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Jacob C April 28, 2009 Mrs. Whittet World History 1A

**Author’s Background**
Born from a Chinese mother from Hong Kong and a Japanese father from Hawaii, Gail Tsukiyama was raised even further east in San Francisco, California. Even though she bloomed in such a bustling city, her demeanor strongly contrasted its own: quiet and remote, she would “stand in the shadows” ([|Tsukiyama]). She was not mute forever, however, for when she began writing in high school and college, she found her voice, “both literally and figuratively”, she claims ([|Tsukiyama]). [[|Contemporary]]

Mostly known for her literary finesse, Tsukiyama has maintained a balance between both voices. After receiving a Bachelor, and later Master, of Arts at San Francisco State University, she returned to teach creative writing there and at University of California-Berkeley. This accomplished novelist, and winner of the Academy of American Poets award, also juggled editing and reviewing other’s pieces, all while lecturing on the ‘how-to’s of creative literature. Despite all of these activities, Tsukiyama cannot abandon “the act of writing, of creating a story,” and the “real gift” it truly is ([|Tsukiyama]). [[|Tsukiyama]]

Published Novels
Women of the Silk (1991) The Samurai’s Garden (1995) Night of Many Dreams (1998) The Language of Threads (1999) Dreaming Water (2002) The Street of a Thousand Blossoms (2007)

**The Writing Connection**
Tsukiyama makes an effort to write every day, even if she puts “very little down on the page” ([|Tsukiyama]). To her, it is the “thought process and the discipline that’s important” ([|Tsukiyama]). She has two locations that she primarily uses, a rural and urban, and avoids public places such as cafés, bookstores, and parks in anticipation of “people watching and getting nothing written” ([|Tsukiyama]). Tsukiyama further presents the process of writing as writing, rewriting, and learning from the experience and piece itself. The writing experience is both one of the most important elements of literature and a major motivator for her, propelled by her desire to discover – to “cross new borders into worlds a reader may not know about and yet can identify with,” and in so doing, “see how much we’re all alike as a humanity” ([|Tsukiyama]). The research involved in Tsukiyama’s process is not limited to generalization, though, for the personal connection that brings her to do much of the information gathering is her interest in her own Chinese-Japanese decent. Through the author becoming familiar with a setting, the reader may become comfortable in it and find it easier to understand the characters within it. The setting-character relationship is one of importance, and she rarely has had a full grasp of both of them during the stages of drafting, but she still urges young writers to continue writing, since she often “didn’t realize the heart of the story until it was finished” ([|Tsukiyama]). Tsukiyama also recognizes the difficulty in facing the amount of energy and time required to “create beginning, middle, and end that sings”, but advises that developing authors to remember the importance of the project, the journey, and to write passionately and truthfully, even if the truth pertains only to the world of the story ([|Tsukiyama]). [[|Tsukiyama]]

[[image:SamuraisGarden.jpg width="128" height="194" align="left" link="http://www.viewpoints.com/images/review/2008/232/3/1219132936-19045_full.jpg"]]**//The Samurai’s Garden//: Popular Reviews**
Critics agree that Tsukiyama has certainly achieved her goals: making a harmonious work, declaring that her “language is lyrical” and that with “beauty and ease”, she crafted a realistic, powerful, and moving story that transports the reader “seamlessly into the multicultural” realms ([|Tsukiyama]). Through her clear-sighted and unhesitant descriptions of illness, isolation, and war, she contrasts the stereotypical discrimination against the diseased and people of other lands and cultures; furthermore, she humanizes those misfortuned souls and exemplifies war as the new leprosy. Both war and disease are viewed oppositely than they should be – warriors are glorified, and the ill are shunned; man chooses to meticulously kill their own kin and illness strikes at it’s own accord ([|Manes]). This intense statement rings strong in all of our ears, and accompanied by her eloquence, earns Tsukiyama a strong review.

**Geography and Climate**
To the east of Korea, Japan consists of thousands of islands that cover several latitudes. Of these, the largest are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu from North to South. This large mass is set off from the mainland by the Sea of Japan to the West, Sea of Okhotsk to the North, and Pacific Ocean to the East. At Japan’s core, we find that more than eighty percent of the terrain is mountainous with elevated foothills enveloping them, plains further out, and a sizable coast hugging the large waterways. Several rivers stream from the central mountains and lakes dot the land, deceiving against the volcanic nature of the ridged mounds ([|Japan: Landforms and Climate]). Only twelve to fifteen percent of Japan is fertile, leading to intense cultivation and a steep increase in imports. Agriculture is not scarce, however, for the majority of homes have family farms or gardens, and rice paddies are found throughout Japan ([|Japan: Natural Resources and Agriculture]), contrasting the trees and shrubs that bring and unmistakable vibrancy to the awakening spring:

 “It has been much warmer the past few weeks. Since the day I saw Keiko, I’ve felt much lighter. It’s as if the darkness of winter has lifted. Every day I can see spring arriving in the smallest ways, mostly in the form of the double cherry blossoms sprouting from Matsu’s weeping Higan, and the clear, light scent I smell every time I step into the garden.” (Samurai’s Garden 117)

Even though many know Japan for its natural scenery, it also has a more mechanical side as “one of the world’s most heavily industrialized nations” ([|Japan: Environment]); pollution and toxic waste comes in great quantities from the production of nearly everything from vehicles to computers, earning Japan a seat in the “Greatest Contributors to the Decline of the Ozone” council. ([|Japan: Environment])

Japan’s climate varies regionally due to its vast array of latitudes, and the seasons strike in varying degrees: from “heavy snow to tropical sunshine” ([|Japan: Landforms and Climate]) in the north and south respectively. The central mountains and the ocean currents work together to further create a divided weather pattern; the mountains receive the brunt of the wind, and the warm and cool ocean currents battle in the east. In winter, the west receives storms and the east remains dry; during the summer, this pattern switches, despite the warming temperatures; and with the advent of fall, the storms intensify into typhoons, cyclones, and tsunamis ([|Japan: Landforms and Climate]), scaring the coastal beaches only to vanish as quickly as they came:

 “The air was sharp. For the first time in a week, the sun struggled weakly through the gray clouds. It left a strange bright light on the sand, still littered with remnants of the storm. I began to walk, sidestepping pieces of sea-weed, branches, and large depressions still filled with saltwater. The air smelled of salty, dried fish. The waves came in calmly, slapping the sand so lightly it seem[ed] impossible they could have ever caused so much damage. I turned and looked out to the sea, shading my eyes from the glare. The blue-gray water mirrored the sky, and like it, went on and on.” (Samurai’s Garden 62-63)

**Historical Briefing**
During the middle of the first century, the link between Japan and China influenced both societies. This was especially so of Japan, who received its initial forms of government, writing, and Buddhism from its counterpart. The Japanese powerhouse gradually became pompous, and in the later quarter of the eighteen-hundreds, decided to "work with the foreigners, since their efforts to expel them had not succeeded" ([|Japan: History]). By 1894, it became anxious and went to war with China; Taiwan, southern Manchuria, and Korea were awarded to Japan for winning. Even these three landmasses did not satisfy its thirst, however, for Japan still desired to leash China. Japan did just that by planting a "Japanese puppet monarchy in China's Manchurian region under Emperor P'u-i" ([|Japan: History]) in the early 1930's ([|Japan: History]). Although these remote events are never explained in __The Samurai's Garden__, a more localized occurrence, leprosy, is:

 "'The leprosy?' Matsu shook his head.'It was like a wildfire back then. It couldn't be stopped once it began.'

'When did it happen?'

Matsu slid his hand through his short gray hair. I watched his brow wrinkle in thought, as sweat glistened and slowly made its way down the side of his face. 'It must have been at least forty years ago or so when it first appeared in Tarumi,' he finally answered. 'I don't know what brought the cursed disease to us. We had never seen it before, but maybe it was always incubating, waiting like a soldering fire to spread out. One day, it began to show its ugly face and there was nothing we could do. The disease chose randomly, infecting our young and old.'" (Samurai's Garden 29)

**War and Conflict**
Considered the first battle of WWII, the Sino-Japanese War began with the Japanese invasion of China in 1937. Beginning in 1931, the Japanese made approaches on China, which were weakly resisted because of the internal political strife between the nationalist Kuomingtang and the communist party led by Mao Zedong. It was only in 1937 that the war was pushed into full gear; heated combat first flared ten miles west of Beijing in the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. The Japanese then pulled devastation through the northern cities, west, and south, capturing Jinan and Nanking ([|Sino Japanese War]) and determining exactly how they would be viewed:

 "I'm sure you've heard some version of the Nanking massacre. It's been reported that thousands of innocent Chinese men, women, and children have been killed and raped needlessly by the Japanese bastards. I would fight right now if I thought it would do any good, if I thought we had any chance against them. But as they move closer to Canton, I know that many Lingnan students are too afraid to return after the holidays. I've persuaded my family to let me go back. But only after solemn promise that I would return to Hong Kong if the Japanese devils get too close. I only wish you were taking the boat back to Canton with me." (Samurai's Garden 97)

The tensions between the nationalist and communist Chinese cooled down a year later, providing an opportunity for China to strike back. By blowing up the Yellow River dikes, a flood was created that destroyed Japanese supplies and vehicles, killed troops, and halted their progress to the Kaifeng railroad junction; however, this trump card came at the expense of four-thousand Chinese villages ([|Sino Japanese War]). Both sides felt heavy casualties throughout the war, and often, members of each side had difficulty believing the circumstances:

 "I watched him nod his head sadly, confirming my fears about the fierce Japanese drive that continued toward Canton. A the rate they moved through China, Canton would be overtaken within months. The carnage of death and destruction left my father speechless. I couldn't even begin to imagine Sachi and Matsu as my enemy, yet it felt strange to think that as I sat comfortably within their midst, Japan continued to ravage our homeland." (Samurai's Garden 85)

The Sino-Japanese War, technically, ended towards late 1938 with the fall of Wuhan, since the Japanese did not want to make an expenditure of more than 250,000 soldiers. After all, they had already accomplished, at least to a large extent, their primary goal to obtain natural resources. The Japanese were too prideful to abandon post, however, and set up regimes within the Chinese nation. It would take approximately a decade for the Chinese to regain control of their land, which -- like most resolutions of World War II -- was largely influenced by the Allies. ([|Sino Japanese War])

**Japanese Culture:**
Japanese culture is prevalent throughout __The Samurai's Garden__//,// whether it is through dinning, festivals, or general etiquette.


 * Food:**

Japanese cuisine is not only well known across the world, but also has cultural significance. Countless preparation methods are used across the country, containing rice, miso, several spices and pastes, and frequently items many foreigners do not have the stomach for. “Wasabi”, “soy sauce”, “ginger”, “sesame”, “teriyaki”, and “sukiyaki” may be found all over a Japanese recipe book. Fish – usually raw – is often included as the main course, although pork, chicken, and beef are also common. ([|Japan: Food and Holidays])


 * Religion:**

Japan's indigenous religion, Shinto was born from the belief that every object had a spirit and significance to life. Here, woman were elected religious office, for they were believed to be able to communicate with these spirits, or Kami. Each family, or clan, had its own Kami --often an ancestor -- that worship would be centered around. The Japanese would routinely pray at shrines, which faced South or East, since North and West were considered unfavorable directions. At the epicenter of an important event or where vast beauty could be found, these shrines would stand with a Torii gate to its head. ([|Japan: People])

Buddhism traveled from Korea, through China, and into Japan, mixing with Shinto and producing several offspring. Of these, Tendai, Shingon ("Pure Land"), Nichiren, and Zen Buddhism are most notable. Tendai Buddhism, an eclectic form, seeks to "reconcile seemingly contradictory means of salvation," teaching that "reality is one path, but it can be experienced 3,000 ways" (Japan: People); Shingon Buddhism uses symbols and rituals while presenting that at the heart of the universe lies mystery; Nichiren Buddhism attempts to force Buddhism to return to it's origin, expelling all of the newer interpretations; and Zen Buddhism focuses on mastering meditation in methods that mirrors such "aesthetic practices as the Japanese tea ceremony, gardens, and flower arranging" ([|Japan: People]). [[|Japan: People]]

Even though people do not usually associate Asia with western religions, one found influence within it; Christianity was later introduced to Japan in 1549 by a Jesuit missionary, St. Francis Xavier, and gained a large following; however, early rulers feared the foreign religion and it was suppressed by 1638 to the point of secret worship by "Hidden Christians." It would never gain such a large following again; in fact, there would only be a one-percent membership during the modern era, even though major institutions including universities, hospitals, and social services would come from a Christian origin. ([|Japan: People])

Individuals align to whichever religion they wish, but in order to accommodate others, Weddings and festivals are largely Shinto, and funerals are usually Buddhist. ([|Japan: Traditions and Etiquette])


 * Social Structure and Etiquette:**

Japanese social structure has a strong link to Confucianism, which is often considered a religion, even though it deals more with social order than with the divine. From the Chinese philosophy, the Japanese have gained their unbreakable ideology regarding the importance of family, rule by the righteous, and respect for others - especially in public. Since large corporations are ran by individuals, they also represent the ideals of Confucianism, taking "responsibility for the welfare of their employees" ([|Japan: People]). [[|Japan: People]]

Japan's economy flourishes due to their high regard of business. Businessmen often spend more time in the office than they do at home and are urged to adopt western practices:  "My parents gave us all Christian names at birth, since my father believes it an asset in the business world to be addressed with ease by Westerners. His import-export business thrives on such progressive ideas. It seems the apartment he keeps in Japan is more his home than our family house in Hong Kong. He makes his life in both places and the way he bows low with eyes adverted seems at times more Japanese than Chinese to me." (Samurai's Garden 4)

The Japanese greet one another with a bow -- arms straight to the side and the degree based on the status of each member -- but may shake the hand of a Westerner, adapting to whatever seems more positive; furthermore, negativity is frowned upon, so they also do not publicly contradict what another is saying, but instead seek an opportunity to positively express their opinion. ([|Japan: Traditions and Etiquette])

Cleanliness takes on the symbolic nature of purity. One rinses his or her hands and mouth (the body parts used in prayer) with the ladles provided at the fountains that adorn the entrances of shrines, and shoes are removed upon entering a home, temple, or shrine ([|Japan: Traditions and Etiquette]):

 "We proceeded through to the  genkan, the entrance room, which had a wooden bench where shoes are to be removed. There were two pairs of house slippers neatly lined up. one pair was clearly worn and next to them was a new pair that I slipped on. They felt cool and welcoming. The first summer we came to Tarumi, I asked my mother why we had to change our shoes before going into a house. She said it had to do with the Japanese custom of cleanliness, of not taking dirt from the streets into the house, and also because of the delicacy of the tatami mats lining the floor inside. It's a ceremony I found refreshing after arriving from the dirty streets of Hong Kong." (Samurai's Garden 10)

Personal Reflection:
Although I have extensive conceptual knowledge of Japan (mostly regarding culture), reading The Samurai’s Garden gave me an additional, almost personal, perspective; with Tsukiyama’s gentile guide, it was as if walked alongside the characters, experiencing a foreign nation as if it was my home: the extensive terrain wearing on my strength and human despair weighing down on my heart, only for the essence of beauty to cleanse my soul. As if I was hearing it straight from a dear relative, I learned about leprosy, the Sino-Japanese War, family, and the duality that encompasses them.

Aesthetic and ornate, Tsukiyama's writing style presents a deep understanding of human nature, relationships, and both ethereal and worldly beauty. Although it is within a lower echelon in regards to vocabulary and sentence structure, she utilizes an unique, artistic rhetoric to convey her wisdom within the boundaries of her characters' own expressions, ultimately crafting a bridge between the reader, the novel, and the aura formed by all entities. Passages similar to the following make my face light up, as appreciation for her discrete, yet skillful, execution of similes and imagery settles in:

"I swim in the warm mist, and sometimes I stay submerged under the water when it begins to rain, watching the drops dance on the surface like fingers touching skin." (Samurai's Garden 170)

The Samurai's Garden is a novel to cherrish in this modern era - cluttered with superficial texts and lofty longueurs: readings lacking either substance or the capability to be understood popularly.