Dear Reader, I am honored that you have picked up The True Power of Water. In a world of no mistakes, it is not by coincidence that you and I are embarking on this journey. The words and pictures you are about to see will open a new world of possibilities for you -- just as my research has done for me. In this book you will learn of the unique properties of water and its ability to improve your health and your life. You will see the effect each of us has on water -- not only the water we drink but also the water that makes up 70 percent of the human body and, most importantly, what happens to that water as we interact with each other. 2005 marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Water. It is our individual responsibility to learn all we can about water, the most precious resource on our planet, and to help shift the consciousness through our thoughts, through our words and prayers, and through our commitment to respect each other with love and gratitude. May our understanding of water help bring peace to all humankind. Masaru Emoto

Supernatural horror - and directorial debut from Jason Zada - set in the legendary Aokigahara Forest, a real-life place at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan where people go to end their lives. A young American woman Sara (Natalie Dormer) comes to the forest in search of her sister who has gone missing. In spite of everyone's warnings not to stray from the path she enters the forest in search of her sister, only to be soon confronted by the tortured souls of the dead who prey on those they encounter.

Comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis of contemporary Japan Features leading scholars from around the globe providing an insiders' view on what happened in Japan and why its significant for understanding the challenges of a nation facing stark dilemmas Delves deeply into the layers of a complex and increasingly diverse society in the context of simmering ethnonationalism, economic torpor, political stagnation and cultural dynamism One of the few volumes to provide insights from the social sciences and humanities Asia is in flux and here we examine how this is forcing Japan to question longstanding verities and values and what this portends for its future and regional relations

This volume is a direct result of the International Symposium on Japanese Sentence Processing held at Duke University. The symposium provided the first opportunity for researchers in three disciplinary areas from both Japan and the United States to participate in a conference where they could discuss issues concerning Japanese syntactic processing. The goals of the symposium were three-fold:
* to illuminate the mechanisms of Japanese sentence processing from the viewpoints of linguistics, psycholinguistics and computer science;
* to synthesize findings about the mechanisms of Japanese sentence processing by researchers in these three fields in Japan and the United States;
* to lay foundations for future interdisciplinary research in Japanese sentence processing, as well as international collaborations between researchers in Japan and the United States.
The chapters in this volume have been written from the points of view of three different disciplines, with various immediate objectives -- from building usable speech understanding systems to investigating the nature of competence grammars for natural languages. All of the papers share the long term goal of understanding the nature of human language processing mechanisms. The book is concerned with two central issues -- the universality of language processing mechanisms, and the nature of the relation between the components of linguistic knowledge and language processing. This volume demonstrates that interdisciplinary research can be fruitful, and provides groundwork for further research in Japanese sentence processing.

A research-informed pedagogical approach to L2 pragmatics helps prepare teacher learners for their daily instructional practices. A multilingual approach to instructional pragmatics that reflects today's globalization and can promote linguistic/cultural inclusiveness and legitimacy of pragmatic variation. A sociocultural view of pragmatic development that helps to develop a holistic understanding of pragmatic development and second language acquisition. An interface with peace linguistics which develops an awareness of language as a catalyst for mutual respect, compassion, and dignity. A connection between pragmatics and intercultural communication that connects the two research areas and raises an awareness of the role of pragmatics in intercultural communication.

This book provides a comparative study of people's mask-wearing behaviour in response to government policies between European-Northern America and Asian countries. Examining citizens' attitudes towards their state during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of history, linguistics, politics, economics and sociology, the contributors in this volume explore to what extent people accept the wearing of masks in countries where governments have made it mandatory as compared to countries where people wear masks voluntarily. The book thus looks at mask-wearing from a political dichotomy between authoritarianism and liberalism and posits the extent to which political divisions could have existed in public opinion over the measures taken against COVID-19. Filled with invaluable insights through research in 13 countries, this book will appeal to readers in policy making and influencing public opinion via the Europe-Asia comparative study.

Netsuke have once again come to the fore in the popular imagination of the public. In part this is due to the phenomenal success of Edmund De Waals 2010 book, Hare with the Amber Eyes, which highlights a treasured netsuke collection that was challenged by war and the vicissitudes of time. Intricately carved from various materials including ivory, wood and metal, these small toggles served a practical purpose in Japan: a netsuke was used to fasten a mans sash, an integral part of Japanese costume. Up until the seventeenth century netsuke were relatively insignificant objects that were rarely of artistic interest, but as time passed they evolved in terms of both materials and workmanship, and were then used by men to flaunt their wealth or as an expression of status. Today netsuke are considered an art form in their own right and are prized by collectors around the world. They are found in a variety of forms and depict a wide range of subjects including figures of human and legendary form, ghosts, animals, botanical subjects and masks. Skilfully worked, these miniature carvings are of great artistic value, but they also provide a window into Japanese culture and society. This book brings together one hundred of the most beautiful and interesting netsuke from the extensive collection of the British Museum, each of which has its own special charm and story to tell. Uncovering the stories behind these netsuke and coupling them with stunning new photography, this book reveals why these tiny objects have captivated so many, the meaning they have held for those who wore them, and what they can tell us about Japanese everyday life.

Comprehensive, multidisciplinary analysis of contemporary Japan Features leading scholars from around the globe providing an insiders' view on what happened in Japan and why its significant for understanding the challenges of a nation facing stark dilemmas Delves deeply into the layers of a complex and increasingly diverse society in the context of simmering ethnonationalism, economic torpor, political stagnation and cultural dynamism One of the few volumes to provide insights from the social sciences and humanities Asia is in flux and here we examine how this is forcing Japan to question longstanding verities and values and what this portends for its future and regional relations

A research-informed pedagogical approach to L2 pragmatics helps prepare teacher learners for their daily instructional practices. A multilingual approach to instructional pragmatics that reflects today's globalization and can promote linguistic/cultural inclusiveness and legitimacy of pragmatic variation. A sociocultural view of pragmatic development that helps to develop a holistic understanding of pragmatic development and second language acquisition. An interface with peace linguistics which develops an awareness of language as a catalyst for mutual respect, compassion, and dignity. A connection between pragmatics and intercultural communication that connects the two research areas and raises an awareness of the role of pragmatics in intercultural communication.

This title was first published in 1980.

This title was first published in 1982. The authors deal with the experiences of modern women with penetrating sincerity and honesty, but their philosophic profundity in understanding modern life, their intellectual capacity to view their experience in a historical and social context, and their mastery of the art of fiction render the traditional category of 'female school literature' totally inadequate to characterize their works. Indeed, they stand at the core of modern Japanese literature as a whole.

This title was first published in 1982. The authors deal with the experiences of modern women with penetrating sincerity and honesty, but their philosophic profundity in understanding modern life, their intellectual capacity to view their experience in a historical and social context, and their mastery of the art of fiction render the traditional category of 'female school literature' totally inadequate to characterize their works. Indeed, they stand at the core of modern Japanese literature as a whole.

Bocchi and Pocchi are no ordinary pair of socks. They are the best of friends; then one night Pocchi disappears! Can these woolly friends ever find each other again? A charming and unusual tale, illustrated in soft pencil colours. Undoubtedly a modern classic.

The two socks meet an injured bird who can't fly back to her nest. Helped by a friendly spider, together with Grandma mouse, the two socks eventually manage to help the bird to their home and a place in their cosy sock drawer. And when they awake in the morning they find some unexpected guests have arrived

Computer graphics is a vast field that is becoming larger every day. It is impossible to cover every topic of interest, even within a specialization such as CG rendering. For many years, Noriko Kurachi has reported on the latest developments for Japanese readers in her monthly column for CG World. Being something of a pioneer herself, she selected topics that represented original and promising new directions for research. Many of these novel ideas are the topics covered in The Magic of Computer Graphics. Starting from the basic behavior of light, the first section of the book introduces the most useful techniques for global and local illumination using geometric descriptions of an environment. The second section goes on to describe image-based techniques that rely on captured data to do their magic. In the final section, the author looks at the synthesis of these two complementary approaches and what they mean for the future of computer graphics.

