Book Description

Part memoir, part Japanese American family chronicle, part luminous work of natural history, Volcano tells what happened when Hongo returned to his birthplace in Hawai'i, as a young man, to reclaim its dreamlike landscape and his own elusive past. A magnificant evocation of heritage and place. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Mislabled as a memoir of Hawaii, it's a spiritual odyssey
This enormously moving book is presented more as a natural history of a land, Hawaii, when it really is a history of one man's soul. Touchingly self revealing, it shares the torment and the ecstasy of one person's search for meaning. I felt the natural history information, the eternal tree and the omnipresent volcano, were metaphors, not the meat of the book. I encourage readers on a personal path of understanding to take on VOLCANO as a guidebook of a singular journey - one that may resonate with many of us. It is wonderful ... Read more

Book Description

The life of the Japanese-American sculptor and designer IsamuNoguchi (1904-1988) was an unending spiritual and physical voyage between thetwo cultures of his birthright. In this definitive biography and critical study,Dore Ashton maps Noguchi's spiritual journey both in the events of his life andin the milestones of his art: the sculptures, gardens, public spaces, and stagedecors that gained force and significance from his double heritage. ... Read more

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early Indiana schooling, profoundly American duality
This volume is one of the more comprehensive reviews of Noguchi's life and work. Having met with Noguchi a couple of times at the premises of the future Museum, I regret not having then the insight now made accessible by our new digital lifestyle resources. His cross-cultural, multi-media artistry reflects Midwestern adolescence with Pacific overtures. Ashton states "Noguchi's biography is rich in hints of the sources of his formative years, and while no single source can be isolated, some are more suggestive than others. Dr. Rumely, the progressive educator who founded the Interlaken School in Indiana where Noguchi began his American education, had placed Noguchi in the home of ... a Swedenborgian minister. The boy was thrust into a situation in which the thoughts that had helped shape the modern movement -- through such figures as Blake, Emerson, Poe, and Baudelaire -- were sacred. ...the notion of a universal rhyming scheme had attracted nineteenth-century artists who wished to see some kind of elemental unity in the universe; who relished the endless possibilities of analogy."

Combining influences of the industrializing modernity of small cities and towns of the Midwest at this time, and seemingly inspired both by ancient Japanese "tumuli" and the Native American Mound Builders, his mnemonic response to the sights of such landscapes "got me going". With this amplified illumination into Noguchi's background and more familiarity with his abiding interests in "earth sculpturing", perhaps new educational paradigms should be considered in our thinking of art, architecture and American historic preservation. ... Read more

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Basic Knowledge- Japanese internment camps
This book is valuable, not solely for it's specific court case, but also for its abundance of beginner information on Japanese internment camps. "Korematsu" is definately written for young readers, but if anyone older can look past the very simple language, it is great for an introductory book. Especially since books on this subject are so rare. Really, it left me thirsting for more advanced information on the subject of Japanese internment camps. This book could definitely be a productive teaching tool for students of elementary school through junior high school. ... Read more

Book Description

After surviving the brutal Bataan Death March in Spring 1942, Louisiana native John Henry Poncio spent the remainder of World War II as a Japanese prisoner.In those three and a half years, U.S. Army Air Corps sergeant Poncio suffered severe beatings, starvation, disease, and emotional and psychological abuse at the hands of his captors.In Girocho, he relates his experiences with touching honesty, vividly describing the harsh conditions he and his comrades endured as well as the sometimes-funny clashes with Japanese culture.

Girocho was a samurai who resembled Robin Hood.Early on, Poncio was given this name in jest by one of the prison guards, and it suited him perfectly.During his internment, he took part in a vast smuggling operation that brought food and other supplies into the POW camps, reported enemy troop movements to Filipino guerrillas, and committed acts of sabotage.

Although he and his fellow captives were treated with cruelty by many, Poncio recalls the camaraderie of the prisoners and encounters with humane guards and kind civilians, proving his remarkable gift for finding the positive in the most dire of situations.

Girocho is an inspiring memoir, transcribed verbatim by Poncio's wife, Inez, from nine hours of cassettes Poncio recorded some years after the war.Marlin Young verified her uncle's stories, placed them within the greater context of the conflict, creating a compelling tale of one soldier's courage, honor, and resolve to overcome life as a prisoner of war. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bataan to Hirohata
Poncio's story from Bataan to Hirohata, written with total context of the war. An outstanding and complete story.

