At first glance, Thomas Cleary is an unlikely expert on war, weaponry and man's ability to destroy. The Oakland author and translator of some 80 spiritual texts is gentle and soft-spoken, perfectly ...

It came as a shock of delight while reading Yojokun, a work of classical Japanese philosophy, to realize that what I held in my hands was a self-help book. A self-help book of rare charm and elegance, ...

Confections of pleated rope and metal. Helmets in the shape of snarling dragons, toothy eels and a flaming jewel. Plus warriors on horseback charging through an exhibtion hall adorned with a blood-red ...

Tom Cruise is Hollywood's biggest leading man. On Tuesday, his latest film, "The Last Samurai," makes its way to video stores. Entertainment contributor and People magazine senior editor Jess Cagle ...

Teachers are encouraged to read “Medieval Japan: An Introductory Essay,” by historian Ethan Segal, prior to conducting this lesson. The introductory essay may also be assigned to students with ...