General References for this Site |
General Reference
If you're new to the subject of Japanese comic books, you'd best get a copy of Schodt's first book on them, Manga! Manga!. This second volume from him goes into greater detail about the current history of both mainstream and independent comics in Japan, as well as lots of in-depth information about a large number of innovative creators and their influence on the industry.
While this book is full of interesting details, its presentation is definitely slanted; it comes out of the 1980's school of Japanese studies that's only concerned with why Japan was experiencing a huge economic boom at the time, and we weren't. As such, it quickly paints a picture of the country being culturally centered only around big international businesses, with all other aspects of life being unimportant. Extremely biased; keep that in mind if you read this sucker.
A review of the histories and influences of the major religious movements in Japan as of 1972. Covers Shintou, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, and older folk religions and new religious movements.
If you want to start learning about Japanese comic books, then get this book! Schjodt does a wonderful job of introducing the history of manga in Japan, talks about the major creators in the field up to about 1980, and examines the types of story and art in them in context to the larger ideas of the Japanese culture. Despite my description, it ain't stuffy at all... it's a fun read, and includes four short manga stories from influential creators.
Full of wonderful old stories from Japan... in English, by the way.
Tough reading, but very informative... you may want to learn a little about Buddhism in Japan before reading this, though.
A useful little book in both Japanese and English that explains a little about a lot. It has entries on a large number of items, events, beliefs, and customs in Japan, none longer than a couple of pages. very easy reading, and very informative!
August 1998: The Three Mountains -- (Click here to read the Travel Diaries!)
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