So yeah. I plan to have a try at the Moeyoken-books for the third time now next month (yes, my Japanese is not above JLPT 2 level, but I'll try anyway XD It's kind of the Shinsengume BIBLE, after all).
Yet there are two of them, and I never figured out if that one which is titled with the kanji of "shita (I know it reads different, but I forgot which onyomi it was)" or that "ue" one is supposed to be read first.
Can someone tell me which is intended to be read first, or, if there isn't a certain order, which order is nicer (is there any historical order?) or which one is easier to read?

I spent a library prize award actually buying used books! Now... what sounds most intriguing? Help me decide which ones to read first!

( Book List )

Cross-posted here and there, because I'd love to find someone else who's interested in these topics.

http://community.livejournal.com/darkvictoria/661728.html  posted by chibimermaid

Looks like they're updating fairly actively. Very nice site. Organized, and tons of pictures:

http://oldphotosjapan.com/en/

Well, hello there everyone.

I've been linked here from a friend, so I looked around a little and decided to join, on behalf of one fandom I've been into years ago and fed my interest on this part of Japanese history.
There's actually not much to say about me, so I'll start right away with the question. Sorry if it sounds abrupt.

See, I've started working on a comic for a homebrew magazine, set in older Japan (I picked this era because it's the one I have the most knowledge of).
The thing is, the main female character is supposed to work in a restaurant and thus be dressed appropriately, but I couldn't find any visual reference besides my old Rurouni Kenshin issues. Seeing as it might be Akabeko's own design, regarding the pattern and the obi at the very least, I decided to look elsewhere to get a better idea. But, no dice.
So, long story short... may anyone give me a hand, please?

While at it, any structural reference for restaurants and popular housing would be very welcome, if that doesn't bother any of you.

Thank you very much in advance.

~PurpleKama

Quick...check out this sweet example of anatomical drawings from the Meiji.

Halp!  Anyone who can read Japanese/Chinese...is the guy's name Iwakawa Tomotaro? (I can't install Japanese fonts on this computer---cuz it's not my machine)
http://tinyurl.com/63nza6

it'd be cool to know if it's Iwakawa Tomotaro---he and Takamine Hideo edited the *same *exact sort of book on comparative anatomy

anyways I hope you guys enjoy the glimpse into science during the Meiji (^_^)

http://www.angryasianman.com/2008/06/sexy-asian-robot-shaver-commercial.html

Watch the vid before reading angryasianman's comment.

I agree there is alot implied in the commercial--I'm not saying it's offensive though. I still wonder why an Asian woman is not being shaved by a robot which looks like a Caucasian man though...

However it does point to a culture and a previous era (based on the hair style of the robot).

Anyways I thought it was interesting and wanted to share.

The information we read and study generally emerges from extracts from research coming out of major universities or publications run by these institutions. If Berkeley faces these drastic measures during this economic downturn there is no telling what would happen to other universities which also offer Chinese, Korean and Japanese studies.

http://www.angryasianman.com/2008/05/save-east-asian-languages-and-korean.html

What is of great concern is "Korean Studies, already a small, historically neglected program at Cal, is apparently in danger of being completely eliminated, with a cut of 66%."  Sorry but if they do away with Korean Studies they might as well toss Japanese studies.  You can't even study Japan without learning some Korean history.  Heck, from my experience with Meiji Japan, it's obvious a good portion of politics/Imperialism takes place in Korea (and not to mention extensive Japanese civilian immigration)!  There is a whole other chapter and side to Meiji Japan -beyond- the islands.

In our era of globalization and belief that it may lead to some good, it's hypocritical that the first programs to be scaled back are those involving international studies.  Remember, it's not just the "history of Japan" that will suffer but also basic language courses which may cut back on teacher's assistants who also teach students from different fields (such as business).  I can say with accuracy that African studies and Southeast Asian studies which are already weak fields in the USA will probably suffer even more as universities lose their funding.

Hi all -- I need your gut reaction thoughts to the following names

Takasugi Shinsaku
Kusaka Genzui
Yoshida Shoin
Yoshida Toshimaro
Katsura Kogoro/Kido Koin/Kido Takayoshi


(  If you are interested why and what for please click the lj-cut )

And on a semi-related note, I just wanted to say that although it seems like the fandom is small, I actually found a few Shinsengumi nuts while doing a few conventions down here in the SE United States. If any of you are planning doing any fandom conventions in the near future, feel free to post that here too. As small as that possibility may be, maybe fans can meet up :3.

Additionally, I've been collecting artbooks and settei for various shows. If there is something you wish could be tracked down or collected online , let me know. I have BKI settei but am probably going to focus on trying to track down Gintama next.