Dorothy Britton Knihy

Stylizovaný cestovní deník japonského básníka ze 17. století je doplněn poezií i obrázky. Vytříbené dílo haibunové prózy, kde próza i haiku jsou v dokonalé rovnováze a kde nadčasová identita míst i jejich kulturní rozmanitost splývá v dokonalou harmonii. Básníkova fyzická cesta do japonského severního vnitrozemí je zároveň duchovním ponorem a poeticko-filozofickou meditací nad rodnou krajinou. Z každého místa, které básník navštívil, vystihne jeho duchovní podstatu a každá z jeho zastávek má jedinečný charakter a náladu.

This is the story of a Japanese princess, the first autobiography by a member of the Japanese Imperial Family published in English. Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, was born in Walton-on-Thames, England, in 1909. She was educated at the Peeresses' School for Girls in Tokyo and the Friends School in Washington before marrying Prince Chichibu, the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito and next in line for the throne. Despite her distinguished noble lineage from the Matsudaira family, she was considered a commoner since her father had renounced his title, necessitating her 'adoption' into the Imperial Family. Their marriage took place in September 1928, and she lived until the age of 85, passing away in August 1995, long after the Prince’s premature death from tuberculosis. Her life unfolds like a remarkable 'fairy' tale, albeit in a challenging era. While much could be elaborated upon, much remains unspoken, with layers of meaning 'between the lines.' Both the Prince, who studied in London and Oxford, and the Princess had strong ties to England and the United States. Their experience during World War II was particularly harrowing, as they faced the conflict between their mother country and their adopted nations. In the post-war years, the Princess traveled extensively in Europe to rekindle old friendships and was deeply loved and admired. They had no children.

This engaging series of childhood recollections tells about an ideal school in Tokyo during World War II that combined learning with fun, freedom, and love. This unusual school had old railroad cars for classrooms, and it was run by an extraordinary man-its founder and headmaster, Sosaku Kobayashi-who was a firm believer in freedom of expression and activity. In real life, the Totto-chan of the book has become one of Japan's most popular television personalities-Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. She attributes her success in life to this wonderful school and its headmaster. The charm of this account has won the hearts of millions of people of all ages and made this book a runaway bestseller in Japan, with sales hitting the 4.5 million mark in its first year.