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The Saga of Pappy Gunn
Four-star General Kenney pays tribute to a remarkable man in this biography.
Colonel Paul Irvin (“Pappy”) Gunn was a fearless fighter who demonstrated his qualities of leadership.
To the youngsters fresh from the training fields and untried in air combat he was an example, an inspiration, a confidence builder, and an invaluable man to have around.
As well as a brilliant pilot, Pappy was also a formidable aviation engineer. If any piece of equipment from the airplane itself to any of its hundreds of accessories failed to work, the universal answer was “Pappy can fix it,” and Pappy could and did.
Kenney's book uncovers the remarkable life of Pappy Gunn and his exploits through the Second World War, explaining why many generals, admirals and soldiers acknowledged that he was one of aviation's great pioneers.
‘Pappy Gunn is a loving tribute by the youngest son of one of the United States’ greatest heroes, one that highlights the humanity of a man who was a legend in his own time.’ — HistoryNet
‘An affectionate biography of an almost legendary Air Force hero’ — Kirkus Reviews
George Churchill Kenney (1889 –1977) was a United States Army Air Forces general during World War II. He is best known as the commander of the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), a position he held from August 1942 until 1945. Kenney wrote three books about the SWPA air campaigns he led during World War II. His major work was General Kenney Reports (1949), a personal history of the air war he led from 1942 to 1945. He also wrote The Saga of Pappy Gunn (1959) and Dick Ace of Aces (1960), which described the careers of Paul Gunn and Richard Bong, two of the most prominent airmen under his command.
Colonel Paul Irvin (“Pappy”) Gunn was a fearless fighter who demonstrated his qualities of leadership.
To the youngsters fresh from the training fields and untried in air combat he was an example, an inspiration, a confidence builder, and an invaluable man to have around.
As well as a brilliant pilot, Pappy was also a formidable aviation engineer. If any piece of equipment from the airplane itself to any of its hundreds of accessories failed to work, the universal answer was “Pappy can fix it,” and Pappy could and did.
Kenney's book uncovers the remarkable life of Pappy Gunn and his exploits through the Second World War, explaining why many generals, admirals and soldiers acknowledged that he was one of aviation's great pioneers.
‘Pappy Gunn is a loving tribute by the youngest son of one of the United States’ greatest heroes, one that highlights the humanity of a man who was a legend in his own time.’ — HistoryNet
‘An affectionate biography of an almost legendary Air Force hero’ — Kirkus Reviews
George Churchill Kenney (1889 –1977) was a United States Army Air Forces general during World War II. He is best known as the commander of the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), a position he held from August 1942 until 1945. Kenney wrote three books about the SWPA air campaigns he led during World War II. His major work was General Kenney Reports (1949), a personal history of the air war he led from 1942 to 1945. He also wrote The Saga of Pappy Gunn (1959) and Dick Ace of Aces (1960), which described the careers of Paul Gunn and Richard Bong, two of the most prominent airmen under his command.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1959
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About the author
George C. Kenney
24 books1 followerGeorge Churchill Kenney was a United States Army Air Forces general during World War II, the commander of the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 11, 2019
The Saga of Pappy Gunn is a kindly testimonial to a great airman from his commanding officer, General George C. Kenny. "Pappy" Gunn was part of the first class of naval aviators, an enlisted man who beat the odds to became one of the first carrier pilots. He retired from the Navy in 1939, retiring to the Philippines to try his hand at running an air line. He didn't have long to enjoy his retirement. World War 2 struck, and Pappy signed up in the Army Air Force. McAurthur's Far East Forces were a world onto their own, and in the desperate defense of the Philippines Pappy coordinated aerial evacuations, repairs, and patrols. His own family was captured and interned, but Pappy managed to bring vital planes and pilots south to Australia.
There he met up with General Kenny, who recognized a man of exceptional talents. Pappy was promoted from Wing maintenance officer to head of special projects. He had an uncanny talent for field modification, turning A-20 and B-25 medium bombers into machine-gun bristling strafing ships. These modifications played a key role in the Battle of the Bismark Sea, and became an official B-25 variant. Pappy kept up morale with a string of tale tales and irrepressible energy, despite being a generation older than most of the men he served with.