Peer Interaction and Second Language Learning synthesizes the existing body of research on the role of peer interaction in second language learning in one comprehensive volume. In spite of the many hours that language learners spend interacting with peers in the classroom, there is a tendency to evaluate the usefulness of this time by comparison to whole class interaction with the teacher. Yet teachers are teachers and peers are peers as partners in interaction, they are likely to offer very different kinds of learning opportunities. This book encourages researchers and instructors alike to take a new look at the potential of peer interaction to foster second language development. Acknowledging the context of peer interaction as highly dynamic and complex, the book considers the strengths and limitations of peer work from a range of theoretical perspectives. In doing so, "Peer Interaction and Second Language Learning "clarifies features of effective peer interaction for second language learning across a range of educational contexts, age spans, proficiency levels, and classroom tasks and settings.

Peer Interaction and Second Language Learning synthesizes the existing body of research on the role of peer interaction in second language learning in one comprehensive volume. In spite of the many hours that language learners spend interacting with peers in the classroom, there is a tendency to evaluate the usefulness of this time by comparison to whole class interaction with the teacher. Yet teachers are teachers and peers are peers as partners in interaction, they are likely to offer very different kinds of learning opportunities. This book encourages researchers and instructors alike to take a new look at the potential of peer interaction to foster second language development. Acknowledging the context of peer interaction as highly dynamic and complex, the book considers the strengths and limitations of peer work from a range of theoretical perspectives. In doing so, "Peer Interaction and Second Language Learning "clarifies features of effective peer interaction for second language learning across a range of educational contexts, age spans, proficiency levels, and classroom tasks and settings.

Japanese: A Comprehensive Grammar is a complete reference guide to modern Japanese grammar. Accessible and systematic, it explores the complexities of the language thoroughly, filling many gaps left by other textbooks. Clear grammar points are put in context using examples from a range of Japanese media. The emphasis is firmly on contemporary Japanese as spoken and written by native speakers. Key features of the book include: coverage of colloquial and standard Japanese extensive cross-referencing detailed index of Japanese and English terms up-to-date real examples of current usage greater emphasis on structures that learners find particularly confusing glossary of linguistic terms. Written by experts in their fields, Japanese: A Comprehensive Grammar will prove a lasting and reliable resource for all learners of Japanese.

This study examines one aspect of American women's professionalization and the implications of the cross-cultural dialogue between American woman missionaries and Japanese students and supporters at Kobe College between 1873 and 1909.

This innovative advanced level course in Japanese teaches appropriate language use in real life situations. With an emphasis on listening and speaking skills, the course takes a descriptive approach, demonstrating the variations that exist among Japanese speakers. Authentic sample dialogues demonstrate a range of generally preferred language uses, giving the student the tools to communicate in an effective and culturally appropriate manner.

Organized according to frequently used functions of speech, such as requesting, apologizing, refusing and thanking and complimenting, Advanced Japanese presents commonly-used expressions and typical speech routines, providing the learner with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their usage within the social context.

Advanced Japanese: Communication in Context not only introduces commonly-used formulaic expressions, but also teaches learners how Japanese speakers assess crucial contextual factors such as relative social status, level of familiarity, and content of speech as they interpret a message and use language to convey their intentions.

Key features of the textbook include:

• exercises throughout, including core and optional activities
• self-assessment section in each chapter
• unit summaries, grammar notes and role-play activities
• a separate Teacher s Guide which fully supports the textbook featuring extensive notes and guidance also available through the companion website.

Key features of the companion website include:

• complete audio files to accompany all dialogues within the textbook
• optional extra activities for students wishing to progress beyond the textbook
• teacher's guide downloadable in both Japanese and English.

