{"title":"Books","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"donabe-by-naoko-moore-kyle-connaughton","title":"DONABE by Naoko Moore \u0026 Kyle Connaughton","description":"\u003cp\u003eA great, great cookbook.  One that you like to bring to bed with you and peruse and imagine what you are going make in your donabe (clay-pot) ffor your next dinner party or comforting delicious meal just for you.  Naoko Moore is a master of donabe cooking and has joined forces with California chef Kyle Connaughton to give us delicious, yet so doable donabe recipes.  The recipes for the  dipping sauces are reason enough to bring this one home.  And the fact that Naoko will help you map our your next donabe purchase.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLots of beautiful photographs so you can see what you are making.  And filled with many practical tips of how to care for your donabe along with the history of how they are made. We think it is a must have book for all donabe owners.  We love it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can try Japanese home-style recipes such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizzling Tofu and Mushrooms in Miso Sauce  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDashi-Rich Shabu-Shabu \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteam-Fried Black Cod with Crisp Potatoes, Leeks (CA inspired)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWalnut-Nori Pesto or Smoked Duck Breast with Creamy Wasabi–Green Onion Dipping Sauce (CA inspired) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe couldn't have said it better than Morgan Spurlock:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot product-about 9781607746997 isbn-related seemoreenable show opened\" id=\"seemore-0\" height-fold=\"377\" target-height=\"455\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"overview\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"clearfix\"\u003e“Donabe represents so much more than simply cooking food. It’s the creation of an experience that is completely unique, one that brings together the people you love in a moment that not only will satisfy your appetite, but nourishes your soul. This book will feed your spirit for years to come.”\u003cbr\u003e-Morgan Spurlock, Filmmaker, Foodie \u0026amp; Donabe Enthusiast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-link-wrap opened\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ūmei Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3876031627287,"sku":"","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/donabe_cookbook_naoko_moore.jpg?v=1600301979"},{"product_id":"how-they-decorated-by-gaye-tapp","title":"How They Decorated by Gaye Tapp","description":"","brand":"Ūmei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":3877990531095,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_6f79f73a-d5a3-4654-b7be-211de354a18e.png?v=1665581320"},{"product_id":"ikigai-the-japanese-secret-to-a-long-and-happy-life","title":"Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life","description":"\u003cp\u003eIkigai By Héctor García and Francesc Miralles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.\" --Japanese proverb According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai--a reason for living. The authors of IKIGAI interviewed more than 100 residents of the Japanese village with the world's highest percentage of 100-year-olds and found that their well-being was attributed largely to ikigai. Having a strong sense of ikigai--the place where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect--means that each day is infused with meaning. It's the reason we get up in the morning. It's also the reason many Japanese never really retire: They remain active and work at what they enjoy, because they've found a real purpose in life--the happiness of always being busy. IKIGAI reveals the secrets to longevity and happiness of the world's longest-living people: how they eat, how they move, how they work, how they foster collaboration and community, and--their best-kept secret--how they find the ikigai that brings satisfaction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12899909042199,"sku":"","price":19.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/Image946_0f3b4ec4-0d84-45ce-ac1a-f09424e3e928.jpg?v=1755201380"},{"product_id":"wabi-sabi","title":"Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets \u0026 Philosophers","description":"\u003cp\u003eBack in at Ūmei!  An updated version of the 1994 book by Leonard Koren that first introduced the concept of wabi-sabi to the west.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWabi-Sabi is the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. It is a beauty of modest and humble. It is a beauty of things unconventional… \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA thought provoking book, and more importantly a treasured way of thinking from Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeonard Koren trained as an artist and architect, writes books about design and aesthetics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30141310173207,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2024-08-29at9.38.39PM.png?v=1724985587"},{"product_id":"harumi-s-home-cooking","title":"Harumi’s Home Cooking","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Japanese cookbook, so good.  Harumi is like the Ina Gartner of Japan.  Multiple cookbooks, a TV show, why?  Because she makes great food that people can really make and enjoy.  She is super cute and charming too.  Her homecoming is a great cookbook.   Bring it to bed and think about adding ideas to your \"what am I going to make\" list or of course sit at your table and read it. It is an enjoyable read anywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOishii pics too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ūmei Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32205086785594,"sku":"","price":36.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_0a0a65c0-34b6-47e5-b59c-7750be722c9b.jpg?v=1607692501"},{"product_id":"everything-she-touched-the-life-of-ruth-asawa","title":"Everything She Touched | The Life of Ruth Asawa","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEverything She Touched\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e tells \u003c\/span\u003ethe incredible life story of the American sculptor Ruth Asawa.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is the story of a woman who wielded imagination and hope in the face of intolerance and who transformed everything she touched into art. In this compelling biography, author Marilyn Chase brings Asawa's story to vivid life. She draws on Asawa's extensive archives and weaves together many voices—family, friends, teachers, and critics—to offer a complex and fascinating portrait of the artist.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorn in California in 1926, Ruth Asawa grew from a farmer's daughter to a celebrated sculptor. She survived adolescence in the World War II Japanese-American internment camps and attended the groundbreaking art school at Black Mountain College. Asawa then went on to develop her signature hanging-wire sculptures, create iconic urban installations, revolutionize arts education in her adopted hometown of San Francisco, fight through lupus, and defy convention to nurture a multiracial family.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA richly visual volume with over 60 reproductions of Asawa's art and archival photos of her life (including portraits shot by her friend, the celebrated photographer Imogen Cunningham)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocuments Asawa's transformative touch—most notably by turning wire—the material of the internment camp fences—into sculptures\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthor Marilyn Chase mined Asawa's letters, diaries, sketches, and photos and conducted interviews with those who knew her to tell this inspiring story.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuth Asawa forged an unconventional path in everything she did—whether raising a multiracial family of six children, founding a high school dedicated to the arts, or pursuing her own practice independent of the New York art market.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHer beloved fountains are now San Francisco icons, and her signature hanging-wire sculptures grace the MoMA, de Young, Getty, Whitney, and many more museums and galleries across America.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are some reviews that just reinforce what an interesting book this is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Undulating in form and almost dreamy in effect, the famous lantern-like sculptures of Ruth Asawa have been recognizable for decades. But Asawa’s life is as rich in detail and twisting in path as any one of these designs, as this new biography by Marilyn Chase makes clear.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e—Architectural Digest\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eonline\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eEverything She Touched\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ereveals the emotional life and personal trials of a social pathbreaker and civic leader. Author Marilyn Chase connects the barbed wire and dispossession of Asawa’s early life to the artist’s transformative approach to spooled metal, and intimately conveys the teeming creative life inside her home studio as it filled with six children. The most pronounced through line is Asawa’s deliberately interwoven family and art practice.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e—KQED Arts\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tempting as it is to view Asawa’s life as an artistic rags-to-riches parable, the story is far more shaded and nuanced. That rich narrative emerges in a scrupulously researched and lucidly written new book\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eEverything She Touched: The Life of Ruth Asawa\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eby Marilyn Chase.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e—San Francisco Chronicle\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Marilyn Chase fascinates readers with the varied chapters of Ruth Asawa’s engrossing life including her adolescence spent in a Japanese internment camp, her work as an art teacher, her role in a multiracial family raising six children, her friendships with artists like photographer Imogen Cunningham and her reverence for Mexican basket makers, who provided the inspiration for her unique wire sculptures.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e—Smithsonian Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"A fitting homage to this remarkable woman.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e—The Wall Street Journal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Chase’s biography offers a comprehensive—and visual—look into the life of iconic Japanese-American sculptor Ruth Asawa.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e—Bust online\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Ruth Asawa’s vision shaped the artistic landscapes of public and private spaces, but it is her enduring legacy of life, love, and family that truly inspires. Through the prisms of grief and glory, Chase weaves Asawa’s unique history into a compelling and sensitive portrait of a genius whose beauty would not be denied.”\u003cbr\u003e—Vivienne Schiffer, author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCamp Nine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand producer and co-director of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRelocation, Arkansas: Aftermath of Incarceration\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Thoroughly researched and engaging,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eEverything She Touched\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003egives context to the tumultuous times Ruth Asawa lived through and the forces that shaped her artistic vision and her generous unassuming spirit. On so many levels, Marilyn Chase’s book made me admire Ruth Asawa even more than I did already.”\u003cbr\u003e—Delphine Hirasuna, author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942–1946\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Art world recognition for Ruth Asawa keeps climbing higher and, now,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eEverything She Touched\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eby Marilyn Chase arrives to tell Asawa’s amazing life story. Full of documents and fantastic photos—especially those by Imogen Cunningham—we can admire the magic of her sculpture and beauty as a person.”\u003cbr\u003e—Harry S. Parker III, former director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"By Marilyn Chase","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39274640605242,"sku":"","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_c328c9a4-c069-4270-b52b-f62a59b69262.png?v=1616355942"},{"product_id":"elements-of-home-curious-histories-behind-everday-household-objects-from-pillows-to-forks-by-amy-azzarito","title":"Elements of Home- Curious Histories behind Everday Household Objects, from Pillows to Forks | by Amy Azzarito","description":"\u003cp\u003eA good book for those are just curious about the history or meaning behind the objects in your home.  We think it is just an interesting book, fun to share bits of knowledge around the dinner table or your next coffee meet up. It is a perfect givt for anyone who loves history, design or decor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are also looking for a Japanese version of this book too, because we think so many of you would find the meaning behind kotatsu also entertaining.  If you know of one, please let us know.  |\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39274684907578,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_bb0fd519-c783-4955-9052-4d02fafcac26.png?v=1616359342"},{"product_id":"the-finer-things-timeless-furniture-textiles-details","title":"The Finer Things | Timeless Furniture, Textiles \u0026 Details","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe enjoy perusing this fine book so much about fine things, we had to have it to have for our coffee table.  We thought some of you might enjoy it too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional yet modern, foreward by Miles Redd.  Filled with pics you may have bookmarked already and lots of lists, tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat gift for your design minded, loves interior friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBTW the cover is not stamped gold, just a picture of gold, we still think it is beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39441370153018,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/thefinerthings.jpg?v=1632960410"},{"product_id":"back-to-japan-the-life-and-art-of-master-kimono-painter-kunihiko-moriguchi-by-marc-petitjean","title":"BACK TO JAPAN the Life and Art of Master Kimono Maker Painter KUNIHIKO MORIGUCHI by Marc Petitjean","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-author-spotlights\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA great book for Japan, art, design, textile and\/or textile enthusiasts. Written by critically acclaimed author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris\u003c\/em\u003e, a fascinating, intimate portrait of one of Japan’s most influential and respected textile artists, Kuniko Moriguchi.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWriter, filmmaker, and photographer Marc Petitjean finds himself in Kyoto one fine morning with his camera, to film a man who will become his friend: Kunihiko Moriguchi, a master kimono painter and Living National Treasure—like his father before him.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAs a young decorative arts student in the 1960s, Moriguchi rubbed shoulders with the cultural elite of Paris and befriended Balthus, who would profoundly influence his artistic career. Discouraged by Balthus from pursuing design in Europe, he returned to Japan to take up his father’s vocation. Once back in this world of tradition he had tried to escape, Moriguchi contemporized the craft of Yūzen (resist dyeing) through his innovative use of abstraction in patterns. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a documentarian’s keen eye, Petitjean retraces Moriguchi’s remarkable life, from his childhood during the turbulent 1940s and 50s marked by war, to his prime as an artist with works exhibited in the most prestigious museums in the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"desktop-praise\" data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" id=\"desktop-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" id=\"desktop-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39443302350906,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2024-05-02at3.17.33PM.png?v=1714681096"},{"product_id":"tado-ando-endeavors","title":"Tado Ando: Endeavors","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"book-meta pb-3\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis book showcases recent houses by the world-renowned Japanese minimalist architect, offering unprecedented access to his thought process through more than 100 photographs, line drawings, sketches, and plans.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTadao Ando is one of the best-known and most influential contemporary architects with a minimalistic aesthetic and love of natural materials like glass and concrete--proof that less is more. This volume features ten houses and examines his approach to these designs. Viewed as a collection, these houses serve to demonstrate the wide range of Ando's prodigious genius through lavish and striking photographs. Characteristics of his work include large expanses of unadorned architectural concrete walls combined with wooden or stone floors and large windows. He uses simple methods to solve complicated and small spaces and turns them into spaces with breathtaking landscapes.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith precise and beautiful photographs accompanied by Tadao Ando's sketches, drawings, and plans, this volume presents several unseen and little published works, from the Bosco Studio and House facing the Pacific Ocean in Oaxaca, Mexico (2014)to a penthouse in Manhattan for a Japanese collector, completed in 2019.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"book-meta pb-3\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"secondary-header mb-2\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout The Author\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePhilip Jodidio\u003c\/b\u003e studied art history and economics at Harvard before moving to Paris, where he was editor in chief of the French art monthly \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eConnaissance des Arts\u003c\/i\u003e from 1980 to 2002. Jodidio has written more than 100 books about contemporary architecture and art. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBorn in Osaka, Japan, \u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTadao Ando\u003c\/b\u003e is one of the most renowned contemporary Japanese architects. In 1969 he established Tadao Ando Architect \u0026amp; Associates. Among the many awards Ando has received are the Pritzker Prize and the Kyoto Prize. Ando has held solo exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39443329384506,"sku":"","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_304f98e8-3e8d-4b0a-91f2-d673f417a746.jpg?v=1633270069"},{"product_id":"life-ceremony-by-sayaka-murata","title":"Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata","description":"","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39729986207802,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2025-02-18at9.42.25PM.png?v=1739936575"},{"product_id":"convenience-store-woman","title":"Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe have committed ourselves to bringing you the best in Japanese fiction.  Here is a cult classic, the story of a 36 year old convenience store clerk in Tokyo, Keiko Furukawa. Quirky, thought provoking and an unlikely hero. We loved her plain speaking, matter of fact voice, with a passion for doing doing her best at work from loudly welcoming customers into the store to building displays but she begins to ask questions, why do people care about her marital status when she makes acquaintances with a new deadbeat co-worker.  We are not sure we can call it a friendship?  See what others have to say.  We give it two thumbs up!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“In Sayaka Murata’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eConvenience Store Woman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, a small, elegant and deadpan novel, a woman senses that society finds her strange, so she culls herself from the herd before anyone else can do it . . . Casts a fluorescent spell . . . A thrifty and offbeat exploration of what we must each leave behind to participate in the world.”—Dwight Garner, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"display: inline !important;\"\u003e“The novel borrows from Gothic romance, in its pairing of the human and the alluringly, dangerously \u003cem\u003enot.\u003c\/em\u003e It is a love story, in other words, about a misfit and a store . . . Keiko’s self-renunciations reveal the book to be a kind of grim post-capitalist reverie: she is an anti-Bartleby, abandoning any shred of identity outside of her work . . . It may make readers anxious, but the book itself is tranquil—dreamy, even—rooting for its employee-store romance from the bottom of its synthetic heart.”—Katy Waldman, \u003cem\u003eNew Yorker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"display: inline !important;\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"display: inline !important;\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Alienation gets deliciously perverse treatment in \u003cem\u003eConvenience Store Woman\u003c\/em\u003e . . . Murata herself spent years as a convenience store employee. And one pleasure of this book is her detailed portrait of how such a place actually works. Yet the book’s true brilliance lies in Murata’s way of subverting our expectations . . . With bracing good humor . . . Murata celebrate[s] the quiet heroism of women who accept the cost of being themselves.”—John Powers, NPR “Fresh Air”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Keiko, a defiantly oddball 36-year-old woman, has worked in a dead-end job as a convenience store cashier in Tokyo for half her life. She lives alone and has never been in a romantic relationship, or even had sex. And she is perfectly happy with all of it . . . Written in plain-spoken prose, the slim volume focuses on a character who in many ways personifies a demographic panic in Japan.”—Motoko Rich, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times \u003c\/em\u003e(profile)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“As intoxicating as a sake mojito, Sayaka Murata’s \u003cem\u003eConvenience Store Woman\u003c\/em\u003e is a rare treat: a literary prize-winner that’s also a page-turner. Its heroine, Keiko, is an 18-year-old Tokyo misfit who yearns to be like everyone else. Then she lands a job at Hiiromachi Station Smile Mart, one of those enchanting Japanese wonderlands that are equal parts 7-Eleven, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. As Keiko finds liberation in the self-effacing rituals of being a good convenience store employee, Murata offers a smart, deliciously perverse look at everything from how mini-marts actually work to the rules, many of them invisible, that ultimately define our identity. And because the book is bracingly brief, you can down it in one afternoon gulp.”—John Powers, \u003cem\u003eVogue\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e“It’s the novel’s cumulative, idiosyncratic poetry that lingers, attaining a weird, fluorescent kind of beauty all of its own. The world of the store with its dented cans and rice balls and barcodes and scanners, and Keiko’s shivery, unashamedly sensual response as a ‘convenience store animal’ who can ‘hear the store’s voice telling me what it wanted, how it wanted to be.’ The book’s title is more than perfect, for this, you soon realize, is a love story. Keiko’s love story: the convenience is all hers.”—Julie Myerson, \u003c\/span\u003eGuardian\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39729988141114,"sku":"","price":13.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2025-02-18at9.07.50PM.png?v=1739934493"},{"product_id":"kitchen-by-banana-yoshimoto","title":"Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanana Yoshimoto’s novels have created a sensation in Japan and all over the world. With the publication of \u003cem\u003eKitchen\u003c\/em\u003e, the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent and great passion whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanana Yoshimoto’s \u003cem\u003eKitchen\u003c\/em\u003e is a timeless, enchantingly original and deeply affecting book that juxtaposes two tales about mothers, love, tragedy, and the power of the kitchen and home in the lives of a pair of free-spirited young women in contemporary Japan. Mikage, the heroine of “Kitchen,” is an orphan raised by her grandmother, who has passed away. Grieving, Mikaga is taken in by her friend Yoichi and his mother (who is really his cross-dressing father) Eriko. As the three of them form an improvised family that soon weathers its own tragic losses, Yoshimoto spins a lovely, evocative tale with the kitchen and the comforts of home at its heart. In a whimsical style that recalls the early Marguerite Duras, “Kitchen” and its companion story, “Moonlight Shadow,” are elegant tales whose seeming simplicity is the ruse of a very special writer whose voice echoes in the mind and the soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat people are saying about Kitchen \u0026amp; Banana Yoshimoto\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Ms. Yoshimoto’s writing is lucid, earnest and disarming, as emotionally observant as Jane Smiley’s, as fluently readable as Anne Tyler’s. . . . [It] seizes hold of the reader’s sympathy and refuses to let go.” –Michiko Kakutani, \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e“Banana Yoshimoto is a master storyteller. . . . The sensuality is subtle, masked, and extraordinarily powerful. The language is deceptively simple.” –\u003cem\u003eChicago Tribune\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e“Yoshimoto shouldn’t be shy about basking in her celebrity. 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This landmark volume celebrates a curated selection of 200 colours (\u003ci\u003eiro\u003c\/i\u003e in Japanese), with each \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003etraditional\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e shade illustrated by one or more items – ranging from 16th-century kimonos to contemporary chairs, humble kitchen utensils to precious ceramics –\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eproviding a unique route to a deeper appreciation of Japanese design. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExpertly bound\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ein a traditional Japanese style, this stunning book is a beautiful design object in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eown right and is a must-have for all lovers of design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe author, \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eRossella Menegazzo is Associate Professor of the History of East Asian Art at the University of Milan, with a PhD in Oriental Studies from Ca’ Foscari University, Venice. She is the author of numerous texts on Japanese photography, graphic design, and traditional \u003ci\u003eukiyo-e\u003c\/i\u003e art, and curator of several exhibitions. Menegazzo is a regular contributor to national newspapers in Italy, writing articles on Japanese culture and art. In 2017 she was appointed with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation. Menegazzo is the co-author of Phaidon's bestselling \u003cem\u003eWa: The Essence of Japanese Design\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e8.07 x 1.06 x 10.63 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39745883209786,"sku":"","price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/IMG-3725.jpg?v=1743377799"},{"product_id":"wa-the-essence-of-japanese-design","title":"WA, The Essence of Japanese Design","description":"\u003cp\u003eThrough some 300 objects this book explores contemporary Japanese design: from everyday objects and packaging to interior design and lighting elements. Ultimately the book aims to explore the way in which Japanese design manages to harness its materials – whether natural or synthetic – and at the same time combines respect for tradition with forward-thinking and experimentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe objects featured were chosen because of their strong Japanese character and the influence this 'Japaneseness' has had on Western culture. Rather than following a chronological order or concentrating on the designers, this book focuses on the objects and is categorized by material, highlighting the strong link between design and material in Japan. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere will be a general introduction and then each section will have its own individual introduction:  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e - Wood, Bamboo \u0026amp; Lacquer  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e - Paper  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e - Metal \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e - Fabric \u0026amp; Textiles \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e - Ceramic  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e - Synthetic\/new materials\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book will include examples from some of the most important Japanese designers from Sori Yanagi and Shiro Kuramata to Naoto Fukasawa and Tokujin Yoshioka and there will be an introductory essay about Japanese design by Kenya Hara.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8.07 x 1.06 x 10.63 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"...Explores the beauty, essence, and enduring impact of Japanese design... Printed on craft paper and bound in the traditional Japanese style with a stitched spine and folded pages, the book itself is an art masterpiece.\"—\u003cem\u003eChopsticks Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"For those unfamiliar with the Japanese term 'wa', it can be loosely translated to mean 'harmony.' The concept can be seen in many ways in Japanese culture; in this book it's defined through 250 objects - from a 16th century bamboo case to a 1950s Isamu Noguchi table to a modern-day silk robe by Kenzo. What you can be sure of: everything chosen for the book is beautifully designed - right down to the utilitarian Kikkoman soy sauce bottle.\"—\u003cem\u003eThe New York Post\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I used to be a graphic designer, so I think books as objects, like Phaidon's \u003cem\u003eWA: The Essence of Japanese Design\u003c\/em\u003e, make exceptional gifts. Intricately bound, it showcases a collection of Japanese products, from food to ceramics.\"—\u003cem\u003eDuJour (Denmark)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Menegazzo and Piotti distill centuries of the wabi-wabi way of life in this elegantly curated photograph album of everyday items... While minimalism might not be everyone's cup of green tea, those with the desire to pare down will surely find inspiration.\"—\u003cem\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Exquisite... As an object itself, as well as a fantastic book that will further the knowledge and understanding of the sublime beauty of Japanese design.\"—\u003cem\u003eWendy Goodman, \"New York\" magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"...A beautiful compendium... What a shogun started in the 15th century still has currency today.\"—\u003cem\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe authors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRossella Menegazzo\u003cspan\u003e is Associate Professor of History of East Asian Art at the Università degli Studi of Milan. She completed her PhD Course in Oriental Studies at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in 2009, with a dissertation on Japanese art history and photography. She has curated several events and exhibitions and is the author of numerous texts on Japanese photography, graphic design and ukiyoe. She is a regular contributor to a number of national newspapers, writing articles on Japanese culture and art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStefania Piotti\u003cspan\u003e received her BA in East Asian studies from Ca' Foscari University of Venice specializing in Japanese textiles and the development of kimono design and patterns in particular. She has worked as translator and scientific coordinator in various exhibitions on Japanese art and as editor of Italian and English publications such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eImai. 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Featuring twenty-eight exemplary residences around Japan – from urban apartments to mountain and seaside escapes – the book showcases aspirational minimalist homes alongside functional live\/work spaces and traditional historic dwellings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout, Iida demonstrates the enduring philosophy of integrating the natural landscape into the home, and details the influences and continuing evolution of Japanese interior design. The book also showcases homes designed by some of Japan's top architects, such as Kengo Kuma, nendo, Koji Fujii, Arata Endo, and Takamitsu Azuma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFormat: Hardback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: 270 × 205 mm (10 5\/8 × 8 1\/8 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePages: 256 pp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrations: 180 illustrations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39748710072378,"sku":null,"price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/IMG-0726.jpg?v=1714684194"},{"product_id":"the-japanese-garden","title":"The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTake a look at this in-depth exploration spanning 800 years of the art, essence, and enduring impact of the Japanese garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is the most comprehensive exploration of the art of the Japanese garden published to date, this book covers more than eight centuries of the history of this important genre. Author and garden designer Sophie Walker brings fresh insight to this subject, exploring the Japanese garden in detail through a series of essays and with 100 featured gardens, ranging from ancient Shinto shrines to imperial gardens and contemporary Zen designs. Leading artists, architects, and other cultural practitioners offer personal perspectives in newly commissioned essays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere's a bit about the author Sophie Walker, In 2014 Sophie Walker became the youngest woman to design a garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Having studied art history, Sophie later qualified in horticulture, plant science, and garden design. Based in London, she practises globally. In addition to designing gardens, Sophie lectures on conceptual design, the Japanese garden, planting, and the garden environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere are some reviews for the Japanese Garden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\"There are many books that have been written on Japanese gardens, on their beauty, their philosophy and their history. What is so significant\/exceptional about Sophie's book is the way in which her essays unveil the very contemporary relevance of the subject. I love her writing; she brings the ancient art of these gardens into the context of today.\"—\u003cem\u003eLuciano Giubbilei, garden designer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Sophie Walker: a name to watch.\" —\u003cem\u003eIndependent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The act of seeing, and the concentration of seeing, takes an effort. The gardens impose that effort on you if you want to see them. It's another way of ordering your vision, and it slows down your vision.\" —\u003cem\u003eRichard Serra\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Japanese gardens present a world that is profoundly un-human. The driving principle is not anthropocentricism, but rather keeping in step with the providence of the universe.\" —\u003cem\u003eLee Ufan\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Japanese Garden\u003c\/em\u003e offers an explanation of the semantic foundations of Japanese garden design... The book could act as a very good alternative guide to an ambitious horticultural trip. Rather, however, Walker's point is that we should embrace the ethos of Japanese gardening – that it exists to transport our minds and build our inner worlds, rather than be used to expand our experience of what is around us – and channel that appreciation of nature into garden design... Japanese gardening isn't so alien, as anyone who has found connection and peace in their garden will know. As Walker says: \"Many a great thought has occurred while weeding the garden\". In Japan, the gardens are designed to encourage those who admire them to think, too.\"—\u003cem\u003eThe Daily Telegraph, Gardening\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"An incredible ode to the beauty and tranquillity of the country's gardening tradition... Will make you want to book a flight to Kyoto immediately.\"—\u003cem\u003eAnOthermag.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"A beautiful book.\"—\u003cem\u003eSpectator\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Just leafing through Sophie Walker's \u003cem\u003eThe Japanese Garden\u003c\/em\u003e brings a feeling of calm and tranquillity... Walker covers their history and meaning, unravelling a little of their mystery.\"—\u003cem\u003eThe Sunday Times, Home: Gardening\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Packed with over 300 images and poetic prose, \u003cem\u003eThe Japanese Garden\u003c\/em\u003e takes you on a journey... This isn't just a book for keen gardeners, it's a source of art and design ideas and concepts for anyone in need of inspiration and visual stimulation.\"—\u003cem\u003eAmuse-i-d.vice.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"A well researched and thorough book, offering fresh insights into the art, culture and aesthetics of the Japanese garden. The gardens featured have been carefully curated... The reader is taken on a journey of discovery through thought-provoking writing and beautiful imagery... [Sophie Walker] is passionate about her subject and the reader will find much of interest in her scholarly writing... This beautifully designed book will certainly open the reader's eyes to the cultural wonder that is the Japanese garden.\"—\u003cem\u003eRecklessGardener.co.uk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Japanese Garden\u003c\/em\u003e isn't just filled with beautiful photographs but it traces 100 years of Japanese gardening history... Amazing photographs.\"—\u003cem\u003eMonocle.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This engaging book examines more than 90 magnificent gardens spanning 1,200 years of design. It offers fresh insight into the art of the Japanese garden.\" —\u003cem\u003eTown \u0026amp; Country online\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Recommended reading for potting shed and armchair... Even if it did not contain original essays by Tadao Ando, John Pawson and Anish Kapoor, this would a superior book... A must for anyone serious about the topic.\" —\u003cem\u003eDaily Telegraph, Gardening\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39748710268986,"sku":"","price":63.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_bbb21b64-836c-4e35-a939-1b2897edb85b.jpg?v=1665874116"},{"product_id":"yayoi-kusama-covered-everything-in-dots-wasn-t-sorry","title":"Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots \u0026 Wasn’t Sorry","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA clever, quirky book about one of the world's most beloved contemporary artists - aimed at young readers and written from Kusama's point of view! However we think it can delight free spirits of all ages.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYayoi Kusama covers her paintings in hundreds and hundreds of dots. Her dots come off her canvases to cover dresses, tables, walls, and more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe creates mirrored rooms and fills them with glittering balls and lights, until there is an infinity of dots - just like in her paintings. Fausto Gilberti brings movement, life, and whimsy to the true life story of one of the most important contemporary Japanese artists of our time - an artist who is still dazzling museum- and gallery-goers around the globe today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39778523676730,"sku":null,"price":14.