"Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa 武蔵！

GookanGohan · Jan 5, 2004, 16:08

;) Has anyone here ever read the book "Musashi" be Eiji Yoshikawa? It's the BEST book I have EVER read! It's long but I stayed through the whole thing, and for someone who's only 16, reading is not my most favorite thing to do.

Well you guys should read it, it's based on a real person named "Musashi!" He's like the real-life "Rurouni Kenshin" but better. It's kinda of violent

ok well it IS violent, but I'm a girl and I liked it

It had romance, action. adventure, history etc
Well just read it it's a really good book!

Himura · Jan 6, 2004, 04:55

There are allready a few similar threads...
-but yeah! ...damn its a great book! -my all time fav!

kukishin · Jan 25, 2004, 10:32

Today the film based on the book was on IFC Channel here in NYC.
The film stars Mifune Toshiro, and is quite good. There are three parts to the film. Today part II was shown. There is a cool duel between Musashi with swords and Baiken with the kusarigama at the beginning.

Alon Adika

**Uncle Frank** · Jan 25, 2004, 10:53

the classic guide to strategy. Loved it !!

Frank

senseiman · Mar 2, 2004, 17:37

I live next to the moat of Himeji Castle, where Musashi was imprisoned for a few years as a youth. Since NHK started airing their 'Musashi' mini series (which sucks, by the way), everywhere you look around here you see the word Musashi as all the locals try to cash in on the Musashi tourist trade.

They opened a Musashi museum, but it seems to have gone out of business recently. In the castle, they opened up the room where Musashi is beleived to have been imprisoned to public viewing. Its not much to look at, just a crawl space under some stairs really, but they've decorated it up with a life size Musashi dummy sitting at a small desk studying classical Chinese books of strategy and history.

The book was pretty good, I think its one of Yoshikawa's best. If you liked Musashi, you should try reading Yoshikawa's "Taiko", the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who united Japan in the 16th century. Also, the "Heike Monogatari" has been translated into English, but the thing is that Yoshikawa died before he could finish it so the ending is very anti-climactic. Entertaining book though.

ashuri2 · May 3, 2004, 13:18

i love musashi so much!!!!!!! literally one of the best books i've ever read!

Nothingness · May 11, 2004, 05:01

Good book... only book that I read that was over 900 pages...

Maciamo · May 11, 2004, 06:36

Is there any relationship between this book and the TV series (jidai geki) "Musashi", and therefore with the manga "Vagabond" ?

ashuri2 · May 12, 2004, 05:11

probably. there have been so many spin-off stories from this one cause its so famous...and for good reason!

ippolito · May 13, 2004, 00:08

I have readed that book and like all martial arts people that generally read it it is one of the best...
I have not seen so much intersts by young japanese about jp martial arts
but more on baseball or soccer...
I have only 2 jp friends that practice Kyudo and Kendo....most of others friend nothing about......
oss
Ippolito

Originally Posted by Frank D. White

the classic guide to strategy. Loved it !!

Frank

m

**playaa** · May 13, 2004, 00:34

Sounds cool, I will have to check this one out, though I do not like to read.

duff_o_josh · May 14, 2004, 02:33

im on the third book..and have been for the last year lol, you should check out the book that was actually written by miyamoto musashi called teh five rings if you havent already.

ashuri2 · May 14, 2004, 05:59

this book was my guide to traditional japanese culture that the commoners lived, unlike genji, which was aristocratic.

soe · May 16, 2004, 18:22

OMMMMMMMMMMMMANNN!! I'm about to read the book today! It's so...thick? book??
AAAAAARGH.... omoi na hon da yooo

Buddha Smoker · May 18, 2004, 23:08

Originally Posted by senseiman

Since NHK started airing their 'Musashi' mini series (which sucks, by the way), everywhere you look around here you see the word Musashi as all the locals try to cash in on the Musashi tourist trade.

I think this statement is hilarious and I couldn't agree more....that Musashi mini series...sucks so bad. I recommend the older movies that were made...I forgot when but those were worth watching.

