During World War II, Japan lost many of its national monuments and ancient works of art, the authors explain. In the industrialization that followed many of the age-old traditions of artisans were disappearing. In response, during the 1950s the country began to honor “elders who had devoted their lives to traditional crafts and performing arts….Today, over one hundred men and women have been given the title Bearers of Important Intangible Cultural Assets.” Six of those individuals, all of who are male, are profiled here: a yuzen dyer, a bamboo weaver, a bunraku puppet master, a sword maker, a noh actor, and a potter. Each of the profiles includes background on the artform as well as information on how the artisan took up his craft and his philosophy with regard to his art. Color photographs of the artists (all of who are male) at work also accompany the portraits of these individuals who embody “the spirit of Japan’s unique culture.” (Ages 10-14)

After World War II the Japanese government designated as Living National Treasures men and women who had devoted their lives to traditional Japanese crafts and performing arts. For this superlative book the authors visited six of these extraordinary artists, then blended a brief, illuminating text with color photographs, calligraphy, and illustrated sections to convey the essence of each art form. Readers will visit backstage at a Bunraku puppet theater, learn how the famous Japanese swords are made, and much more!

2000 Notable Children's Books (ALA), Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, and National Council for SS & Child. Book Council, Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council