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_5963042b-c8ba-4048-a783-19878dd9294c.png?v=1668440233"},{"product_id":"yayoi-kusama-tatehata-hoptman-kulterman-and-taft","title":"YAYOI KUSAMA: Tatehata, Hoptman, Kulterman, and Taft","description":"\u003cp\u003eA treasure to have in your collection, this is an updated of the acclaimed monograph, celebrating one of the most iconic and revolutionary artists of our time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Yayoi Kusama transcended the art world to become a fixture of popular culture, in a league with Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Keith Haring.\" —\u003cem\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKusama is internationally renowned for her groundbreaking work on themes such as infinity, self-image, sexuality, and compulsive repetition. A well-known name in the Manhattan scene of the 1960s, Kusama's subsequent work combined Psychedelia and Pop culture with patterning, often resulting in participatory installations and series of paintings. This revised and expanded edition of the 2000 monograph, which is arguably still one of the most comprehensive studies on her work to date, has been augmented by an essay by Catherine Taft and a collection of new poems by the artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 11 3\/8 × 9 7\/8\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout the Authors:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-bs-parent=\"#extra-info\" id=\"info2\" class=\"collapse show\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cb-summary info2\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAkira Tatehata is a poet and art critic who has been awarded the 2005 Takami Jun Award for Literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLaura Hoptman is a curator at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUdo Kultermann was a curator and art historian who taught at Washington University in St. Louis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatherine Taft is deputy director of LAXART in Los Angeles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviews:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"When people look back at Kusama's work decades from now, they'll see that her idea of creation and infinity has an eternal endurance.\" —\u003cem\u003eMarc Jacobs\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-bs-parent=\"#extra-info\" id=\"info3\" class=\"collapse show\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cb-summary info3\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The effect of Kusama's work is both so complex and simple. It is produced by the interaction of the two close somewhat parallel planes, at points merging at the surface and at others diverging slightly but powerfully.\" —\u003cem\u003eDonald Judd\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Yayoi Kusama comes with a pedigree of film and orchestrated happenings and performance in New York during the 1960s and the 1970s that was every bit as avant-garde as Warhol.\"—\u003cem\u003eThe Art Review Power 100\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Yayoi Kusama is as close as one can get to being called a legend while alive... This updated monograph is richly illustrated and serves as as an unparalleled guide to the work of one the most eccentric artists alive.\"—\u003cem\u003eMint (India)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"One of the most iconic and revolutionary artists of our time, internationally renowned for her boundary-pushing work on themes such as infinity, self-image, sexuality and compulsive repetition... Kusama's ability to communicate her artistic vision through various mediums is explored and documented.\"—\u003cem\u003eCreativeBoom.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Still one of the most comprehensive studies of this intriguing artist [...] allows readers to traverse from 'Happenings' in 1960s New York through to Kusama's current work, which encompasses diverse media from paintings to sculpture. And, for the first time, a collection of poems by Kusama are published to accompany the colourful illustrations, compelling essays and interviews by curators and critics.\"—\u003cem\u003eTheCultureTrip.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39781166841914,"sku":"","price":69.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/FullSizeRender_93b71a5a-c1be-47ff-b94e-c3434b4b2be7.jpg?v=1714684071"},{"product_id":"home-a-celebration-notable-voices-reflect-on-the-meaning-of-home","title":"Home A Celebration, Notable Voices Reflect on the Meaning of Home","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is home to you? Could any question be more fundamental? 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Chef Alice Waters proffers a recipe from her home garden. Interior designers—including Nina Campbell, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Steven Gambrel, and Kelly Wearstler—share aspects of their profession that define home in both their personal lives and professional projects. Other notable essays are from Joan Juliet Buck, Julian Fellowes, Bette Midler, Jill Kargman, Isaac Mizrahi, Joyce Carol Oates, and Gloria Steinem—125 charismatic contributors in all reflecting on the essence of home in a book that will benefit the most vulnerable among us: children living in food insecurity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39811553263674,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/products\/image_491c6175-c972-45ae-bcb3-370f1063628c.jpg?v=1672441091"},{"product_id":"just-enough-design-by-taku-satoh","title":"Just Enough Design by Taku Satoh","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Japanese designer offers a compelling alternative way to engage with our possessions, our history, our environment, and each other. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese phrase \"\u003cem\u003ehodo-hodo\"\u003c\/em\u003e originates in ancient times. When contemporary designer Taku Satoh applies it to his work, it means \"just enough.\" \u003cem\u003eHodo-hodo \u003c\/em\u003edesign deliberately holds back, leaving room for individuals to engage with objects according to their unique sensibilities. In the midst of a consumerist age, Satoh has built an illustrious design career around this philosophy, creating iconic work in fashion, food, and architecture. His ideas speak not just to professional designers, but to anyone who wishes to move more thoughtfully through the world. Within this slim but powerful volume, Satoh explains his philosophy through tangible examples—from the aesthetic of a timeworn ramen shop to a rooftop playground inspired by onomatopoeia. Urging readers to appreciate everyday objects and spaces and to question the lure of convenience, he delivers a message rooted in the past yet perfectly suited to our times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTIMELY TOPIC: As more people begin to question the structures of consumerism, this thoughtful book offers a different way of seeing the world. Satoh's philosophy aligns perfectly with sustainable lifestyles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUNIQUE INSIGHTS INTO JAPANESE CULTURE: Japan is a huge cultural exporter and a booming travel destination. Many Japanese ideas and traditions—such as ikigai, forest bathing, and wabi-sabi—are being widely celebrated as pathways to a more fulfilling life. This book presents \u003cem\u003ehodo-hodo\u003c\/em\u003e, a concept not yet widely exported. Learning about \u003cem\u003ehodo-hodo\u003c\/em\u003e will enrich readers' understanding of Japan, as well as inspire designers and other creatives in their work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAUTHORITATIVE VOICE: Taku Satoh has over four decades of design experience. His work is renowned in Japan, and he's worked with major brands and museums and won many awards. Here, he shares wisdom drawn from his design expertise and his deep love for his culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eACCESSIBLE CONTENT: The handy paperback format is perfect for a book that you will want to read and re-read. Satoh proposes fascinating and pertinent ideas in an unintimidating way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Perfect for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigners and design students\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreatives of all kinds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaders passionate about sustainability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone interested in Japanese culture and history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39846435061818,"sku":null,"price":13.56,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/Image945_d6c502a5-f052-4b6f-acc5-81d4559aa5ef.jpg?v=1755196936"},{"product_id":"hello-sandwich-japan-a-travel-guide-by-creative-ebony-bizys","title":"Hello Sandwich Japan: A Travel Guide by Creative Ebony Bizys","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eGreat guidebook for those going to Japan for those who \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e who value good aesthetics, good food and rich culture, who will enjoy the craziness of Tokyo's neon playground just as much as the peaceful Buddhist getaway of Mount Koya. Japan may be one of the world's travel hotspots, but to get the most out of your vacation you'll need a local's insider tips.  The inside tips are from someone we have been following on line for years, a design-minded blogger and Japanophile, Ebony Bizys, aka Hello Sandwich, has been living in Tokyo since 2010 and has uncovered the very best places around this unique country.  She was into washi tape before most of us=)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHer book features a curated selection of places to go from bonsai gardens, contemporary galleries, stunning temples, peaceful ryokan retreats, 'kawaii' gift shops and topnotch coffee spots, to unbeatable izakayas, four-seater sashimi bars and ideal hiking destinations for 'forest bathing'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a-text-italic\"\u003eHello Sandwich Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a stunning tome filled with travel tips galore along with language essentials and colorful images. 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Local legend says that this shop offers something else besides coffee—the chance to travel back in time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith faces both familiar and new, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eTales from the Cafe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e follows the story of four patrons who visit to take advantage of café Funiculi Funicula's time-traveling offer and revisit moments with family, friends and lovers. Each one must face up to the past to move on with their lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKawaguchi's wistful and heartwarming new novel once again invites the reader to ask themselves, \"What would you do if you could travel back in time?\"\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"desktop-praise\" data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"desktop-praise\" data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Harper Collins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40286291132474,"sku":null,"price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2025-02-18at9.14.19PM.png?v=1739934886"},{"product_id":"what-you-are-looking-for-is-in-the-library","title":"What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA \u003cem\u003eTIME \u003c\/em\u003eBEST\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eBOOK OF THE YEAR\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA \u003cem\u003eWASHINGTON POST\u003c\/em\u003e BEST FEEL GOOD BOOK OF 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor fans of \u003cem\u003eBefore the Coffee Gets Cold\u003c\/em\u003e, a charming, internationally bestselling Japanese novel about how the perfect book recommendation can change a readers’ life.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat are you looking for?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e So asks Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian. For Sayuri Komachi is able to sense exactly what each visitor to her library is searching for and provide just the book recommendation to help them find it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, a recently retired salaryman searches for newfound purpose.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Komachi’s unique book recommendations they will find just what they need to achieve their dreams. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat You Are Looking For Is in the Library\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is about the magic of libraries and the discovery of connection. This inspirational tale shows how, by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunity and reaching out, we too can fulfill our lifelong dreams. Which book will you recommend?\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"desktop-praise\" data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" id=\"desktop-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" id=\"desktop-praise\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Harper Collins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40286291591226,"sku":null,"price":17.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2025-02-18at9.33.31PM.png?v=1739936086"},{"product_id":"the-memory-police-by-yoko-ogawa","title":"The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"display: inline !important;\"\u003eExcellent, thought provoking, poigniant book that makes you think about all the things and people we take for granted.  What really does matter?  