<DIV>Go beyond speaking Japanese; peek into the soul of Japan. <i>Japanese Proverbs: Wit and Wisdom</i> is a delightfully illustrated compilation of Japanese traditional sayings (kotowaza). Some, like "Fall down seven times, get up eight", capture the dogged perseverance of the Japanese heart. Others, such as "a red lacquer dish needs no decoration" illuminate both a universal truth and Japan's unique, esthetic traditions.<br><br>Pleasing to expert and new-comer alike, the 200 traditional proverbs in this unique collection are presented in Japanese script and romanized (romaji) form, along with direct English translations. Similar proverbs are given from English, and the <i>sumi-e</i> style ink drawings are a delight in their own right.<br>You'll speak Japanese with the verve and nuance of a native when you use these apt and witty expressions.</div>