The story has a bittersweet ending. Pappy was severely wounded during the liberation of the Philippines, and had a difficult recovery. He ran a shoestring airline in the Pacific after the war, dying with his boots on in a plane crash. There are some neat anecdotes here, and it's a lovely memorial, but I can't recommend this book on any literary qualities.
There he met up with General Kenny, who recognized a man of exceptional talents. Pappy was promoted from Wing maintenance officer to head of special projects. He had an uncanny talent for field modification, turning A-20 and B-25 medium bombers into machine-gun bristling strafing ships. These modifications played a key role in the Battle of the Bismark Sea, and became an official B-25 variant. Pappy kept up morale with a string of tale tales and irrepressible energy, despite being a generation older than most of the men he served with.
The story has a bittersweet ending. Pappy was severely wounded during the liberation of the Philippines, and had a difficult recovery. He ran a shoestring airline in the Pacific after the war, dying with his boots on in a plane crash. There are some neat anecdotes here, and it's a lovely memorial, but I can't recommend this book on any literary qualities.
July 9, 2017
Ordinary people can often turn out to be extraordinary. That description would be more than fitting for Paul Irvin “Pappy” Gunn. A mechanical genius who could rebuild anything from electric razors to airplane engines, Pappy Gunn forged his own way through life based on the natural talent he possessed.
The book is easy to read, and chronologically proceeds from one anecdote to another. Known for his mechanical prowess (which was only rivaled by his ability to spin a good story), Pappy Gunn was an integral part of the war effort in the Pacific during WWII. Affectionately written by one of his former commanding officers, this book is a good sketch of Gunn’s life.
The book was originally published in 1959, and thus has some dated terms and passages that some may point out as being politically incorrect in today’s world. Nothing, however, is meant to be insulting as it is nothing more than the vernacular of the day. The book is intended to educate people about a soldier who may have played a small part but certainly walked around wearing big shoes. Four stars.
The book is easy to read, and chronologically proceeds from one anecdote to another. Known for his mechanical prowess (which was only rivaled by his ability to spin a good story), Pappy Gunn was an integral part of the war effort in the Pacific during WWII. Affectionately written by one of his former commanding officers, this book is a good sketch of Gunn’s life.
The book was originally published in 1959, and thus has some dated terms and passages that some may point out as being politically incorrect in today’s world. Nothing, however, is meant to be insulting as it is nothing more than the vernacular of the day. The book is intended to educate people about a soldier who may have played a small part but certainly walked around wearing big shoes. Four stars.
January 12, 2024
I had never heard of Pappy Gunn. General George Kenney, who wrote this book, meant it to be a testament to Paul Gunn's larger-than-life personality. His collection of debatably factual vignettes sketches the life of an extraordinary man. Unfortunately for me, sufficient time has passed that the emotional impact of "The Saga of Pappy Gunn" is not as heavy as it probably once was.
Pappy Gunn was a Navy enlisted pilot turned Army Air Force colonel whose mechanic shop in Australia during World War II produced hodge-podge airworthy Frankensteins capable of incredible feats. According to General Kenney, a significant portion of the US Army Air Force's success in the South Pacific is thanks to Col. Gunn.
The point of this novella-biography hybrid is to share Pappy's life with the reader. It is not a history nor a traditional biography. It is a plea to the next generation to remember Pappy Gunn and carry on his name. General Kenney's mission may or may not have succeeded--I had never heard of Pappy Gunn before this book--but it is an undoubtedly admirable gesture.
Kenney was a US Air Force general and not an author, so his writing can occasionally be jarring. This, combined with poor audio narration, sometimes frustrated me. But "The Saga of Pappy Gunn" was only a few hours long, so it was still a breeze. If you like to read vignettes of extraordinary life, this one is worth picking up from the library. Most readers, however, would find more value elsewhere.
Pappy Gunn was a Navy enlisted pilot turned Army Air Force colonel whose mechanic shop in Australia during World War II produced hodge-podge airworthy Frankensteins capable of incredible feats. According to General Kenney, a significant portion of the US Army Air Force's success in the South Pacific is thanks to Col. Gunn.