The Memory Police was a finalist for the International Booker Prize and the National Book Award\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"display: inline !important;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"display: inline !important;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a haunting Orwellian novel about the terrors of state surveillance, from the acclaimed author of The Housekeeper and the Professor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn an unnamed island, objects are disappearing: first hats, then ribbons, birds, roses. . . . Most of the inhabitants are oblivious to these changes, while those few able to recall the lost objects live in fear of the draconian Memory Police, who are committed to ensuring that what has disappeared remains forgotten. When a young writer discovers that her editor is in danger, she concocts a plan to hide him beneath her f loorboards, and together they cling to her writing as the last way of preserving the past. Powerful and provocative, The Memory Police is a stunning novel about the trauma of loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR\u003cbr\u003eTHE NEW YORK TIMES * THE WASHINGTON POST * TIME * CHICAGO TRIBUNE * THE GUARDIAN * ESQUIRE * THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS * FINANCIAL TIMES * LIBRARY JOURNAL * THE A.V. CLUB * KIRKUS REVIEWS * LITERARY HUB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican Book Award winner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Yoko Ogawa:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"clearfix\"\u003eYoko Ogawa has won every major Japanese literary award. Her fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, A Public Space, and Zoetrope: All-Story. Her works include The Diving Pool, a collection of three novellas; The Housekeeper and the Professor; Hotel Iris; and Revenge. She lives in Hyogo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40395818696762,"sku":null,"price":14.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/96F91E66-3CCA-46AE-87CF-BC5174BBAD30_1_105_c.jpg?v=1714681924"},{"product_id":"the-beauty-of-everyday-things-by-soetsu-yanagi","title":"The Beauty of Everyday Things by Soetsu Yanagi","description":"\u003cp\u003eABOUT THE BEAUTY OF EVERYDAY THINGS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese philosopher and aesthete’s definitive, hugely influential exposition of his philosophy of folkcrafts, setting out the hallmarks of Japanese design as we know it today: anonymity, quality, simplicity and honesty—and, of course, wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Penguin Classic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur lives are filled with objects. Everyday things used in everyday settings, they are our constant companions. As such, writes Soetsu Yanagi, they should be made with care and built to last, treated with respect and even affection. They should be natural and simple, sturdy and safe—an aesthetic fulfillment of our practical needs. They should, in short, be things of beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLong revered as the authority on craftsmanship and Japanese aesthetics, Yanagi devoted his life and writing to defend the value of craft. In an age of feeble and ugly machine-made things, The Beauty of Everyday Things is a call for each of us to deepen our relationship with the objects that surround us. Inspired by the work of the simple artisans Yanagi encountered on his lifelong travels through Japan and Korea, this now-classic book is a heartfelt defence of modest, honest, handcrafted objects, from traditional teacups to jars to paper—objects that exemplify the beauty of everyday things.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ūmei Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40395865063482,"sku":null,"price":13.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/FullSizeRender_9dbbd699-7c8e-4574-bebe-e45b58fe9d0c.jpg?v=1743596585"},{"product_id":"make-it-japanese-simple-recipes-for-everyone","title":"Make it Japanese : Simple Recipes for Everyone by Rie McClenny","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOh we are excited about cooking with this cookbook! Reading through it is like having a Japanese friend in your kitchen showing you how to make great Japanese food.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMake It Japanese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e reflects Rie McClenny journey from her birthplace of Japan to the United States and how she learned to cook heartfelt recipes from scratch, often using only ingredients from her local supermarket. Throughout her culinary career, from home cook to star of BuzzFeed Tasty’s “Make It Fancy” video series, she has drawn inspiration from the nourishing food her mother cooked throughout her childhood and her extensive knowledge of Japanese cuisine and ingredients that she brought to life in an American kitchen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe think in her first cookbook,  Rie is so smart in sharing just how approachable Japanese home cooking can be, no matter where you are.  She presents a collection of comforting, homestyle recipes that use just a handful of easy-to-find Japanese ingredients, such as soy sauce, mirin, and sake, and simple, essential cooking techniques, like making rice bowls (donburi), frying the perfect home-style tempura, and gently simmering vegetables and proteins to delicious effect.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe delicious, approachable recipes are accompanied by great, inspiring photography for the food and the tablescapes.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional dishes with a twist: Loaded Vegetable Miso Soup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with kale and sweet potatoes, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoasted Cauliflower Goma-ae\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecoated in toasted sesame dressing, umami-packed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEasy Soy Sauce Ramen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMini Okonomiyaki\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epancakes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan’t-miss classics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e delectable pork \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTonkatsu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, ginger-spiked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChicken-Tofu Tsukune\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOyako Don\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, rice bowls topped with tender chicken thighs and egg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInteractive, hands-on recipes for festive gatherings: Chicken Hot Pot with Ponzu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e perfect for a winter’s night, can’t stop \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGyoza with Crispy Wings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and make-your-own hand rolls for a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemaki Party\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnd of course, dessert:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e the iconic \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimple Strawberry Shortcake\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, irresistible \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatcha Snacking Cake\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and delightful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCitrus Mochi Doughnuts\u003c\/strong\u003eNew Cookbook by Author Rie McClenny, with Sanaë Lemoine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur own personal favorites so far are the \u003cstrong\u003eSalmon Bowl\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong\u003ePotato Salad\u003c\/strong\u003e.  Yum, yum, yum!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd don't miss reading her epilogue as she talks about how she partnered with her mom on this, will make you want to call yours or someone close to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40548329881658,"sku":"","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2024-07-14at10.35.04PM.png?v=1721014567"},{"product_id":"copy-wabi-sabi-for-artists-designers-poets-philosophers","title":"The Kamogawa Food Detectives - Hisashi Kashiwai","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew in at Ūmei!  Oh boy we are excited about this one, we heard someone describe this as a cozy mystery.  We are adding this immediately to our reading list, plus we loved the book \u003cem\u003eBefore the Coffee Gets Cold.  \u003c\/em\u003ePlease let us explain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"seemore-0\" class=\"slot product-about 9780593717714 isbn-related seemoreenable show opened\" target-height=\"538.625\" height-fold=\"377\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"overview\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Kamogawa Food Detectives\u003c\/em\u003e is the first book in the bestselling, mouth-watering Japanese series, for fans of \u003cem\u003eBefore the Coffee Gets Cold\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat’s the one dish you’d do anything to taste just one more time?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDown a quiet backstreet in Kyoto exists a very special restaurant. Run by Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare, the Kamogawa Diner serves up deliciously extravagant meals. But that’s not the main reason customers stop by . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe father-daughter duo are ‘food detectives’. Through ingenious investigations, they are able to recreate dishes from a person’s treasured memories – dishes that may well hold the keys to their forgotten past and future happiness. The restaurant of lost recipes provides a link to vanished moments, creating a present full of possibility.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book is a bestseller in Japan, no surprise,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Kamogawa Food Detectives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a celebration of good company and the power of a delicious meal. Right on!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is what people are saying about it:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-body clearfix\" id=\"left-rail-top\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" id=\"desktop-praise\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"seemore-3\" class=\"slot product-praise seemoreenable opened\" target-height=\"1589.8\" height-fold=\"280\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"clearfix\"\u003e“[An] ode to the magic of food.” –\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeople\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“Off-beat and charming, [with] more complexity of flavor than you might expect.” – NPR – Fresh Air with Terry Gross\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“[A] feel-good escape. . . Kashiwai not only makes you hungry for the numerous Japanese dishes he writes about, but he also evokes a unique sense of longing for past happiness you might wish to relive. Warm and nuanced while bringing you to the beautiful city of Kyoto, you’ll devour this small, gentle read like a hearty bowl of your favorite soup.” –\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeattle Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Charming. . . This book offers more than beautifully crafted stories of life’s challenges and joys. It is filled with glimpses into Japanese culture. . . The kind of book you pick up and savor every page. A brilliant first installment to a series, it is expertly crafted and leaves you hungry for more.” –\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew York Journal of Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The enduring strength of love [is] at the heart of this series opener. . . Takes care to illustrate food’s ability to preserve a culture across generations. . . The cozy, literary equivalent of a hearty stew on a cold day.” –\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eChicago Review of Books\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“Kashiwai’s unique blend of seasonings is more than enough to transform each into a five-star-worthy dish. . . [A] warm memory blanket of nostalgia. Readers [will] eagerly devour each morsel of this miso soup for the soul. . . A nourishing collection of bite-sized stories with a hearty dash of savory flavor.”—\u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Outstanding. . . A culinary and cultural exploration of Japanese cuisine. . . The novel includes mouthwatering descriptions of food as well as a nuanced description of life in Japan. . . Readers will take delight in Kashiwai’s exquisite meals and the culinary history that accompanies them.” —\u003cem\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“[This] charming book is definitely not one to read while hungry… Little wonder that this gem of a detective novel is a bestseller in Japan. I’m only glad it’s been made available for the English-speaking public now too.” —\u003cem\u003eCriminal Element\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“Affecting. . . With overwhelming emotional resonance [. . .], Nagare satisfies toothsome dreams.”—\u003cem\u003eBooklist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Deliciously fun.” —\u003cem\u003eBookRiot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“\u003cem\u003eThe Kamogawa Food Detectives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis an absolute joy; hilarious, emotional, and entirely delicious. Hisashi Kashiwai’s tales of love lost, found, grown older and reborn are both striking and comforting —  truly one of a kind. Delectable and delightful.”