Every so often, one discovers a "POW" book that is not only accurate, but well written. Each line, each paragraph, each page weaves a complete tapestry of a Prisoner's life under the Japanese. Add to this, one sees beautifully crafted typography that makes this a classic. Of the more than 1000 books w have on the subject, this book ranks in the top ten.

Poncio adds depth and meaning to the history of our POWS, especially the guerilla and public support by foreign nationals and Filipinos. His is one of the rare books that even acknowledges the support from the legendary Madame Utinsky, a heroine who deserved the Medal of Honor. No phase of the experience is slighted nor any detail ignored as the writers weave a tapestry of horror endured yet an inspiring and unending battle to survive and sabotage the Japanese war effort. Poncio's description of desperate hunger alone is worth the price of the book. On a scale of one to five stars, Poncio's book deserves seven extra large stars.
Center for Research
Allied POWS Under the Japanese ... Read more

Book Description

In her eloquent fiction and drama, Yamauchi, a Nisei (second-generation Japanese-American), illuminates the neglected social and emotional history of two generations of Japanese in the United States. Informed by her own family history, she recreates the harsh lives of rural immigrants, the war- time relocation of Japanese-Americans, and the ambivalence of contemporary Nisei. Without bitterness, and often with quiet humor, Yamauchi’s human-sized dramas open into larger social histories and the great narrative myths of culture. Maxine Hong Kingston writes, “Wakako Yamauchi is resplendent heroine to generations of Asian-Americans, whose hearts she knows. . . . That her work has been collected at last befits her stature as a classic.” ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Beautifully written!
Yamauchi is a great example for Asian women to follow. Her plays are always an inspiration. Since I saw And the Soul Shall Dance on stage, I've become a fan of hers.

all the same
This book is alright. I did enjoy reading it somewhat even though the stories all seemed to be the same after a while. Although it paints a clear picture of Japanese-Americna struggles, most stories end with the predictable outcome. I did not like the ending of most of the stories. Furthermore, I am unhappy with the skewing of the plays "And the Soul Shall Dance" and "The Music Lesson" by the short stories similar to them. "Shirley Temple Hotcha-cha" is the best story in the book, offering a different end for Japanese-American women. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very Insightful
I felt this book gave me a better understanding of a critical period in American history. It is not typical of a lot of POW narratives I have read. The author provides an interesting look at pre-war military life in the Philippines. He also looks at questions surrounding the surrender of American and Filipino forces to the Japanese. I found his discriptions of POW life very insightful. They poignantly demonstrate what can happen to military personnel when there is an absence of leadership and discipline.

It is time for Japan to apologize says a Californian
Major Gordon's experiences accurate reflect those of thousands of his fellow prisoners of the Japanese. The nation owes a debt to Major Gordon, not just for his service, but for his willingness the recall the unending horror and write it DOWN!

Typically, post war records are replete with errors and it is only through thoughtful histories such as Gordon's can the next generation understand what price was paid for the freedom of the world.

Sadly, today we no longer teach the history of World War II. Ask any crowd of college kids and less than 5% would recognize the names of Bataan and Corregidor. Yet these same students can tell you every detail about the nasty twelve months of the "McCarthy Era" and, from their history text books, the life story of the "Beetles." The "Quislings" remain in control of our colleges and media. No one is ever taught about the Kamikazes of Japan and how the terrorists who attack today are absolutely the same enemy.

"Horyo" is a worthy addition for any serious student of World War II. Only with books like this, can the public ever understand why Japan owes the world an apology and reparation to its victims. Next to the Japanese, the Nazis appear angelic.

LEARN YOUR TRUE HISTORY AMERICA
This heartbreaking book must be read with a half-decent grasp of the truth of American history. Otherwise, Gordon's story becomes trivialised. Out of context, it loses its meaning. Just another war story.

America is at an historical crossroads. More than ever, this arrogant, over-confident, money-obsessed, chronically ignorant, 'super'power needs to face the nasty FACTS of its own Hollywood-distorted history. Acting on unfathomable ignorance, its media-induced citizens can endorse yet another monumental politico-military blunder. This time, one too many perhaps!

The bigger they are, the harder they fall!

Bataan & Corregidor were purely American/MacArthur disasters. A truly hideous episode, swept under the rug. There is nothing to romanticise or commercialise. There is no saving grace, just total & utter disgrace - so Hollywood & the Spielberg's of this world, steer well clear of it; preferring to fantasize that Americans won WWII, when it was really won by the Russians at Stalingrad!, more than anyone.

O dear, that won't go down well in the Pentagon, will it? Is that the FBI I hear tapping my phone?

The average American imagines that 'Americans' won the Revolutionary War, led by Geo. Washington. But it was France who financed it and the French navy, more than anyone, that defeated the British monarchists. The American colonists/Congress neither financed nor supported the war in any heroic sense, at all. In fact their neglect of Washington & his tatterdemalion 'army' was a disgrace! From Chesapeake to Corregidor is not such an unimaginable leap in the context of American military history.

After the disgrace of Bataan & Corregidor (covered up), nevermind the fright of Pearl Harbour (now romanticised), the Americans did wage the Pacific War, and won decisively, only because of the Atomic Bomb, courtesy of scientists fleeing Hitler + a ruthless Truman, who DID grasp American military history as few Presidents have, and quit while he was ahead - ignoring MacArthur! Then came the utter stupidity and failure of Korea.

Do these people never learn?

Then the infamous, unforgiveable Vietnam War. A purely American war, with catastrophic results. Kennedy/Johnson/Nixon were all historically clueless. Read McNamara to find out how totally incompetent the American politicians & military were, once again.

Before outraged Americans follow Messrs Bush, Cheney, Rumfeldt and Powell's yahoo-ing posse too enthusiastically, into yet another ambush, under the banner of a "World-wide War against Terrorism", they would be wise to read up on the history of their own military prowess. We will avert our gaze from the futility of "Desert Storm" which was little more than a bloated fart against the winds of history, as we can now see.

Vast armies and unlimited weaponry do not a victory make.

The dwindling percentage of Americans who vote, urgently need to unglue themselves from their TV screens and read up on their real history, which is inglorious to say the least. Major Gordon's story is a pretty decent place to begin their long overdue education. It's an honest tale, rather well told, about an ugly (but far from isolated) chapter in American history.

America IS blessed with ONE redeeming feature: Energetic, investigative journalism and honest historical researchers, second to none in the world. Major Gordon, and many others, cut from the same cloth, may yet wake up this slothful, over-moneyed, ignorant nation, before it is too late: But only if their stories are taken to heart.

God bless America indeed!

Remember Bataan
This is an incredible well written narrative. Major Gordon is a major figure in the Battling Bastards of Bataan. His discussion of the events are well thought and eye opening. The conditions of the POW camps, their senior officers and the reflections of exactly what happened is told in a different light. His youth and early childhood reflect the reasons why a young man would enlist in the military. The deliberate thoughts that would enable a teenager of the 40's vs todays same teen. The respect for government vs 2000 traditional thoughts. The war in general tells much of the 1940's as seen from Major Gordon's eyes.His discussion of the POW conditions, the horror of war. The hostilities and the reasons for the early surrender. Much of what Major Gordon states is much different from the many history books that I have read. The major premise for reading this book is to make Americans aware of this battle and the horrible knowledge that these survivors were left behind. Today the Major is a battling force in helping Americans to remeber Bataan. A war cry of Remember the Alamo, Remeber the Maine, should now be Remember Bataan. We should all salute Major Gordon and his heroic comrades. We should all remember the heroes of Bataan.

a daughter's search
Richard Gordon and my father shared some of the same experiences, as they were both in the Bataan Death March, were on the same hell ship to Japan and were in the same prison camp together. My father went on to Kanose prison camp in 1944, as Mr. Gordon notes in his book. This book has enabled me in my research on my father, Jack, to understand what he went through. It has given me an even greater appreciation of those men who were prisoners of the Japanese. And for those captured on Bataan and taking the Death March, and those who fought on Corregidor, it only serves to further bring to the forefront, that these men were indeed considered EXPENDABLE by their government. In fact, in all of the hoopla of World War II, what happened on Bataan and Corregidor has all but been forgotten in the annals of history, except for those men and their families who fought there, died there, or were imprisoned. Some came home, most did not. My father notes in his letter home, after release, that of the 120 men in his company (Headquarters) in the 194th Tank Battalion, only 32 were coming home. He notes that that is apparently true with the whole battalion. I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gordon, and several other men who were in prison with my father. I have been corresponding with others. I have met men who were in the 194th with him. How any of these men survived is a miracle. Mr. Gordon's story, along with those of others, deserves everyone's attention. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Imprisoned Apart - On being an American of Japanese birth.
In this simple, lovely paperback the life & times of two quiet, introspective pioneers come alive. They left the land of their birth for Seattle in America, arriving in the 1919. There they thrived within their community & their church. Until that fateful day when Iwao was snatchedaway shortly after Pearl Harbor. The World War II correspondence of thisIssei couple throughout the dark years of their separate internments is theheart of this biography. Yet the memorabilia & superb black & whitephotographs of the NorthWest region give a greater insight into thesequiet, devoted Americans. Truly an inspiring study in forgiveness &endurance. ........................

A Period in History Every American Should Know About
This is the true story of a married couple who were sent to separate internment camps during World War II.It is a heart-wrenching, but heart-warming story, told mainly in his letters to her, as she was too depressed or too ill to write much of the time.All Americans should knowthe full details of this shameful time in our history.This book shows howa man can love his wife under any circumstance.Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Issa We Never Knew Ye
This book is *the* essential book on Issa for English readers, and for Japanese who read English as well. Debunking a great deal of the myth (some of which Issa seems directly responsible for), this book gives a straightforward overview of the poet's life and the development of his haiku. Showing that although he did indeed have a difficult childhood and youth, Issa gained serious recognition and financial security in his middle years, even returning to his childhood home as a modestly comfortable landowner. It also takes up the forces bearing on his development as a poet, including the haiku hierarchy of his time and the effects of this and of religion and personal tragedy late in life on his changing poetics. The plentiful translations, of haiku, a complete linked poem, and a number of short prose pieces, are well done and worth the price of admission. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Biography, published by University of Hawaii Press on June 22, 2004. The length of the article is 1350 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: No Sword to Bury: Japanese Americans in Hawai'i during World War II.(Book Review)
Author: Jonathan Dresner
Publication: Biography (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 2004
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
Volume: 27Issue: 3Page: 622(4)

Article Type: Book Review

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Reviews (1)

I Got This Book As A Gift....
...and for the most part, although it's geared towards a younger audience, it's a great book to have if you are a big fan of Kristi Yamaguchi, mostly for the photos it includes.There are several photos of Kristi in Albertville, both on the podium and standing with her medal after the ceremony that I've not seen in any other book and that brought back great memories of watching it live all those years ago.One of the more interesting parts of this book is that it was written before Kristi decided to turn pro, and talks about her plans for Lillehammer in 1994 (how great would that have been if it had been true?). Some of the photos are incorrectly captioned, and the book doesn't really reveal any ground-breaking information about Kristi or her life that hasn't already been covered in other books, but I recommend it for the photos.If you are a BIG Kristi fan, regardless of your age, this book will fit nicely into your collection.Otherwise, for a better book on Kristi and skating in general, check out her "Figure Skating for Dummies". ... Read more

Book Description

The German doctor and scientist Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796-1866) played a major role in the development of Western scientific disciplines in Japan, especially in medicine. Equally important were his contributions to Western knowledge about Japan, which remained virtually closed to the outside world until 1854. 'Siebold and Japan' depicts the life of this impassioned man, whose love for Japan and its people resulted in the creation of several definitive ethnographic, zoological and botanical collections. A beautiful book with 35 colour and 45 b/w illustrations. A Dutch language edition is available. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Print, published by RC Publications, Inc. on January 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1974 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Uniquely deranged: Japanese designer Takuya Onuki has made a name for himself with his idiosyncratic, sublimely droll sensibility. Which is not to say he doesn't have self-doubts.(Biography)
Author: Maggie Kinser Hohle
Publication: Print (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2004
Publisher: RC Publications, Inc.
Volume: 58Issue: 1Page: 92(6)

Article Type: Biography

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