The point of this novella-biography hybrid is to share Pappy's life with the reader. It is not a history nor a traditional biography. It is a plea to the next generation to remember Pappy Gunn and carry on his name. General Kenney's mission may or may not have succeeded--I had never heard of Pappy Gunn before this book--but it is an undoubtedly admirable gesture.
Kenney was a US Air Force general and not an author, so his writing can occasionally be jarring. This, combined with poor audio narration, sometimes frustrated me. But "The Saga of Pappy Gunn" was only a few hours long, so it was still a breeze. If you like to read vignettes of extraordinary life, this one is worth picking up from the library. Most readers, however, would find more value elsewhere.
June 3, 2017
Pappy Gunn
When I first saw this book I could hardly wait treading. Having read other books by General Kenney, I read this one through. Pappy was a hero that I had read about growing up. General Kenney did not dwell on the mundane details of Gunn's career but gave insight to the real person. As I read through the book I could not help but notice how straightforward Kenney was in his writing. Had the book been released today it would have been ignored because of its lack of political correctness. This was a well written book about an American hero written by another American hero. I enjoyed the book immensely.
When I first saw this book I could hardly wait treading. Having read other books by General Kenney, I read this one through. Pappy was a hero that I had read about growing up. General Kenney did not dwell on the mundane details of Gunn's career but gave insight to the real person. As I read through the book I could not help but notice how straightforward Kenney was in his writing. Had the book been released today it would have been ignored because of its lack of political correctness. This was a well written book about an American hero written by another American hero. I enjoyed the book immensely.
June 15, 2018
The blurb on the cover from Kirkus Reviews says, "An affectionate biography of an almost legendary Air Force hero," but while The Saga of Pappy Gunn does indeed cover Paul Gunn's entire life, from his boyhood and the first stirrings of his love of flying, to his death in a flying accident after the end of the War, the book is really more of a memoir of General Kenney's personal acquaintance with Gunn. But having said that, and despite the fact that the book is only 115 pages long, Kenny's account is surprisingly complete. Gunn wasn't just the innovator who took the medium altitude B-25 bomber and turned it into the most devastating attack plane of World War II--the "commerce destroyer" that annihilated Japanese shipping with its massed .50 caliber machine guns and skip bombing tactics. Besides being something of a mechanical genius, Gunn was also one of the first Naval aviators, and apparently one of the best. He had incredible personal courage, and he was as renowned for his tall tale spinning as he was his flying or his innovative engineering. I had long been aware of Paul "Pappy" Gunn's contributions to winning the war in the southwest Pacific, but I was unaware of the other interesting aspects of his life. It is a testament to Gunn's skill, intelligence, and charismatic personality that this biography was written by General George C. Kenny, Gunn's commanding officer and commanding officer of the U.S. Fifth Air Force (and later the first commander of the Strategic Air Command).
January 29, 2018
If you don't know about Pappy Gunn, your military history knowledge is sorely lacking.
...as mine was. I'm a 33 year Marine and Air Force vet -aviator to the core, and I'm ashamed to say I'd never heard of P.I. Gunn until my wife found his biography (Indestructible by John Bruning) at Costco and gave it to me for my birthday. It's a great read as this little book by General Kenney is.
The guy was unstoppable. Probably a total ass- except- he wasn't! Everybody loved him. A retired Navy Chief, enlisted Naval Aviator, thrown into the Pacific war in the Army Air Corps after Pearl Harbor. This book provides a view of his actions and accomplishments from one of his bosses.
The one thing that is sort of glossed over here is the depth of pain and guilt Pappy carried every day over the fact that his family was held prisoner by the Japanese in an internment camp in Manila. It affected him to his soul and is probably chief among the reasons he was such a har0dass risk taking maniac. The family's story is another book all by itself (I think it's been written but I haven't yet read it).
Pappy Gunn may have done more to affect the fight in the Pacific than any other one person. Amazing stuff- and this book really adds to it.
...as mine was. I'm a 33 year Marine and Air Force vet -aviator to the core, and I'm ashamed to say I'd never heard of P.I. Gunn until my wife found his biography (Indestructible by John Bruning) at Costco and gave it to me for my birthday. It's a great read as this little book by General Kenney is.