—Bryan Washington, author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eFamily Meal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Readers will delight in these quiet, introspective stories about the healing power of good, nostalgic food.” – PBS Books\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“An early contender for my favorite book of the year. For anyone who loves magnificent food writing and great storytelling, this novel is a moving, beautiful, and impeccably detailed tribute to the power of a great meal.”—J. Ryan Stradal,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003ebestselling author of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eKitchens of the Great Midwest\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“I absolutely devoured this book! The father-daughter power duo of Nagare and Koishi Kamogawa carry this series of vignettes that show nostalgia is often the best spice and a plate of food is never\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ejust\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ea plate of food. As warm and nourishing as a good cup of tea or bowl of miso soup, this is a series I can see myself returning to again and again.”–Mia P. Manansala, author of the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Award-winning\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eArsenic and Adobo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-link-wrap opened\"\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"btn btn-link more\" type=\"button\"\u003eSee Less\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"right-rail\" id=\"right-rail-top\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-also-in-series\" id=\"desktop-also-in-series\"\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"alsoinseries\" name=\"#alsoinseries\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot series-also-in 9780593717714 isbn-related show\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"in-series\" class=\"product-series-also-in\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-link-wrap opened\"\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"btn btn-link more\" type=\"button\"\u003eSee Less\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot product-listen show\"\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"listenToAClip\" name=\"#listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40596061683770,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2024-08-29at10.02.41PM.png?v=1724987116"},{"product_id":"stitching-through-the-seasons-yumiko-higuchi","title":"Stitching Through the Seasons - Yumiko Higuchi","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew at Ūmei! \u003cspan\u003eStitching through the Seasons by Japanese Embroidery extraordinaire Yumiko Higuchi.  If you don't embroider Higuchi san will make you want to.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot product-about 9781645471837 isbn-related seemoreenable show opened\" id=\"seemore-0\" height-fold=\"377\" target-height=\"584.328\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"overview\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will find beautiful guided stitchwork for every season—featuring fall pumpkins and mushroom wreaths, winter skiers, spring blossoms, summer vegetables, and more!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e​​With 56 unique embroidery pieces to reflect the seasons, this next book from beloved author Yumiko Higuchi takes creatives on a month-by-month exploration of colorful motifs that can be used on a variety of fabrics and surfaces. Each month starts with an emblem of the month number, such as a vibrant poppy wreath for May, a viny pumpkin for October, and sprigs of mistletoe and Christmas roses for December. Each emblem perfectly captures the spirit of the month, and the subsequent patterns for each month follow the seasonal theme.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e​Each design in the book is accompanied by step-by-step instructions for recreating it, including stitch types, thread colors by number, and thread type. There is also a detailed section on how to perform certain stitches and knots to guide beginners.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether embroidering a new dress, a pillowcase, a bag, or even a jar cover for jam,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eStitching through the Seasons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehas charming patterns that are sure to spark creativity and festivity for embroiderers both experienced and just starting out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes a great gift for yourself or someone who appreciates embroidery.​\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-link-wrap opened\"\u003e\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"btn btn-link more\"\u003eSee Less\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-also-in-series\"\u003e\u003ca name=\"#alsoinseries\" id=\"alsoinseries\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-also-by-author\"\u003e\n\u003ca name=\"#alsobyauthor\" id=\"alsobyauthor\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot author-also-by 9781645471837 isbn-related show\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-author-also-by\" data-work-author-list=\"2136500\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40596069548090,"sku":null,"price":17.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/27952566-630F-4F9C-BB23-CBCF8DD72843_1_105_c.jpg?v=1724984790"},{"product_id":"seamless-embroidery-yumiko-higuchi","title":"Seamless Embroidery - Yumiko Higuchi","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe don't embroider much but we sure want to start back at it after seeing Yumiko Higuchi's inspiring embroidery books.  Here is all about Seamless Embroidery:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot product-about 9781645471929 isbn-related seemoreenable show opened\" id=\"seemore-0\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"overview\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom beautiful botanical latticework to chickens laying eggs, here are 42 inspired patterns and creative projects embracing the endless possibilities of designs that connect and repeat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith twenty-one new guided embroidery patterns and corresponding projects, crafters old and new will find in this book a fresh set of decorative stitchwork by cherished designer Yumiko Higuchi to follow or be inspired by. Stitch flowering apple trees, colorful intertwining ribbons, carousel horses, budding plants, European-style houses all lined up in a row, and more—all in the spirit of weaving together seamlessly repeating patterns suitable for projects small and large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe guided projects for each pattern play on the fun, whimsical nature of the repetitive motifs. Fabric book covers with fences and fall-colored trees, a decorative vine crown, roses trailing down the sides of a tote bag, intricate floral bracelets—these projects and more will give any crafter plenty of creative space to bring these beautiful designs into their home. Each pattern and project comes with step-by-step instructions displayed in beautiful full-color photography, including stitch types, thread colors, stitch order, and various material suggestions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether coming to embroidery for the first time or approaching it as a longtime friend, all crafters will find joy in these charming, connecting designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBook size 7-1\/2 x 9-1\/2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-link-wrap opened\"\u003e\u003cbutton type=\"button\" class=\"btn btn-link more\"\u003eSee Less\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-also-in-series\"\u003e\u003ca name=\"#alsoinseries\" id=\"alsoinseries\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-also-by-author\"\u003e\n\u003ca name=\"#alsobyauthor\" id=\"alsobyauthor\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot author-also-by 9781645471929 isbn-related show\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-author-also-by\" data-work-author-list=\"2136500\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40596069810234,"sku":null,"price":17.56,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/698F788B-CA57-4267-9348-914651634172.png?v=1724984226"},{"product_id":"the-traveling-cat-chronicles","title":"The Traveling Cat Chronicles","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA book that “speak[s] volumes about our need for connection—human, feline or otherwise” (\u003cem\u003eThe San Francisco Chronicle\u003c\/em\u003e), \u003cem\u003eThe Travelling Cat Chronicles\u003c\/em\u003e is a life-affirming anthem to kindness and self-sacrifice that shows how the smallest things can provide the greatest joy—the perfect gift for cat lovers and travellers!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-return-id=\"mobile-praise\" id=\"desktop-praise\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe take journeys to explore exotic new places and to return to the comforts of home, to visit old acquaintances and to make new friends. But the most important journey is the one that shows us how to follow our hearts…\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn instant international bestseller and indie bestseller, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Travelling Cat Chronicles\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e has charmed readers around the world. With simple yet descriptive prose, this novel gives voice to Nana the cat and his owner, Satoru, as they take to the road on a journey with no other purpose than to visit three of Satoru’s longtime friends. Or so Nana is led to believe… \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith his crooked tail—a sign of good fortune—and adventurous spirit, Nana is the perfect companion for the man who took him in as a stray. And as they travel in a silver van across Japan, with its ever-changing scenery and seasons, they will learn the true meaning of courage and gratitude, of loyalty and love.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Harper Collins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40627608059962,"sku":null,"price":19.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/IMG-5030.jpg?v=1726003983"},{"product_id":"a-little-book-of-japanese-contentments","title":"A Little Book of Japanese Contentments","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the longest healthy life spans in the world, Japanese people understand the art of living well. This beautiful book distills traditional Japanese philosophies intrinsic to wellbeing, providing easy-to-follow exercises to inspire those who want to live a happier, more balanced life. With sections on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ekokoro\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (heart and mind) and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ekarada\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (body), plus a guide on how to form and nurture good habits, the book includes entries on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eikigai\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(living with purpose), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ewabi-sabi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (the beauty of imperfection and impermanence), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eshinrinyoku\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (forest bathing), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eikebana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (the art of flower arranging), and much more. Richly illustrated, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Little Book of Japanese Contentments\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a warm invitation to cultivate contentment in everyday life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40701020078138,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/D9E53315-5349-4571-9D33-0FA020026AC7.webp?v=1760738541"},{"product_id":"butter-by-asako-yuzuki","title":"Butter by Asako Yuzuki","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe cult Japanese bestseller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer, and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere are two things that I simply cannot tolerate: feminists and margarine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in the Tokyo Detention House convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, whom she is said to have seduced with her delicious home cooking. 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Not because it is award winning and best selling in Japan, but because it is stories within stories that involve cats in a wholly surprising way.  This is a charming, celebratory and heart touching book about humans, about cats.  Each story is well written and together weave a story we can't stop thinking about.  If you don't have a cat don't be surprised that you are thinking about getting one.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere is the synopsis: Tucked away in an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can only be found by people who are struggling in their lives and genuinely need help. The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way there: it prescribes cats as medication. 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As the clinic’s patients navigate their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward \u003c\/span\u003ehealing, self-discovery and new found hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps cats as a prescription might catch on?