Wordbook Features

This is a page-by-page ordered glossary presenting selected vocabulary for original Japanese book Noguchi Hideyo, which is published by Kodansha and sold separately.

Workbook Details:
BSW501
Letter and A4 PDF
56 pages
942 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

Noguchi Hideyo describes the remarkable life of famous medical researcher Hideyo Noguchi. One of the first Japanese citizens to achieve worldwide recognition, Noguchi is now honored with his portrait on the Japanese 1000 yen bill. A "Noguchi Prize" is planned to select and reward biomedical researchers who contribute to better health in Africa, the place where Noguchi died in pursuit of a cure for yellow fever.

The book was written by Michio Namekawa in 1981. It is published by Kodansha (Tokyo). Size of 4.5 x 7.0 inches, paperback, 214 pages, approximately 20 B/W photos and drawings. The generally intended target audience is a native Japanese adolescent.

ISBN-10: 4-06-147501-0
ISBN-13: 978-4061475014

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

The story of Hideyo Noguchi's life is so engrossing that it makes up for many annoying qualities of this particular account.

Born to a poor rural family in 1876, Noguchi's left hand was seriously injured when he was a young boy. Despite these hurdles, he determined to learn about medicine and pass rigorous examinations in Tokyo. This he did, yet lack of opportunity due to social status kept him in mundane jobs. At age 23, Noguchi went to America and became the assistant of a university researcher. His tenacious work ethic was viewed with wonder by colleagues, and he made several great medical discoveries during his career. In 1928, Noguchi was one of several prominent medical researchers who died in Africa while seeking a cure for yellow fever.

The style of the book is disappointing in places. In particular, the book was written in 1981 and feels more like it was written in 1881. The author often uses formal language that would be better left to dry histories. On the hand, there are many exciting passages, and Noguchi's stoic personality is easy to detect.

About Evaluation and Rankings

Read a Japanese Book

Wordbook: Noguchi Hideyo 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.