The guy was unstoppable. Probably a total ass- except- he wasn't! Everybody loved him. A retired Navy Chief, enlisted Naval Aviator, thrown into the Pacific war in the Army Air Corps after Pearl Harbor. This book provides a view of his actions and accomplishments from one of his bosses.
The one thing that is sort of glossed over here is the depth of pain and guilt Pappy carried every day over the fact that his family was held prisoner by the Japanese in an internment camp in Manila. It affected him to his soul and is probably chief among the reasons he was such a har0dass risk taking maniac. The family's story is another book all by itself (I think it's been written but I haven't yet read it).
Pappy Gunn may have done more to affect the fight in the Pacific than any other one person. Amazing stuff- and this book really adds to it.
February 17, 2019
This book is about the life and exploits of Paul Irvin Gunn by a former commander thereof.
I found it difficult to get into this book, at least partially because there are _no_ photos between the covers. No photo of Pappy, his family, his buddies, his work environment, nor his creations. There is a photo on the front cover, but it's a fairly generic B-25 bombing run over water photo.
Ok, he was a memorable guy, but the author went to the trouble of writing 103 pages, and still couldn't have come up with a photo?
Quite a few of the accolades come from Pappy's family members; I would expect such from relatives.
Perhaps if you'd previously heard of Pappy Gunn as a hero, and just wanted to hear about some of his exploits, this book would do it for you. As I'd never heard of him, the book was a letdown.
I found it difficult to get into this book, at least partially because there are _no_ photos between the covers. No photo of Pappy, his family, his buddies, his work environment, nor his creations. There is a photo on the front cover, but it's a fairly generic B-25 bombing run over water photo.
Ok, he was a memorable guy, but the author went to the trouble of writing 103 pages, and still couldn't have come up with a photo?
Quite a few of the accolades come from Pappy's family members; I would expect such from relatives.
Perhaps if you'd previously heard of Pappy Gunn as a hero, and just wanted to hear about some of his exploits, this book would do it for you. As I'd never heard of him, the book was a letdown.
June 18, 2017
If you like the details of how WWII was really won, this book fills in one of the details. There are many unsung heroes and innovators who got only a little notice for what they did at the time and who's memory has been misplaced. This book fills in an important set of details. Pappy Gunn "invented" the 10 gun B-25/PBJ of the Pacific war which accounted for a lot of Japanese surface craft destroyed, thus severely diminishing the ability of the forces of Japan from continuing their resistance, both in the forward operating area and back in the home islands.
Mr. Gunn was a bit quirky which probably held him back a bit from promotion, but his contribution was extensive and it makes for an interesting and enjoyable read.
Mr. Gunn was a bit quirky which probably held him back a bit from promotion, but his contribution was extensive and it makes for an interesting and enjoyable read.
May 1, 2020
I'm glad somebody wrote this book about a hard-to-believe figure from World War II - I just didn't think a four star general would.
Pappy Gunn is a Forrest Gump-like real life figure that spent years in early Navy aviation history, first as enlisted, but ultimately rising to O6. He became an unsung hero as his institutional knowledge, ability to innovate, and unwaverable desire to get the job done bolstered the U.S. war effort in the Southwest Pacific during the Pacific Campaign of World War.
It's a very short book and my favorite kind of history - fascinating stories, unbelievable characters, and just enough plausibility that it could all be true.
Pappy Gunn is a Forrest Gump-like real life figure that spent years in early Navy aviation history, first as enlisted, but ultimately rising to O6. He became an unsung hero as his institutional knowledge, ability to innovate, and unwaverable desire to get the job done bolstered the U.S. war effort in the Southwest Pacific during the Pacific Campaign of World War.
It's a very short book and my favorite kind of history - fascinating stories, unbelievable characters, and just enough plausibility that it could all be true.
August 31, 2018
Where do get suchmen
A great telling of one of the most obscure but vastly important men this country ever produced. Don't forget that WWII was a most perilous time for this country and was a bitter, viscous fight for the principles we hold dear. Pappy Gunn was a vastly important cog in that fight. And though anyone alive may not know about him, those who are familiar with military aviation know him well. A great and courageous man his name is immortal. RIP good sir, your life is inspiring to us all and we remember.
