Wordbook Features

This is a page-by-page ordered glossary presenting selected vocabulary for original Japanese book Tsubakiyama Kachou No Nanokakan, which is published by Asahi Shimbun Company and sold separately.

Workbook Details:
BSW202
Letter and A4 PDF
260 pages
5831 entries

Ordered Glossary Method

Blue Sea Wordbooks provide important vocabulary for a corresponding Japanese book. The format is an "ordered glossary", listing vocabulary words in order to match the page and sequence in which the words appear on the page of the original book. This allows quick reference so that reading of the original book can proceed more smoothly.

Each entry presents 3 elements of information in 3 corresponding columns. The first is the kanji representation of the vocabulary word; the second is the reading of the word in hiragana; the third is a brief definition in English. See Wordbook Information for additional details.

Overview of Original Book

Tsubakiyama Kachou No Nanokakan offers three different main characters who have died and gone to the next world but are granted a chance to return to earth and take care of unfinished business.

The book was was written by Jirou Asada in 2002. It is published by Asahi Shimbun Company (Tokyo). Size of 5.5 x 7.5 inches, hardback, 378 pages, with no photos or drawings. The generally intended target audience is a native Japanese adult.

ISBN-10: 4-02-257786-X
ISBN-13: 978-4022577863

Original Book Details in Japanese

This original book is not sold by Blue Sea Press! It is available from Amazon Japan. All information on the Amazon Japan site is presented in Japanese and may be troublesome for some users.

See Wordbook Information for other sources which may be able to supply the original book.

Blue Sea Press is not responsible for availability of the original Japanese book or its means of distribution.

Evaluation of Original Book

This is a terrific story about three very different characters: a middle-aged store manager, a pre-teen child, and a yakuza gangster of early middle age. Each has died and gone to the next world, and each is upset about departing earth so early.

The next world refered to in this context is a Buddhist version, and quite modified at that. A panel of apathetic evaluators grants the three special access to a heavenly loophole that allows them to return to earth for a limited period, as long as they follow a short list of rules. In addtion, each will return to earth in a disguised form so that their previous acquaintances will not recognize them.

During the period of return for each character, much is learned about the past while they try to adjust for the future. There is much realization that more attention should have been spent on surrounding friends and family during life.

While the book is fascinating throughout, it gets low marks for accessibility due to the very nature of its subject matter. There are several Buddhist terms that can confounding. Some characters speak with child-like incoherence while others speak with the street slang of feuding gangs. It is a book that is well worth reading, but it requires patience.

About Evaluation and Rankings

Read a Japanese Book

Wordbook: Tsubakiyama Kachou No Nanokakan provides support for reading of the original Japanese book, enabling a smoother and more enjoyable reading experience that will assist in learning of the Japanese language.