2005.1.19 Release of A guide to the Japanese Stage, an excellent English-language guide to the Japanese performing arts   In November of 2004, Kodansha International released a new book titled A Guide to the Japanese Stage. (Export version scheduled for release in Jan. 2005) Completely in English, this book introduces everything from contemporary theater to traditional Kabuki, Bunraku, Noh and Kyogen. The contemporary chapters introduce the full range of notable contemporary Japanese theater arts, including Shingeki (New Theater), Shogekijo (small theater productions) straight theater, musicals, Takarazuka and Butoh. Considering the lack of authoritative English-language materials on the Japanese performing arts, this book should prove a valuable volume, covering even the contemporary theater scene. The authors include the prominent theater critic Akihiko Senda and Japanese theater researchers Ronald Cavaye and Paul Griffith. The foreword is written by the Kyogen master Mansai Nomura. + A Guide to the Japanese Stage From Traditional to Cutting Edge   Coauthors: Ronald Cavaye, Paul Griffith, Akihiko Senda Foreword by Mansai Nomura ISBN: 4-7700-2987-X Price: 2,310 yen (tax included) / $19.95 + http://www.kodansha-intl.com/books/html/en/477002987X.html