A great telling of one of the most obscure but vastly important men this country ever produced. Don't forget that WWII was a most perilous time for this country and was a bitter, viscous fight for the principles we hold dear. Pappy Gunn was a vastly important cog in that fight. And though anyone alive may not know about him, those who are familiar with military aviation know him well. A great and courageous man his name is immortal. RIP good sir, your life is inspiring to us all and we remember.
November 15, 2017
When the book was over I felt that I had met a man of compassion, strength. Carrisma, loyalty, determination
Pappy Gunn was driven to help his real family and his service family and the Japanese gave him the perfect target. This book gave me a delightful insight into a man driven to extremes with his tall tails a humorous outlet for his accomplishments. But there was nothing funny about his desire to hurt the enemy any way that he could; and hurt them he did.
Pappy Gunn was driven to help his real family and his service family and the Japanese gave him the perfect target. This book gave me a delightful insight into a man driven to extremes with his tall tails a humorous outlet for his accomplishments. But there was nothing funny about his desire to hurt the enemy any way that he could; and hurt them he did.
August 7, 2019
A Great Read About a Great Guy
All too often out histories devolve into dates and places that numb the mind like Morse code. When I look back on my service I remember mostly the people, the characters that stood out for their different reasons. Pappy Gunn was the ultimate character, and the reading of his exploits and his family's courage makes the history of WWII more real than the droning on of a thousand historians.
All too often out histories devolve into dates and places that numb the mind like Morse code. When I look back on my service I remember mostly the people, the characters that stood out for their different reasons. Pappy Gunn was the ultimate character, and the reading of his exploits and his family's courage makes the history of WWII more real than the droning on of a thousand historians.
March 1, 2020
Good read
This was quite a story. What happened in the Philippines was tragic. Happy Gunn was quite a man and.hero. What his family went through was also something. They also showed great courage. Pappy reminded me of another WW 2 hero airman whose life story I have read Pappy Boyington leader of the Black sheep squadron. They both were unique individuals. Members of the Greatest generation. I enjoyed reading this book.
This was quite a story. What happened in the Philippines was tragic. Happy Gunn was quite a man and.hero. What his family went through was also something. They also showed great courage. Pappy reminded me of another WW 2 hero airman whose life story I have read Pappy Boyington leader of the Black sheep squadron. They both were unique individuals. Members of the Greatest generation. I enjoyed reading this book.
October 7, 2017
Yeesh. I kept waiting for this to be more than a "he did this, and then he did this, and then he did this, and then he did this other thing, and then...". I'm sure Pappy Gunn was an amazing character, but reading this was like being stuck on a transatlantic plane flight next to someone who wouldn't shut up.
March 14, 2019
Heroic, driven & inspirational.
Our heroes who are time & again heroic with no thought of being so should not be forgotten. P. I. Gunn a bigger than life man of vision was that kind of man. God bless these men & those who love them. May their sacrifices not be in vain.
A well written book about the kind of accomplishments we will not see again.
Our heroes who are time & again heroic with no thought of being so should not be forgotten. P. I. Gunn a bigger than life man of vision was that kind of man. God bless these men & those who love them. May their sacrifices not be in vain.
A well written book about the kind of accomplishments we will not see again.
June 4, 2019
A delightful surprise
I had no idea a biography of Pappy Gunn existed. Gunn was a real-life character Hollywood couldn't create. Most famous as the inventor of the "commerce raider" A-20 and B-25 gunships used in the Pacific Theater, this book details this and all his other adventures.
And that's plain English.
I had no idea a biography of Pappy Gunn existed. Gunn was a real-life character Hollywood couldn't create. Most famous as the inventor of the "commerce raider" A-20 and B-25 gunships used in the Pacific Theater, this book details this and all his other adventures.
And that's plain English.
October 6, 2019
Is the book worth reading? YES!
I'm not a writer. I am not one who puts his thoughts to paper. I will say this book was well written. Kept my attention, allowed me to have my vivid imagination. I could visualize Pappy and all the characters involved in each scene. The writer communicated to me in ways that held my interest.