To all those that are about to read the book, yes, I have to agree that it is an excellant book (I loaned my copy to a friend and never got it back...needless to say he is not my friend anymore..especially since he disappeared and moved). The book was extremely addicting.

That's my two yen.

ashuri2 · May 20, 2004, 00:46

Originally Posted by Buddha Smoker

.

To all those that are about to read the book, yes, I have to agree that it is an excellant book (I loaned my copy to a friend and never got it back...needless to say he is not my friend anymore..especially since he disappeared and moved). The book was extremely addicting.

i read the book at my local library, but they're thinking about reassignning the book to another library. i had to supress the urge to check out the book and 'lose' it...i don't want it to go away!

Buddha Smoker · May 20, 2004, 06:55

That's a good idea....

Spaceghost · Jun 5, 2004, 14:04

I got Musashi and Taiko in the post this morning from Amazon, I look forward to reading them.

gluteus_44 · Sep 3, 2004, 00:29

Originally Posted by duff_o_josh

im on the third book..and have been for the last year lol, you should check out the book that was actually written by miyamoto musashi called teh five rings if you havent already.

I've read the book of five rings (gorinnosho) I's great, very inspiring. Everybody should read it, I mean Musashi is the greatest hero ever.

Uchite · Aug 15, 2006, 13:58

Have not read the book, but I intend on it.

I did see the series orginally called "Samurai".

The three parts are:

Samurai I - Musashi Miyamoto
Samurai II - Duel at Ichijoji temple
Samurai III - Duel at Ganryu Island

This is a MUST SEE!

It is my favorite Japanese film of all time and favorite film next to Field Of Dreams.

For more on Japan's greatest swordsman and warrior click on this link:

http://www.miyamotomusashi.com/

Yoko_Kisaragi · Jan 31, 2007, 08:03

I've seen the movies Musashi Miyamoto, Duel at Ichijoji temple, and Duel at Ganryu Island but haven't been able to get my hands on the book.

Our town is small and doesn't carry all that good of books at the library.

Odysseus · Feb 13, 2007, 03:40

I shall read it at once when I find it.

.BTW, the 'Go Rin No Sho'("manuscript of the five rings") writen by Miamoto Musashi is a perfect strategy and tactics guide. I've read that it is amongst the most read books by politicians, military and businessmen.

Saifullah Samurai · Mar 2, 2007, 23:17

Ive been meaning to read Musashi and Taiko both have been on my amazon wish list for far too long

Originally Posted by Odysseus

I shall read it at once when I find it. .BTW, the 'Go Rin No Sho'("manuscript of the five rings") writen by Miamoto Musashi is a perfect strategy and tactics guide. I've read that it is amongst the most read books by politicians, military and businessmen.

yeah ur right, but i'd say the most read by such people has to be Art of War by Sun Tzu

Jan 6, 2004, 04:55	#2
Himura Hadoken!!!!! Join Date: Jun 19, 2003 Location: German Age: 22 Posts: 278	There are allready a few similar threads... -but yeah! ...damn its a great book! -my all time fav! __________________ Sushi & Instant Soups 4 ever!!! -- Miyamoto Musashi rulez!!! -==> Hayabusa & Hayate (DoA3) / Dante (Devil may Cry) <==- ---====> Hiko Seijuro -- The best Swordsman ever <====---

Jan 25, 2004, 10:53	#4
Uncle Frank You SPAM/We BAN ! Join Date: May 21, 2003 Location: State of Maine Age: 59 Posts: 6,715	A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS ....... the classic guide to strategy. Loved it !! Frank

May 11, 2004, 05:01	#7
Nothingness and total Randomness!!! Join Date: Mar 12, 2004 Location: The Void... Age: 22 Posts: 1,048	Good book... only book that I read that was over 900 pages... __________________ 無 - Nothingness Scientology

May 11, 2004, 06:36	#8
Maciamo Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Jul 17, 2002 Location: Austrasia Posts: 6,647	Is there any relationship between this book and the TV series (jidai geki) "Musashi", and therefore with the manga "Vagabond" ? __________________ Over 100 destinations in the Japan Sightseeing Guide + detailed Tokyo Guide and Kyoto Guide Eupedia : Your Guide to Europe in English Read the "Maciamo FAQ" "What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?", Winston Churchill.

