I would like to make two recommendations in I guess you might call Japanese studies, or entertainments ala Japonaise.
The first is David Mitchell's book The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, and the second is a film
by Yoji Yamada called The Hidden Blade.
Both of these are very excellent if you like such things. I am reading the Mitchell book currently
and taking my time, as it is truly excellent.
