The Japanese Art of War

by Thomas Cleary

Military rule and the martial tradition of the samurai have dominated Japanese culture for centuries, virtually to the present day. According to Thomas Cleary—translator of more than twenty-five classics of Asian philosophy—the Japanese people have been so steeped in the way of the warrior that some of the manners and mentality of this outlook remain embedded in their individual and collective consciousness. Cleary shows how well-known attributes such as the reserve and mystery of formal Japanese behavior are deeply rooted in the ancient strategies of the traditional arts of war. Citing original Japanese sources that are popular among Japanese readers today, he reveals the hidden forces behind Japanese attitudes and conduct in political, business, social, and personal life.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Japan, Military Fiction, War, Philosophy, Martial Arts

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Dr. Thomas Francis Cleary, Ph.D. (East Asian Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University; J.D., Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley), was a prolific translator of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Muslim classics, with a particular emphasis on popular translations of Mahāyāna works relevant to the Chan, Zen, and Soen systems.

Reviews

[Les Robinson]

Cleary has a pretty comprehensive understanding of the classical Japanese mind and conveys this knowledge in a clear and understandable way. A very interesting and insightful read.

[Dean Marquis]

This is the definitive book on tje Japanese Art of war. It doesn't involve technique, it assumes that you already know how to paint. It helps you tou make a lasting work. There is a section on Shinto and the rise in Japanese militarism. Overextending yourself is a mistake that is easy to make and can only be controlled with self discipline.

[Stepan]

Название книги вводит в заблуждение. Об искусстве войны как таковом (тактика, стратегия, логистика, типы войск и пр.) здесь немного, очень немного. В основном, книга об идеологии военного сословия средневековой Японии, о том, что бусидо позаимствовало из китайского дзен-буддизма и синтоизма. Этот конкретный аспект раскрыт довольно неплохо. Но если вы ищете книгу непосредственно о военной стратегии, что-то вроде У-цзы, Сунь-цзы - это не то, что вам нужно.

[Jon Lewis]

Interesting take on the original "Art of war"

[Laura]

A different take on the Art of War. More insight into Japanese Culture, and Warlords (Masters, Samurai, etc)

[Lori Grant]

A should-read book on office politics which will happen to you and around you whether you participate in politics or not.

[Dave Franklin]

Thomas Cleary's " The Japanese Art of War" is a nuanced study of the impact of Zen Buddhism on the code of Bushido. Cleary provides an incisive overview of the role of militarism in Japanese history, and its psychological consequences for modern Japan.

Cleary examines, at length, the thought of four seminal thinkers: Shoson, Takuan, Yagui, and Musahi. Each author elucidates certain insights into one or more aspects of Zen thought, but Cleary reminds us that Shinto, Taoism and Neo- Confucianism also played a role in the formation of the Japanese psyche. None of these thinkers alone represents an accurate snapshot of Zen thought in Japan; Cleary reminds us that almost every facet of Japanese culture has both an inside and an outside face.

Cleary's study is a provocative guidebook that can bring some clarity to the events we see in East Asia today. While Cleary's analysis is rather evasive with respect to some of the nihilstic elements that have percolated through Zen thinking, this book is a valuable work.

[Anirudh Kukreja]

It would be unfair on my part to say anything bad about the content of this book; however the reason why I've rated it so low is the style of writing. The thoughts, although insightful, are haphazardly arranged and too confusing for an average reader. I'm not a regular consumer of Non-Fiction books (I humbly admit), but this one was a pain to finish.

[Andrea Canella]

Un testo che concede una bella infarinatura generale sulla filosofia Zen (e non solo) che ha influenzato il giappone per più di un millennio, consigliatissimo a chi è interessato al suddetto argomento.

[Larry]

Thomas Cleary uses ancient texts and modern language to artfully explain Japanese culture.

Masterfully done!

Cheers!

⛩🍶🙏

[Luna]

"Un albero cade per il bene di un altro"

[Dean Marquis]

This is an indispensable work on the The Martial Arts and Strategy. Thomas Cleary has written extensive on the subject and this is clearly one of his best works

[Jaden]

Had some element of self-help through the use of zen teachings but spent most of the book repeating phrases unnecessarily which was a little annoying.

[Juan Antonio]

99% history and 1% strategy

[TempeEnak+]

dari buku ini kita bisa belajar bagaimana budaya mempengaruhi kekuatan seorang prajurit

[Cat McNulty]

This was an extremely eye-opening read as someone who is just starting to learn about Eastern cultures. I was raised Christian and "left the church" as a teenager. Cleary managed to explain the anxiety I've felt but never could articulate. It's also an incredibly insightful read in preparation for my first trip to Japan, helping me understand and relate to the people. Cleary believes the root of western and eastern tension is ignorance: both sides think they are right. According to ancient Buddhists, "hiding one's light", removing the viel of mental preoccupations, removing all afflictions with a cleared mind is how to gain higher level of enlightenment.

[VanessaFaye]

eh.. its worth what its worth. some informative chapters about specific tricks of the warrior mind.

[Nrtashi]

A shitty book written by a fool.