May 13, 2004, 00:08	#10
ippolito Regular Member Join Date: Oct 7, 2003 Location: rome italy Age: 59 Posts: 213	The five rings I have readed that book and like all martial arts people that generally read it it is one of the best... I have not seen so much intersts by young japanese about jp martial arts but more on baseball or soccer... I have only 2 jp friends that practice Kyudo and Kendo....most of others friend nothing about...... oss Ippolito Originally Posted by Frank D. White the classic guide to strategy. Loved it !! Frank m

Jan 25, 2004, 10:32	#3
kukishin Junior Member Join Date: Jan 25, 2004 Posts: 2	Today the film based on the book was on IFC Channel here in NYC. The film stars Mifune Toshiro, and is quite good. There are three parts to the film. Today part II was shown. There is a cool duel between Musashi with swords and Baiken with the kusarigama at the beginning. Alon Adika

Mar 2, 2004, 17:37	#5
senseiman Regular Member Join Date: Jun 24, 2003 Location: canadian Age: 33 Posts: 801	I live next to the moat of Himeji Castle, where Musashi was imprisoned for a few years as a youth. Since NHK started airing their 'Musashi' mini series (which sucks, by the way), everywhere you look around here you see the word Musashi as all the locals try to cash in on the Musashi tourist trade. They opened a Musashi museum, but it seems to have gone out of business recently. In the castle, they opened up the room where Musashi is beleived to have been imprisoned to public viewing. Its not much to look at, just a crawl space under some stairs really, but they've decorated it up with a life size Musashi dummy sitting at a small desk studying classical Chinese books of strategy and history. The book was pretty good, I think its one of Yoshikawa's best. If you liked Musashi, you should try reading Yoshikawa's "Taiko", the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who united Japan in the 16th century. Also, the "Heike Monogatari" has been translated into English, but the thing is that Yoshikawa died before he could finish it so the ending is very anti-climactic. Entertaining book though.

May 3, 2004, 13:18	#6
ashuri2 me gots isshooz... Join Date: Mar 28, 2004 Location: in my room. i live as little as possible.... Age: 22 Posts: 367	i love musashi so much!!!!!!! literally one of the best books i've ever read!

May 12, 2004, 05:11	#9
ashuri2 me gots isshooz... Join Date: Mar 28, 2004 Location: in my room. i live as little as possible.... Age: 22 Posts: 367	probably. there have been so many spin-off stories from this one cause its so famous...and for good reason!

May 13, 2004, 00:34	#11
playaa Dog Youkai Join Date: Jan 15, 2004 Location: Clovis, CA Age: 25 Posts: 774	Sounds cool, I will have to check this one out, though I do not like to read. __________________ "Kanpeki to chau, jinsei no shuushi Puramai zero da nanteba honto ka na? Shinu made ni tsukaikiru, un no kazu Semete, jibun de dashiire wo sasete "

May 14, 2004, 02:33	#12
duff_o_josh okonomiyaki=bliss Join Date: Apr 2, 2004 Location: British Columbia Age: 25 Posts: 277	im on the third book..and have been for the last year lol, you should check out the book that was actually written by miyamoto musashi called teh five rings if you havent already. __________________ ooo~

May 14, 2004, 05:59	#13
ashuri2 me gots isshooz... Join Date: Mar 28, 2004 Location: in my room. i live as little as possible.... Age: 22 Posts: 367	this book was my guide to traditional japanese culture that the commoners lived, unlike genji, which was aristocratic.

May 16, 2004, 18:22	#14
soe 17sai no jousei Join Date: May 16, 2004 Location: jtown Age: 22 Posts: 12	OMMMMMMMMMMMMANNN!! I'm about to read the book today! It's so...thick? book?? AAAAAARGH.... omoi na hon da yooo __________________ My Blog yoroshiku. beeee!

