"Knowing Japan and the Japanese better," Louis Frédéric states in the introduction to this encyclopedia, "is one of the necessities of modern life." The Japanese have a profound knowledge of every aspect and detail of Western societies. Unfortunately, we in the West cannot say the same about our knowledge of Japan. We tend to see Japan through a veil of exoticism, as a land of ancient customs and exquisite arts; or we view it as a powerful contributor to the global economy, the source of cutting-edge electronics and innovative management techniques. To go beyond these clichés, we must begin to see how apparently contradictory aspects of modern Japanese culture spring from the country's evolution through more than two millennia of history. This richly detailed yet concise encyclopedia is a guide to the full range of Japanese history and civilization, from the dawn of its prehistory to today, providing clear and accessible information on society and institutions, commerce and industry, sciences, sports, and politics, with particular emphasis on religion, material culture, and the arts. The volume is enhanced by maps and illustrations, along with a detailed chronology of more than 2,000 years of Japanese history and a comprehensive bibliography. Cross-references and an index help the reader trace themes from one article to the next. Japan Encyclopedia will be an indispensable one-volume reference for students, scholars, travelers, journalists, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the past and present of this great world civilization.

Guren catches up to Yuichiro’s captors, but does nothing to save Yuichiro from the Hyakuya Sect’s clutches. Suddenly, Mahiru appears and attacks Mika! Meanwhile, Noya, the other demon inside Guren, stands and watches the situation unfold. Despite Guren’s apparent betrayal, Yuichiro still has trust in him, but will Yuichiro decide to run away and escape with Mika once and for all?! -- VIZ Media

The Hyakuya Sect descends on the Demon Army as the First Progenitor, Sika Madu, takes over Shinoa's mind and body. Leading the invasion is none other than Second Progenitor Rígr Stafford—he’s after Yuichiro, who is once again on the run with Mika. Meanwhile, Guren and Mahiru enact their long-awaited plan. It’s an all-out war between vampires, humans and demons! -- VIZ Media

Yuichiro and his friends head back to the Demon Army to prepare for the final battle. At the base, Kureto struggles to stave off Shikama Doji from controlling his body. But things quickly begin to fall apart when Shikama Doji also tries to take over Shinoa and Yuichiro! Will they be able to stop the possession? Or will they lose their bodies to the first progenitor? -- VIZ Media

Passions and intrigues abound in this epic historical novel. Kagami follows three families in 19th Century Japan, the Yamamotos and the Okuras, traditionalists dedicated to the old feudal Samurai ways, and the commercial Fukudas, eager to seize trading opportunities opened up by the arrival of Commodore Perry's force in 1853. The Kagami, or sacred mirror, is said to reflect the secret self of anyone who looks into it; what will it reveal of Lady Masa, the gentle aristocrat; her son, Renzo, a student at one of the mysterious Seignorial schools, once Japan's only point of contact with the outside world; the swaggering Samurai, Kenichi, and his sharp witted friend, Fukuda; free-thinking Aiko, with her quick tongue, and Osen, the beguiling courtesan?

The available literature on freshwater fungi is limited. Over the subsequent years a considerable volume of scientific papers have appeared scattered throughout numerous journals. There is therefore no recent synthesis of the subject and this is the objective of the proposed book. Freshwater habitats are rich in fungi with some 3,000 described species, most of papers focussing on their identification, substrata they grow on and world distribution. However, these fungi play an important role in the freshwater ecosystem, and are primarily involved in the breakdown of leaf litter contributing food for detritus feeders. Our book will bring together a wide range of acclaimed mycologists to review recent developments on the biology and ecology of freshwater fungi, particularly their molecular phylogeny, biodiversity, causative diseases of freshwater amphibians, fishes and invertebrate animals, decomposition of leaf litter, stream pollution and their potential role in bioremediation.