From the demon-killing Minamoto no Yorimitsu to the immortal poet Ono no Komachi, find out about the fascinating world of Japanese warriors and folk-heroes.

Japanese mythology is filled with stories of larger-than-life characters that shaped the landscape of Japan. They are the folk heroes who slayed monsters, fought in epic battles and reflected the most complicated emotions of the people who created them. Through a mix of essays, short stories and anecdotes, Japanese Fighting Heroes follows the lives of samurai, warriors, outliers and iconoclasts who forged their own paths. 

Legendary fighters like the demon-killing Minamoto no Yorimitsu, philosophising samurai Miyamoto Musashi, and the One-Eyed Dragon Date Masamune. Creative heroes like the father of Japanese short stories Ryunosuke Akutagawa, the immortal poet Ono no Komachi, the hilarious Sei Shonagon and her insight into human nature. Trailblazers who broke down barriers like the feminist Hiratsuka Raicho, the statesman Fukuzawa Yukichi, the photographic genius Hiroshi Hamaya. 

These Japanese folk heroes led fascinating lives that provide insight into our own through the principles and practices they lived by. They struggled with universal ideals of honor, duty, courage and kindness, helping them transcend their culture. 

Whether you’re looking to learn about Japanese history, fall down a philosophy rabbit hole or pick up new mental health habits, these heroes can teach us timeless lessons. Japanese Fighting Heroes captures the essence of what it means to be human in any culture.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• List of Plates
• Acknowledgements
• Note on Japanese Names and Chapter Headings
• Introduction
  • 1. The Japanese Hercules and the Meaning of Strength
  • 2. The Lightning Lord and the Legend of the Samurai
  • 3. The Warrior Worth a Thousand and Fighting to Be Heard
  • 4. The Bad Neighbour and the Magic of Sake
  • 5. The Man Out of Time and Taking Things for Granted
  • 6. The Loyal Ronin and the Price of Honour
  • 7. The Mistress of Shadows and the Power of the Unseen
  • 8. The Princess of the Moon and the Alchemy of Authenticity
  • 9. The Philosophising Samurai and Living by the Way of the Sword
  • 10. The Court Lady of Comedy and Loving the Little Details of Life
  • 11. The One-Eyed Dragon and Walking Your Own Path
  • 12. The Tea Master and the Art of Simplicity
  • 13. The Poet of Beauty and the Profundity of Verse
  • 14. The Last Ukiyo-e Painter and the Fight for Preservation
  • 15. The Enchanting Geisha and the Freedom of Theatre
  • 16. The Father of Japanese Whisky and the Pursuit of Perfection
• 17. The Thunderbird and the Battle for Women’s Rights
• 18. The Sword Makers and the Duality of Human Nature
• 19. The Bridge Between Worlds and the Edge of Enlightenment
• 20. The Photographer of the Sky and the Window to the Soul
• 21. The Designer of Hope and Not Being Defined by Your Past
• 22. The Scientist and the Quest for Knowledge
• 23. The Father of Japanese Short Stories and the Man-Made Wings of Mental Health
• 24. The Humanist Director and the Bittersweet Mirror of Cinema
• Appendix: Name Pronunciation
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Plates