May 18, 2004, 23:08	#15
Buddha Smoker Finally Enlighted One Join Date: Dec 8, 2003 Posts: 737	Originally Posted by senseiman Since NHK started airing their 'Musashi' mini series (which sucks, by the way), everywhere you look around here you see the word Musashi as all the locals try to cash in on the Musashi tourist trade. I think this statement is hilarious and I couldn't agree more....that Musashi mini series...sucks so bad. I recommend the older movies that were made...I forgot when but those were worth watching. To all those that are about to read the book, yes, I have to agree that it is an excellant book (I loaned my copy to a friend and never got it back...needless to say he is not my friend anymore..especially since he disappeared and moved). The book was extremely addicting. That's my two yen.

May 20, 2004, 00:46	#16
ashuri2 me gots isshooz... Join Date: Mar 28, 2004 Location: in my room. i live as little as possible.... Age: 22 Posts: 367	Originally Posted by Buddha Smoker . To all those that are about to read the book, yes, I have to agree that it is an excellant book (I loaned my copy to a friend and never got it back...needless to say he is not my friend anymore..especially since he disappeared and moved). The book was extremely addicting. i read the book at my local library, but they're thinking about reassignning the book to another library. i had to supress the urge to check out the book and 'lose' it...i don't want it to go away!

May 20, 2004, 06:55	#17
Buddha Smoker Finally Enlighted One Join Date: Dec 8, 2003 Posts: 737	That's a good idea....

Jun 5, 2004, 14:04	#18
Spaceghost Baka Join Date: Jun 5, 2004 Location: United Kingdom Age: 25 Posts: 57	I got Musashi and Taiko in the post this morning from Amazon, I look forward to reading them.

Sep 3, 2004, 00:29	#19
gluteus_44 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 3, 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 1	Originally Posted by duff_o_josh im on the third book..and have been for the last year lol, you should check out the book that was actually written by miyamoto musashi called teh five rings if you havent already. I've read the book of five rings (gorinnosho) I's great, very inspiring. Everybody should read it, I mean Musashi is the greatest hero ever.

Aug 15, 2006, 13:58	#20
Uchite Regular Member Join Date: Jan 16, 2006 Age: 44 Posts: 124	Have not read the book, but I intend on it. I did see the series orginally called "Samurai". The three parts are: Samurai I - Musashi Miyamoto Samurai II - Duel at Ichijoji temple Samurai III - Duel at Ganryu Island This is a MUST SEE! It is my favorite Japanese film of all time and favorite film next to Field Of Dreams. For more on Japan's greatest swordsman and warrior click on this link: http://www.miyamotomusashi.com/

Jan 31, 2007, 08:03	#21
Yoko_Kisaragi Kunoichi of Winter Join Date: Jan 27, 2007 Location: In the kitchen!! ^_^ Age: 19 Posts: 300	I've seen the movies Musashi Miyamoto, Duel at Ichijoji temple, and Duel at Ganryu Island but haven't been able to get my hands on the book. Our town is small and doesn't carry all that good of books at the library.

Feb 13, 2007, 03:40	#22
Odysseus Japan Fan Join Date: Aug 11, 2006 Location: Pleven/Bulgaria Age: 17 Posts: 2	I shall read it at once when I find it. .BTW, the 'Go Rin No Sho'("manuscript of the five rings") writen by Miamoto Musashi is a perfect strategy and tactics guide. I've read that it is amongst the most read books by politicians, military and businessmen.

Mar 2, 2007, 23:17	#23
Saifullah Samurai Samurai for Allah Join Date: Feb 26, 2007 Location: Alexandria, Eg Posts: 35	Ive been meaning to read Musashi and Taiko both have been on my amazon wish list for far too long Originally Posted by Odysseus I shall read it at once when I find it. .BTW, the 'Go Rin No Sho'("manuscript of the five rings") writen by Miamoto Musashi is a perfect strategy and tactics guide. I've read that it is amongst the most read books by politicians, military and businessmen. yeah ur right, but i'd say the most read by such people has to be Art of War by Sun Tzu __________________ "My connection with the world is like that of a traveler resting for a while underneath the shade of a tree and then moving on." Prophet Muhammad "Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate." Chaung Tzu "Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death." Miyamoto Musashi Last edited by Saifullah Samurai; Mar 2, 2007 at 23:21. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

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