The book Warriors of Legend is one of the first of its kind, using a specific Japanese anime/manga series- the megahit Sailor Moon- to teach about Japan. Neophytes to Japan studies will find Warriors of Legend an accessible way to learn about this fascinating country. Those who know quite a lot about Japan already will find their understanding enhanced by the way the book analyzes the nuances of Tokyo's history and Japanese society. The book also argues that Sailor Moon is a unique series in that it was both internationally popular and strongly structured by the culture of the city of Tokyo and post-Economic Bubble Japan.
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Jay Navok holds a Masters degree in Regional Studies East Asia from Columbia University and is winner of the Japanese government's 2005 Monbukagakusho research scholarship. Sushil K. Rudranath is a practicing attorney in the state of Florida and holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida. Jonathan Mays (Editor) is a freelance writer for Newtype USA, Animerica, Anime Insider, IGN, Protoculture Addicts, and Neo Magazine (UK), and is the Senior Editor of Anime News Network.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By La Déesse
Okay! My copy of WoL arrived in the post this morning. The packaging indicated that it had come directly from Booksurge's Australian branch, which explains why it wasn't very expensive to ship to me ($5.80 in US dollars). I was very pleased about that as I wanted to support the publication but was afraid it might put more of a dent in my fortune than I was prepared for. (The cost of getting things shipped to New Zealand has always curtailed my anime and manga collections, although now that I have a real job that isn't such a restriction as it was when I was a student.) It was securely packed in cardboard and plastic wrap, and reached me in fine shape. I'm a pretty fast reader in my leisure time, and finished it while getting my hair cut this afternoon.
Early Thoughts: As an 'unauthorised' publication (clearly marked as such on the front cover) WoL offers an independent and unvarnished view of the Sailor Moon legend and its connections with real life in Japan, which is wonderful, but for the same reason, and the necessity to publish relatively cheaply, it suffers from a lack of colourful pictures, which would help bring to life the real Japanese locations it describes, and of course it cannot reproduce any art from the original anime and manga. This reduces its accessibility to readers who are not already familiar with the appearance of the Sailor Moon characters (and may not understand their appeal), and makes it impossible to run side by side comparisons of locations and objects as shown in the series and their real-world counterparts.
This, and some typographical errors of the kind I would expect to find in a small-press publication, are the only real cavils I have about what is otherwise a well written guide, which does a very nice job of balancing the interests of established Sailor Moon fans and readers who know less about the series but are curious about Japan. A slim volume, it provides some fascinating information and leaves the reader wanting to know more, and hopefully the authors' plans to publish a series will pan out.
I was particularly interested in the background information about decision-making on the anime and manga series, and the explanation offered for Takeuchi's lack of productive focus post-Sailor Moon. I would not hesitate to recommend this title to fans of Naoko Takeuchi's work. Non-fans would be understandably less likely to pick it up in a bookshop, but with a little persuasion from a fan might find it very worthwhile.
Early Thoughts: As an 'unauthorised' publication (clearly marked as such on the front cover) WoL offers an independent and unvarnished view of the Sailor Moon legend and its connections with real life in Japan, which is wonderful, but for the same reason, and the necessity to publish relatively cheaply, it suffers from a lack of colourful pictures, which would help bring to life the real Japanese locations it describes, and of course it cannot reproduce any art from the original anime and manga. This reduces its accessibility to readers who are not already familiar with the appearance of the Sailor Moon characters (and may not understand their appeal), and makes it impossible to run side by side comparisons of locations and objects as shown in the series and their real-world counterparts.
This, and some typographical errors of the kind I would expect to find in a small-press publication, are the only real cavils I have about what is otherwise a well written guide, which does a very nice job of balancing the interests of established Sailor Moon fans and readers who know less about the series but are curious about Japan. A slim volume, it provides some fascinating information and leaves the reader wanting to know more, and hopefully the authors' plans to publish a series will pan out.
I was particularly interested in the background information about decision-making on the anime and manga series, and the explanation offered for Takeuchi's lack of productive focus post-Sailor Moon. I would not hesitate to recommend this title to fans of Naoko Takeuchi's work. Non-fans would be understandably less likely to pick it up in a bookshop, but with a little persuasion from a fan might find it very worthwhile.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Morgan Skye
Amazon Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. It's in-depth, informative, and it never talks down to you. It's made for the hardcore Sailormoon fan. I think it's terrific that this book was made. It shows that fans can think outside of the tv screen.
I've been a Sailormoon fan for many years, yet there were things in this book that I never knew. It's like you're walking down the streets of Japan. Anyone who calls themselves a Sailormoon otaku needs this book!
I've been a Sailormoon fan for many years, yet there were things in this book that I never knew. It's like you're walking down the streets of Japan. Anyone who calls themselves a Sailormoon otaku needs this book!
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By Jason
This book has proven to be a well-informed and quick look at Japanese culture and society. The information found within could have been delivered with a textbook-like dryness, however, the fact that the authors used a well-known series like Sailor Moon helps to make the information very relatable, and easy to absorb.
At first glance, the show is merely fictional and full of fantasy. Beneath the surface, however, there is much commentary on Japanese society that one, as a foriegner, may not be able to easily decipher. This book, by examining the series from an anthropological stance, helps to peel away the layers, exposing the hidden messages underneath.
Warriors of Legend almost effortlessly draws parallels between scenery seen in the animated series to real-life locales in Tokyo. Family life and culture as depicted in the show are shown to be direct reflections of Japanese attitudes and beliefs. Of particular interest are the essays on religion and how lines between faiths in Japan are often blurred. All of these concepts have been present in the show, but often go unnoticed to average person.
The book itself is a little bit rough around the edges. That being said, it gets the job done as a nice introduction to the Japanese mindset and way of life.
At first glance, the show is merely fictional and full of fantasy. Beneath the surface, however, there is much commentary on Japanese society that one, as a foriegner, may not be able to easily decipher. This book, by examining the series from an anthropological stance, helps to peel away the layers, exposing the hidden messages underneath.
Warriors of Legend almost effortlessly draws parallels between scenery seen in the animated series to real-life locales in Tokyo. Family life and culture as depicted in the show are shown to be direct reflections of Japanese attitudes and beliefs. Of particular interest are the essays on religion and how lines between faiths in Japan are often blurred. All of these concepts have been present in the show, but often go unnoticed to average person.
The book itself is a little bit rough around the edges. That being said, it gets the job done as a nice introduction to the Japanese mindset and way of life.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hmmm...
This was really interesting. Although it's not an 'official' book for Sailor Moon, there are neat little facts about scenes or actual places in the manga and anime.
Published 1 month ago by mikoyoukai
3.0 out of 5 stars
More academic than I expected
Written with a heavy hand, especially considering the subject matter, this book was quite insightful about Japanese culture, taking lessons learned from Sailor Moon manga.
Published 5 months ago by In South Carolina
3.0 out of 5 stars
It's a good start.
I didn't retain much from the book, the lengthy Japanese place names of the ares in Tokyo didn't really stick. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Gabriel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sailor Moon Lives
This was purchased for my daughter who was thrilled with the book. She considered it very well done and found it it entertaining and usefull.
Published 20 months ago by Dportlu
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book
My girlfriend is a big fan of Sailor Moon, so I decided to order her this book. The package has arrived in Hungary within three weeks without any problems. Read more
Published 24 months ago by DBS87
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoy this.
I was happy to see a book dealing with Sailor Moon and showing the relationships the show has with the real Japan. It's very interesting and I'm learning a lot! Read more
Published on June 10, 2010 by Lila Jay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Supplement!
As an avid fan of the series, I enjoyed the book a lot! It really took me back to my childhood and allowed me to re-live so many memories and experiences I had while watching the... Read more
Published on January 20, 2010 by crazy fan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a good book:)
I have to say that I loved this book. I think any Sailor Moon buff, or anime fan will enjoy it. Also anyone who wants to learn about Japanese culture will get a lot out of this... Read more
Published on November 3, 2009 by Victoria Ventura
3.0 out of 5 stars
heavily padded, poorly edited
I was intrigued with the idea of a book detailing how the characters in Sailor Moon were a window into the society of contemporary Japan, and while parts of "Warriors of Legend" do... Read more
Published on August 25, 2009 by Graves
5.0 out of 5 stars
Learn where Sailor Moon came from!
Warriors of Legend is a great book for Sailor Moon fans, and even for people who are curious about the series but never really wanted to get too deep in the manga or the anime. Read more
Published on May 7, 2008 by R. Hirt
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 10
books:
See all 10 books this book cites
- Sailor Moon, Vol. 2 by Naoko Takeuchi on 31 pages
- Neighborhood Tokyo by Theodore Bestor on page 19, and Back Matter
- Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library) by William Shakespeare on page 77
- Ghost in the Shell Volume 1 (v. 1) by Masamune Shirow on page 75
- Romeo And Juliet (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Saddleback Classics) by William Shakespeare on page 77
See all 10 books this book cites
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