Advanced Japanese: Communication in Context is the ideal resource for all intermediate to advanced learners of Japanese. The course is also an invaluable tool for anyone involved in the teaching of Japanese language.

Noriko Ishihara is Associate Professor of EFL/TESOL at Hosei University, Japan.

Magara Maeda teaches Japanese at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, USA.

Contents:
1. Introduction
2. American Women at Home: The Woman's Board of Missions of the Interior and American Women Missionaries to Japan
3. Missionary Work Launched: Kobe Home, 1873-1877, the Founding Years
4. A Transition to Education as a Profession: Kobe Home to Kobe Girls' School, 1877-1882
5. Missionary Aspirations for Higher Education: Kobe Girls' School to Kobe College, 1883-1909
Epilogue: The Dissolution of Women's Authority: Kobe College, 1910-1927
Appendix
Tables
Bibliography

This innovative advanced level course in Japanese teaches appropriate language use in real life situations. With an emphasis on listening and speaking skills, the course takes a descriptive approach, demonstrating the variations that exist among Japanese speakers. Authentic sample dialogues demonstrate a range of generally preferred language uses, giving the student the tools to communicate in an effective and culturally appropriate manner. Organized according to frequently used functions of speech, such as requesting, apologizing, refusing and thanking and complimenting, Advanced Japanese presents commonly-used expressions and typical speech routines, providing the learner with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their usage within the social context. Advanced Japanese: Communication in Context not only introduces commonly-used formulaic expressions, but also teaches learners how Japanese speakers assess crucial contextual factors such as relative social status, level of familiarity, and content of speech as they interpret a message and use language to convey their intentions. Key features of the textbook include: exercises throughout, including core and optional activities self-assessment section in each chapter unit summaries, grammar notes and role-play activities a separate Teacher s Guide which fully supports the textbook featuring extensive notes and guidance also available through the companion website. Key features of the companion website include: complete audio files to accompany all dialogues within the textbook optional extra activities for students wishing to progress beyond the textbook teacher's guide downloadable in both Japanese and English. Advanced Japanese: Communication in Context is the ideal resource for all intermediate to advanced learners of Japa

This title was first published in 1980. In twentieth century Japanese literature, the opposition and interaction of realism and romanticism on the level of literary concepts, and of Marxism and aestheticism (including, in part, modernism) on the level of literary ideology, supplies a most vital basis for writers searching for new methods of literary expression, fostering debates among the writers and creating the setting for active experimentation with style, form and language. This study is a result of an extended stay in the United States by the author who turned increasingly toward questioning and evaluating my own relation to Japan's literary heritage. For Japanese who have witnessed (at least intellectually) the violent attraction to and rejection of foreign cultures of many of their predecessors in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras, and their final, often sentimental and abstract, glorification of the Japanese cultural heritage, nihon kaiki (return to Japan) still presents enormously complex intellectual as well as emotional problems.

This is a translation of Dobutsu no sorei, a collection of short stories by award-winning scriptwriter-poet turned fiction writer, Tomioka Taeko. In an objective style reminiscent of Japanese puppet theater, Tomioka deconstructs the discourse of the nuclear family and heterosexuality in gendered Japanese culture. Her stories focus on ordinary people who take life as it comes, living from day to day without the intervention of ego or rationalization, unfettered by introspection or a search for life's ultimate meaning. The stories are disturbing, moving, and compelling.

The first collection of short stories by award-winning scriptwriter-poet turned fiction writer, Tomioka Taeko. In an objective style reminiscent of Japanese puppet theater, Taeko deconstructs the discourse of the nuclear family and heterosexuality in gendered Japanese culture. Her stories focus on ordinary people who take life as it comes, living from day to day without the intervention of ego or rationalization, unfettered by introspection or a search for life's ultimate meaning. The stories are disturbing, moving and compelling to read.