I'm not a writer. I am not one who puts his thoughts to paper. I will say this book was well written. Kept my attention, allowed me to have my vivid imagination. I could visualize Pappy and all the characters involved in each scene. The writer communicated to me in ways that held my interest.
January 19, 2022
What an extraordinary man in an extraordinary time.
The stories are those of legend, the man one that I’m almost positive was known by and flew along with my father. I’ve heard similar stories, and this book took me back to a simpler time of listening to older men talking about their exploits in the South Pacific flying B-25’s.
The stories are those of legend, the man one that I’m almost positive was known by and flew along with my father. I’ve heard similar stories, and this book took me back to a simpler time of listening to older men talking about their exploits in the South Pacific flying B-25’s.
July 20, 2017
Good read
I like reading about war stories. I can't imagine the hardships that ordinary men and women went through. This book shows a light on how perseverance and toughness can conquer any obstacle.
I like reading about war stories. I can't imagine the hardships that ordinary men and women went through. This book shows a light on how perseverance and toughness can conquer any obstacle.
July 28, 2017
A well-written story of an amazing man.
I chose this title because of my interest in how people meet and cope with adversity. Pappy Gunn's actions in WWII Pacific combat show how one irrepressible and drive helped achieve Allied success in that arena.
I chose this title because of my interest in how people meet and cope with adversity. Pappy Gunn's actions in WWII Pacific combat show how one irrepressible and drive helped achieve Allied success in that arena.
August 22, 2017
Definitely worth the read
A short but superbly entertaining book about an u forgettable character from the Pacific theater of World War 2. Each chapter presents a new difficulty or experience that "Pappy" approaches in a unique and quirky way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A short but superbly entertaining book about an u forgettable character from the Pacific theater of World War 2. Each chapter presents a new difficulty or experience that "Pappy" approaches in a unique and quirky way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
December 10, 2017
Well written book, but the subject matter deserves 5-stars. Pappy Gunn seemingly was the most outrageous mechanic/airmen in the Pacific and his outrageous methods were outrageously successful.
100% recommend for anyone into aviation, WW2, or general history.
100% recommend for anyone into aviation, WW2, or general history.
May 9, 2018
Wow. Okay, this was a brilliant biography of a brilliant man! So impressed! There were some things about Pappy that were probably overly cocky, but he was still very cool. Definitely someone I'd like to know better!
June 27, 2018
Excellent Narrative
An outstanding biography of an extraordinary man. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of the air war in WWII in the South Pacific. The courage and innovation of Pappy Gunn is an inspiration.
An outstanding biography of an extraordinary man. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of the air war in WWII in the South Pacific. The courage and innovation of Pappy Gunn is an inspiration.
December 10, 2019
A fun read for those who like military memoirs
Mr. Kenney is an engaging author, and his writing is one reason I chose this title. The other one is the person about whom this book is written. "Pappy" Gunn is a kind of aircraft invention superhero.
Mr. Kenney is an engaging author, and his writing is one reason I chose this title. The other one is the person about whom this book is written. "Pappy" Gunn is a kind of aircraft invention superhero.
August 16, 2021
Interesting story of WWII
General Kenney knew more about this time period and these events than anyone else. Pappy Gunn played a significant role in Air developments in the Pacific in WWII.
General Kenney knew more about this time period and these events than anyone else. Pappy Gunn played a significant role in Air developments in the Pacific in WWII.
February 2, 2022
A really great story
A great read. I truly enjoyed this book. I actually read it in a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down. A must read for anyone that likes stories of great military personnel or WWII.
A great read. I truly enjoyed this book. I actually read it in a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down. A must read for anyone that likes stories of great military personnel or WWII.
December 31, 2023
My father was at Tacloban at the same time as Pappy Gunn was and mentioned his name to me regarding the changes to the B-25. Had no idea about the rest of his life and achievements though. Very interesting read.
May 24, 2017
Good, and worth the read if you're a military buff.
Or a veteran, as I am.
Or a veteran, as I am.
June 28, 2017
An amazing story of a true hero of WW2.
With guys like him getting the job done whatever it took, we couldn't loose.
He played a critical role in the Pacific against the Japanes.
With guys like him getting the job done whatever it took, we couldn't loose.
He played a critical role in the Pacific against the Japanes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews