Brian Ashcraft is a writer based in Japan whose work delves into technology, subcultures, and gaming. As a senior contributing editor for the gaming site Kotaku, his insightful articles have also graced the pages of numerous prominent publications worldwide. Ashcraft's expertise in technology and gaming culture has made him a sought-after voice, frequently interviewed on television in both the United States and Japan.
Japanese whisky has been around for less than a century but is now winning all the major international awards. How did this happen and what are the secrets of the master distillers? This whisky book divulges these secrets for the first time.
Thinking of getting a Japanese-style tattoo? Want to avoid a permanent mistake? Japanese Tattoos is an insider's look at the world of Japanese irezumi (tattoos). Japanese Tattoos explains the imagery featured in Japanese tattoos so that readers can avoid getting ink they don't understand or, worse, that they'll regret. This photo-heavy book also traces the history of Japanese tattooing, putting the iconography and kanji symbols in their proper context so readers will be better informed as to what they mean and have a deeper understanding of irezumi. Featured tattoos range from traditional tebori (hand-poked) and kanji tattoos to anime-inspired and modern works—as well as everything in between. For the first time, Japanese tattooing is put together in a visually attractive, informative, and authoritative way. Along with the 350+ photos of tattoos, Japanese Tattoos also features interviews with Japanese tattoo artists on a variety of topics. What's more, it contains interviews with clients, who are typically overlooked in similar books, allowing them to discuss what their Japanese tattoos mean to them. Those who read this informative tattoo guide will be more knowledgeable about Japanese tattoos should they want to get inked or if they are merely interested in Japanese art and culture.
Filled with striking images of costume play from around the world, this definitive look at the global phenomenon known as cosplay examines its evolution from the fringes of society to the spotlight of modern culture.
Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential takes you beyond the realm of everyday girls to the world of the iconic Japanese schoolgirl craze that is sweeping the globe.
The book offers a curated collection of essential idioms that enhance business communication, condensing years of experience into a practical resource. It aims to elevate the reader's speaking skills by providing a variety of expressions that can make their language more engaging and effective in professional settings.
The Japanese Sake Bible is the ultimate book about Japan's national drink - from its history and culture to its ingredients and production methods, how to choose the best sake, and recommended food pairings. Author Brian Ashcraft traveled the length and breadth of Japan to conduct dozens of interviews with master brewers and sake experts. His fascinating stories about how sake is made are accompanied by over 300 full-colour photographs, maps and drawings. Unlike other books on sake, this one includes reviews, tasting notes and scores for over 100 leading sake brands, written by respected Japanese sake expert Takashi Eguchi. Information on the brewers is provided and the sakes are grouped by flavour profile. Japanese sake is spreading around the world today and winning over converts because it pairs so well with good food (and not just Japanese food!). This book will help you to be knowledgeable about selecting, serving and enjoying Japan's favourite drink.
Mit »Typisch Japan« das Land der aufgehenden Sonne entdecken: Ob Teezeremonie, Mangas und Anime, die atemberaubende Natur, Farbholzschnitte und Origami, Kampfkünste oder die japanische Küche – Japan zieht Besucher magisch an. In diesem Japan-Buch finden Sie daher alle Highlights und Themen des Landes, so dass Sie sich bestens auf Ihre Reise nach Japan vorbereiten oder Ihre Erinnerungen an einen Aufenthalt in diesem faszinierenden Land wachhalten können. Oder Sie blättern einfach durch dieses wunderschön gestaltete Buch und lassen sich von Japan, seiner Kultur, seinen Traditionen und seinem Lebensgefühl verzaubern. Design, Fotos und informative Texte bringen Ihnen die Themen Japans näher: Dieses Buch ist mit viel Liebe zum Detail gestaltet und beeindruckt mit seiner besonderen Auswahl an Fotos und seinem modernen Design. In acht Kapiteln werden Ihnen die wichtigsten Themen Japans vorgestellt: von den Landschaften und der Natur über die Traditionen und Innovationen bis hin zu Design, Unterhaltung und Küche Japans. Jeweils auf Doppelseiten erlangen Sie durch informative Texte Einblick in die japanische Gartenkunst, Shinto, Kalligrafie, technische Spielereien und Videospiele, Mode und Manga, japanisches Theater, die Welt der Geishas, die japanischen Kampfkünste, Sushi, Sashimi und Reis, Sake und das Geheimnis eines langen Lebens. Durch die übersichtliche Einteilung gelangen Sie direkt zu dem Thema, das Sie gerade am meisten interessiert. Oder Sie machen sich einfach beim Blättern mit dem Land der aufgehenden Sonne vertraut. In jedem Fall nimmt »Typisch Japan« jeden mit auf seine ganz persönliche Reise durch das faszinierende Inselreich.
