Recounts how three elephants in a Tokyo zoo were put to death because of the war, focusing on the pain shared by the elephants and the keepers who must starve them.

"An overview of the history, geography, government, economy, language, people, and culture of Japan. Includes numerous color photos, a detailed map, useful facts, and detailed resource section"--Provided by publisher.

An old woman demonstrates the value of her age when she solves a warlord's three riddles and saves her village from destruction.

A retelling of the traditional Japanese tale about a poor sail maker who gains a beautiful but mysterious wife skilled at weaving magical sails.

A simple retelling of the travels of seventeenth-century Japanese poet, Basho, across his island homeland. Includes examples of the haiku verses he composed.

An introduction to the geography, history, culture, and people of Japan.

When twelve-year-old Waka's parents suspect she can't understand basic Japanese they speak to her, they make the drastic decision to send her to Tokyo to live for several months with her strict grandmother. Forced to say goodbye to her friends and what would have been her summer vacation, Waka is plucked from her straight-A-student life in rural Kansas and flown across the globe, where she faces the culture shock of a lifetime. In Japan, Waka struggles...

In the order in which they are celebrated during the year, presents traditional Japanese holidays and festivals, introducing the foods, dress, gifts, decorations, and activities associated with each.