japanese workplaces popular sports such as baseball and sumo wrestling a day at a Japanese school the Japanese language
Japan in Colors by
Glossary, bibliography, index - Extended glossary definitions to deliver additional information - Note to Parents and Teachers - Relevant website at www.FactHound.com.
Looking at Japan by
Key features: - Leveled text correlated to the early elementary social studies curriculum - Multiple maps, including a black-and-white reproducible map and map-related activities - Engaging, full-colorful photographs - An overview of the land, weather, people, homes, food, and lifestyles of each featured country - A two-page section of facts about each country, including government, currency, population, and a photograph of the country's flag - Did You Know? boxes that present information that is interesting, surprising, or just fun to know - A glossary to explain difficult or new words Special Features: - Multiple maps, including a black-and-white reproducible map and map-related activities - Two-page section of facts - Fun fact boxes on every spread - Glossary and Index - Related Web sites
Japan by
Examines the geography, history, people, and customs of the island nation of Japan, which is only about as big as California but has a population of over 125 million people
Japan by
Pack your bags! We're headed to Japan. on this whirlwind tour, you'll learn all about the country's landscape, culture, people, and more. We'll explore Japan's many islands and rumbling volcanoes, find out about Japanese comics, and see a celebration called Children's Day. a special section introduces Japan's capital, language, population, and flag. Hop on board and take a fun-filled look at your world.
Kamishibai Man by
The Kamishibai man used to ride his bicycle into town where he would tell stories to the children and sell them candy, but gradually, fewer and fewer children came running at the sound of his clappers. They were all watching their new televisions instead. Finally, only one boy remained, and he had no money for candy. Years later, the Kamishibai man and his wife made another batch of candy, and he pedaled into town to tell one more story—his own. When he comes out of the reverie of his memories, he looks around to see he is surrounded by familiar faces—the children he used to entertain have returned, all grown up and more eager than ever to listen to his delightful tales. Using two very different yet remarkable styles of art, Allen Say tells a tale within a tale, transporting readers seamlessly to the Japan of his memories.
Grandfather's Journey by
Lyrical, breathtaking, splendid—words used to describe Allen Say’s Grandfather’s Journey when it was first published. At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man’s love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captured readers’ attention and hearts. Winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal, it remains as historically relevant and emotionally engaging as ever.
I Survived the Japanese Tsunami 2011 by
The disaster felt around the world . . . Visiting his dad's hometown in Japan four months after his father's death would be hard enough for Ben. But one morning the pain turns to fear: first, a massive earthquake rocks the quiet coastal village, nearly toppling his uncle's house. Then the ocean waters rise and Ben and his family are swept away-and pulled apart-by a terrible tsunami. Now Ben is alone, stranded in a strange country a million miles from home. Can he fight hard enough to survive one of the most epic disasters of all time?
Ninja by
In ancient Japan, no one felt safe from the ninja. Masters of trickery, ninja attacked quickly and vanished into the shadows. Uncover the secrets of these clever fighters, including their training, weapons, and missions.
Life as a Samurai by
You are a samurai warrior in medieval Japan. As one of the most feared and respected warriors in history, you are an expert fighter. You wield powerful weapons without fear. And above all else, you follow a strict code of honor, defending it even to the death. Will you: - fight in the Gempai wars in the 1100s? - stand behind your leader, Nobunaga, as he faces attack in 1560? - search for enlightenment as a wandering ronin in the 1600s?
Japan by
Spectacular new photographs highlight this new edition of Japan the culture. Fascinating aspects of Japanese theater, festivals, and fine arts are explained in clear, concise text. Topics include: Japan's national treasures traditional clothing festivals throughout the seasons the ancient religions of Shinto and Buddhism the tea ceremony nature's influence on Japanese culture
Samurai by
To the Samurai, death on the battlefield was considered an honor. Casting their fears aside, these warriors lived and died by the code of bushido. Learn the ins and outs of these brave fighters lives, including what fueled their loyalty, the weapons they used, and how their legend lives on in Japan.
At the Plate with... Ichiro by
After playing the sport he loved in his home country of Japan for 17 years, Ichiro left in 2000 and joined the Seattle Mariners. Would Ichiro succeed in the world's most challenging baseball league? Includes black-and-white photos and players' statistics.
Super Sports Star Ichiro Suzuki by
What makes Ichiro Suzuki a Super Sports Star? Ichiro Suzuki, or Ichiro as he likes to be called, is the right fielder for the Seattle Mariners in the American League of Major League Baseball. He started playing baseball in Japan for the Orix Blue Wave. Ichiro was one of the top players in Japan's Pacific League and is on the way to becoming a top player in the United States.
Recipe and Craft Guide to Japan by
Experience the fascination and folklore of Japan by using common household items to re-create traditional crafts like kokeshi dolls and origami cranes. Learn legends that promise good fortune as you sculpt a Beckoning Cat or paint a blind Daruma. Celebrate holidays as the Japanese do by cooking mochi and moon-viewing noodles, or by painting a seasonal sumi-e poem. Japan is a nation that honors tradition, yet it is among the world's most technologically advanced countries. The Japanese enjoy the longest life spans of any people on earth, a fact believed to be greatly due to their diet. See how the people of this crowded land came to depend on the sea surrounding them for sustenance, then try your hand at making teriyaki salmon and ozoni, a soup that features shrimp. Step into the pages of this book to share Japanese culture, with its love of nature and expression of art in daily life. Book jacket.
Count Your Way Through Japan by
These beautifully illustrated, interactive picture books introduce children to foreign cultures and languages.
Japan by
Find out what school and home life is like for children in Japan. What do Japanese people do before they go indoors? How fast can bullet trains go? Why does Yuri have a hard hat?
Japanese Immigrants, 1850-1950 by
Discusses the reasons Japanese people left their homeland to come to America, the experiences immigrants had in the new country, and the contributions this cultural group made to American society. Includes activities.