I have always held such fascination with Japanese culture and the arts. The Japanese-Americans I have known have a level of self-discipline unlike Western peoples, especially in the arts and music. Japan has a long history of striving toward perfection and perfect control, along with behaving with honor, as exemplified with Bushido and Samurai warriors. Unfortunately, westernization has probably influenced the culture in a negastive aspect and our perceptions as to Japanese ethics may not be quite correct, as Michael Crichton's Rising Sun (see below) points out. But, as in all nationalities there are always those who behave properly and those who do not.

Nonetheless, the Japanese have made an undeniable contribution to history and modern society. Their art works are sublime, and at least at one time, their technology and automobiles were second to none. Of all the non-English speaking countries, the amount of books and resouirces I own related to Japan is topped only by those of France (and it's really pretty darn close). So here, on this index, I present you with gorgeous works of art and design, and some wonderful reading materials. Enjoy!