=)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40768412319802,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ScreenShot2025-02-18at9.36.31PM.png?v=1739936359"},{"product_id":"the-serviceberry-abundance-and-reciprocity-in-the-natural-world-by-robin-wall-kimmerer","title":"The Serviceberry | Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you enjoyed Braiding Sweetgrass you will want to pick this one up, it's the latest book from Botanist, poet, story teller and teacher of life, Robert Kimmerer.   It is a bold and inspiring vision for how to orient our lives around gratitude, reciprocity, and community, based on the lessons of the natural world.  It is thought provoking and uplifting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs Indigenous scientist and author of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most? Our economy is rooted in scarcity, competition, and the hoarding of resources, and we have surrendered our values to a system that actively harms what we love. Meanwhile, the serviceberry’s relationship with the natural world is an embodiment of reciprocity, interconnectedness, and gratitude. The tree distributes its wealth—its abundance of sweet, juicy berries—to meet the needs of its natural community. And this distribution ensures its own survival. As Kimmerer explains, “Serviceberries show us another model, one based upon reciprocity, where wealth comes from the quality of your relationships, not from the illusion of self-sufficiency.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs Elizabeth Gilbert writes, Robin Wall Kimmerer is “a great teacher, and her words are a hymn of love to the world.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an antidote to the broken relationships and misguided goals of our times, and a reminder that “hoarding won’t save us, all flourishing is mutual.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eRobin Wall Kimmerer is donating her advance payments from this book as a reciprocal gift, back to the land, for land protection, restoration, and justice.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRaves \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eNamed a Best Book of the Fall by New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, Time, Lithub, BookPage, and Publishers Weekly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNamed a Best Book of the Year by \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific American, F\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eorbes, Library Journal, and Indigo\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e is a profoundly important book about how we might remodel consumer economies around mutuality, generosity, and bountifulness. The time you’ll spend reading this book will, like the time spent picking wild berries, nourish your soul, heart, and mind. I hope to give this book to everybody.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e —Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See and Cloud Cuckoo Land\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e“\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA meditation on communing with nature and cultivating connections with one another . . . [a] short, thoughtful book . . . Think of \u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e as a subset of \u003c\/span\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003cspan\u003e, expanding on the gift economy theory… She makes a convincing argument, wrapped in beautiful language and vivid imagery… An optimistic book, one that trusts in the ability of people to do the right thing.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Washington Post\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“A small book with a profound impact.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Angeline Boulley, Good Morning America, \"10 Books to Read this Native American Heritage Month\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e is a gem of a book. it invites us to think again about economics, and imagine another way of relating to one another based on generosity, kindness, interconnectedness, and restraint. The book reminds us that how we think, and the stories we tell, shape how we live—and it’s high time we thought and lived differently, with new stories, about our place in nature.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—James Rebanks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“A moving meditation on what a giving tree can teach us about building a fairer society… A compelling argument for a more ethical economy.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—TIME\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"A beautiful meditation on abundance, reciprocity and community, drawing inspiration from indigenous wisdom, and inviting us to reimagine what we value most.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—The Guardian\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e picks up where \u003c\/span\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003cspan\u003e left off, once again using the interconnectedness of nature as a guiding light to reimagine a path forward for the future… The message of \u003c\/span\u003eThe Servicceberry\u003cspan\u003e is clear: Our individualistic, pro-competition, consumption-focused capitalist economy is inherently flawed and is leading us down a destructive and lonely path…Kimmerer creates a bighearted version of millions of little circular economies in which people learn how to foster kinship, 'recognize enoughness,' and appreciate what Mother Earth provides.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—The San Francisco Chronicle\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e is a psalm for the natural world and a profound exploration of how we can reframe our relationship with nature and with others through gift economies… Kimmerer’s blend of scientific observation, memoir, and philosophical reflection makes\u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e a compelling read that transcends mere ecological treatise. As our planet grapples with environmental challenges, Kimmerer’s vision of a non­extractive, reciprocal relationship with nature offers a necessary alternative.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Sierra Magazine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e is bound to appeal to the readers who made \u003c\/span\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003cspan\u003e a more-than-2-million-copies-sold phenomenon. Like \u003c\/span\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003edraws on traditional Native ways of caring for the land (Kimmerer is an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation). And, like \u003c\/span\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003cspan\u003e, it uses plain language to demonstrate truths about the way all of us live in the world.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Minnesota Star Tribune\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“A novella-length meditation on the abundance that sharing and mutual exchange can create…\u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e continues a long tradition of naturalistic writing about interdependence in the wild…an impassioned call not just to return to the natural webs of exchange that are our birthright‚ but to recapture the fulfillment that stems from interdependence.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Undark Magazine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Under a hundred pages, \u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e is beautifully written with illustrations by John Burgoyne. Like me, you might pass the afternoon reading the book in one sitting, entranced by the author’s hopeful words for how to combat ecological destruction and the isolation and purposelessness so many people experience in this digitally oriented, self-interested world.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Chicago Review of Books\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Certain to be acclaimed as one of the best books of the year.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Parade\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Robin Wall Kimmerer, celebrated author of \u003c\/span\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003cspan\u003e, gifts her readers once again with this gorgeous meditation on reciprocity and abundance in nature. . . Beautifully illustrated, brimming and buzzing with plant and animal life, \u003c\/span\u003eThe Serviceberry\u003cspan\u003e is a lyrical call to action.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Oprah Daily\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“A delightful new book that reflects on the natural world and how we can derive lessons on gratitude, reciprocity and community to flourish mutually.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Seattle Times\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Drawing from both Indigenous knowledge and ecological science, Robin Wall Kimmerer, known for her masterwork \u003c\/span\u003eBraiding Sweetgrass\u003cspan\u003e, demonstrates how serviceberries support biodiversity while having historically provided sustenance to Native American communities… Through careful observation of serviceberry ecology, Kimmerer constructs a compelling case for economic systems based on reciprocity.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Forbes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40790519021626,"sku":null,"price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/AA7763CC-7C4A-4872-92BD-A97F8CDB4748.jpg?v=1741020446"},{"product_id":"the-serviceberry-abundance-and-reciprocity-in-the-natural-world-by-robin-wall-kimmerer-copy","title":"How To Let Things Go by Shunmyo Masuno","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-about-the-book\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"seemore-0\" class=\"slot product-about 9780143138136 isbn-related seemoreenable show opened\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"overview\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe publisher shares about this book - \"Feeling overwhelmed? Step away from life’s demands and free yourself up for what matters with this succinct and sensible guide by the Zen Buddhist author of the international bestsellers \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Simple Living\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDon’t Worry\u003c\/em\u003e. \" We at Ūmei have to laugh a bit at this because there are 99 tips, which to remember 99 things is a bit overwhelming.  But fear not it is a practical, easy to read and a helpful book.  We enjoyed it and it can maybe help a bit in today's world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMore from the publisher: \"Amid the relentless cycle of news, social media, emails, and texts, it can be hard to know when, if ever, you can take a break from everything clamoring for your attention. The internationally bestselling Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno offers a radical message: You can leave it all be, and, indeed, sometimes the best thing you can learn is how to do nothing.\" A samples of some of the tips from \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow to Let Things Go\u003c\/em\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLesson #2:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGive people space—being caring and being nosy are not the same thing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLesson #15:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eRemember that social media is a tool and nothing more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLesson #19:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLet a relationship come to an end rather than force it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLesson #40:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThink of letting things go not as throwing them away but as setting them free.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLesson #75:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMake decisions in the light of the morning—don’t rush into them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLesson #90:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eSlow down and take more breaks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eWith these and ninety-three other practical tips, you can abandon the futile pursuit of trying to control everything and discover the key to a fulfilling social life; individual well-being; and a calmer, more focused mind.\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"overview\"\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"overview\"\u003eThis book is written by Shunmyo Masuno.  \u003cb\u003eShunmyo Masuno\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is the head priest of a 450-year-old Zen Buddhist temple in Japan, an award-winning Zen garden designer for clients all over the world, and a professor of environmental design at one of Japan’s leading art schools. He has lectured widely, including at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Cornell University, and Brown University.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"more-link-wrap opened\"\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"btn btn-link more\" type=\"button\"\u003eSee Less\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"mobile-listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"slot product-listen show\"\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"listenToAClip\" name=\"#listen-to-a-clip\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40796738093114,"sku":null,"price":20.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/8AD26C25-D312-4FF8-8068-A9198D082DE0.jpg?v=1748307137"},{"product_id":"the-blanket-cat-hardcover","title":"The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu | Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Utterly charming . . . 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They must eat only the food supplied by the owner, and they must travel to their new homes with a distinctive blanket. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Blanket Cats\u003c\/em\u003e, we meet seven customers, each of whom is hoping a temporary feline companion will help them escape a certain reality, including a couple struggling with infertility, a middle-aged woman on the run from the police, and two families in very different circumstances simply seeking joy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut like all their kind, the “blanket cats” are mysterious creatures with unknowable agendas, who delight in confounding expectations. And perhaps what their hosts are looking for isn’t really what they need. Three days may not be enough to change a life. 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Estranged from his family and living alone with only his cat, Cabbage, to keep him company, he was unprepared for the doctor’s diagnosis that he has only months to live. But before he can tackle his bucket list, the devil shows up to make him an offer: In exchange for making one thing in the world disappear, the postman will be granted one extra day of life. 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Like a padding cat or the shadow of death, Genki Kawamura's book snuck up on me; the next thing I knew, I was crying.” —\u003cstrong\u003eRobin Sloan, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times \u003c\/em\u003ebestselling author of \u003cem\u003eMr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSourdough\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"If you're a fan of \u003cem\u003eThe Guest Cat \u003c\/em\u003e(or even just cats generally), you'll love this.\"\u003cstrong\u003e —\u003cem\u003eThe Sunday Times \u003c\/em\u003e(UK)\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A funny and heartwarming meditation on the meaning of life.\" —\u003cstrong\u003eBook Riot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A warm, quirky novel on life, love, family estrangement and what remains when we are gone with a surprising emotional charge.\" \u003cstrong\u003e—\u003cem\u003eThe Observer\u003c\/em\u003e (UK)\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A poignant, affecting story about facing up to one's mortality, taking responsibility for one's choices and deciding what truly holds value.\" —\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Herald\u003c\/em\u003e (UK)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003eThe story will have readers re-evaluating the possessions they have and what they might gain from losing them...and are sure to come away from the story seeing the world and the people around them a little differently.\" —\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternational Examiner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40858294157370,"sku":null,"price":15.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/ifcatsdisappearedfromtheworldbook.png?v=1751987324"},{"product_id":"copy-the-housekeeper-and-the-professor-by-yoko-ogawa","title":"Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami | Hardcover","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid-x grid-padding-x book-description-container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"small-10 small-offset-1 medium-12 medium-offset-0 large-12 cell\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrom one of Japan’s most brilliant and sensitive contemporary novelists, this speculative fiction masterpiece envisions an Earth where humans are nearing extinction, and rewrites our understanding of reproduction, ecology, evolution, artificial intelligence, communal life, creation, love, and the future of humanity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the distant future, humans are on the verge of extinction and have settled in small tribes across the planet under the observation and care of “Mothers.” Some children are made in factories, from cells of rabbits and dolphins; some live by getting nutrients from water and light, like plants. The survival of the race depends on the interbreeding of these and other alien beings–but it is far from certain that connection, love, reproduction, and evolution will persist among the inhabitants of this faltering new world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfolding over fourteen interconnected episodes spanning geological eons, at once technical and pastoral, mournful and utopic, \u003ci\u003eUnder the Eye of the Big Bird \u003c\/i\u003epresents an astonishing vision of the end of our species as we know it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"small-10 small-offset-1 medium-12 medium-offset-0 large-12 cell\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat People are Saying:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"small-10 small-offset-1 medium-12 medium-offset-0 large-12 cell\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\"Haunting . . . Less experimental fiction and more fiction on the human experiment—what kinds of new approaches to mating, community and family will allow people to survive? . . . [Kawakami] finds humor and warmth in the puzzles of existence and extinction.\" —Hilary Leichter, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe New York Times Book Review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnder the Eye of the Big Bird\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a disquieting work of speculative fiction from celebrated Japanese author Hiromi Kawakami . . . [It] offers a poignant look at a dying civilization looking to rebuild . . . Kawakami poses questions about cloning, reproduction, identity, memory, and evolution, while also offering solutions to combat mankind’s downfall.\" —Shannon Carlin, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eTime\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"A series of interconnected vignettes that take place in a world in which sexual reproduction, family ties and societal roles have been reimagined . . . an atmospheric vision of a civilization adrift.\" —Thu-Huong Ha, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Japan Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"[Kawakami's] terse, candid prose emphasizes the alienation of a world where death, sex, and clones all feel equally mechanical. At the same time, the processes by which these not-quite-humans begin to re-create religion and society feel innately familiar.\" —\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe New Yorker\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnder the Eye of the Big Bird\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is full of precisely considered visions of a world post-mysterious collapse, all calmly related in language that is strangely soothing; there’s a sense of inevitability to each of Kawakami’s sentences and stories, even when what’s inevitable is the fading of humanity . . . the work of a singular imagination and a book that will reward multiple readings.\" —Molly Templeton, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eEsquire\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"An accomplished mosaic novel spanning thousands of years, it investigates change on the grandest scale: the evolutionary fate of humanity . . . The power and the pain of the novel lies in its ability to bridge between humanity as an abstract and humanity as a characteristic, to pick out moments from a vast sweep of time and show their insignificance and their simultaneous, ultimate importance. The novel ends with a plea from a speaker who doesn’t know if they will ever be heard: I wanted to reach back into the page and say, you are.\" —Niall Harrison, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eLocus Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Kawakami takes her idiosyncratic and quirkily funny eye to science fiction . . . With signature style, Kawakami writes a distinct and off-kilter epic of Earth on the brink of collapse across 14 distinct geological epochs.\" —Sam Franzini, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eOur Culture Mag\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"It's as if all of the stories Kawakami had accumulated inside her brain suddenly broke through its membrane and burst into the world. I have a feeling that Hiromi Kawakami will someday win the Nobel Prize.\" —\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eP+D Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"One of the most intriguing works of speculative fiction that I’ve read in years . . . \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnder the Eye of the Big Bird\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a book about the end of the world, but it’s also one of the kindest and most hopeful works of speculative fiction I’ve had the pleasure to read. Reading this book for the first time was a unique experience, but the impact of its stories linger.\" —Kathryn Hemmann, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eContemporary Japanese Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"[A] visionary speculative work . . . This will stay with readers.\" —\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"[Kawakami] examines the disturbing fate of humanity, intriguingly fused with biblical references and (r)evolutionary theories. Notable translator Yoneda deftly captures Kawakami’s meticulous balance of doom-and-gloom and a surprisingly poignant charm.\" —\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Speculative, artful . . . [It] sketches out the end of the world while simultaneously positing nearly unthinkable solutions and grappling with fundamental questions about identity, evolution, memory, and individualism . . . A wild take on humanity’s last stand and our flawed understanding of who we are.\" —\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“No other book of hers convinces me more that Kawakami used to be a teacher of chemistry. A sad but beautiful depiction of a perishing world.” —Banana Yoshimoto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"When I finally closed this book, I felt as though I'd become one of Kawakami's narrators. I even found myself glancing behind me to make sure no one was watching. Calling this book 'worth reading' does it hardly any justice at all.\"--Yukiko Motoya, author of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Lonesome Bodybuilder\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"This delicate story about the future of humankind is fantastical, serious, and nostalgic. I was absolutely stunned by it.\"--Yasutaka Tsutsui, author of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003ePaprika\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid-x grid-padding-x about-author\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"small-10 small-offset-1 medium-12 medium-offset-0 large-12 cell author-bio\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ŪMEI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40858294583354,"sku":null,"price":21.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/undertheeyeofthebigbirdbook.png?v=1751901658"},{"product_id":"omoiyari","title":"Omoiyari: The Japanese Art of Compassion","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e'Omoiyari is a form of selfless compassion - putting yourself in the shoes of others, and from their perspective anticipating their needs, acting in a way that might make them at ease, happy or comfortable.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis book will help you embrace omoiyari and bring joy and happiness into your own life and the lives of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eCare, consideration and empathy underpin all aspects of daily life in Japan and are essential to the social spirit. From Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), Kirei (cleanliness and organisation) and Mottainai (reducing waste) to Zakka (finding beauty in the mundane) and Senbazuru (the origami art of folding one thousand paper cranes), there are so many different ways that the Japanese emphasise the importance of community and helping others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWith practical and actionable advice throughout, you can learn how to incorporate Japanese culture and the art of compassion into your daily life, because even the smallest of considerate actions can make a world of difference.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ūmei Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40874298966074,"sku":null,"price":11.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2427\/4603\/files\/FE92152A-9082-41F5-A4BD-F38CF1A5C65F.jpg?v=1750459457"},{"product_id":"if-cats-disappeared-from-the-world-soft-cover","title":"If Cats Disappeared From The World | Soft Cover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe international phenomenon that has sold more than two million copies,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf Cats Disappeared from the World\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e--now a Japanese film--is a heartwarming, funny, and profound meditation on the meaning of life.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis timeless tale from Genki Kawamura (producer of the Japanese blockbuster animated movie \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eYour Name\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is a moving story of loss and reconciliation, and of one man’s journey to discover what really matters most in life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe young postman’s days are numbered. 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