The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques by Masaaki Hatsumi
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Book Reviews of The Way of the Ninja: Secret Techniques
Book Review: Save Your Money!
Summary: 1 Stars
This recent work, the first new English-language book co-authored by Masaaki Hatsumi since UNDERSTAND, GOOD, PLAY, was highly touted as "The Definitive Book by a Living Ninja Grandmaster" for many months prior to its release. After the candid revelations found in Understand, Good, Play by Messers Hatsumi and Cole, we were anxiously looking forward to further insights into Massaki's way of thinking (devoid of the rampant brown-nosed idol-worship found in the books written by his students.) Sadly, THE WAY OF THE NINJA has even less information than the paltry data found in the books of those students. While such books typically contain quasi-inscrutable gibberish, this book contains the expert gibberish of their master.
For example, at the bottom of page 30 Hatsumi writes: "I would like you to look at the aesthetics of space -- rainbows, auroras, and so on -- find a way through to the world of Mu, and then, standing in the realm of Ku, the Void, discover for yourselves some hint as to how truth and falsehood can be freely manipulated in the fourth dimension." That's all very pretty, but not of much use in a military or intelligence-gathering environment. What is more, the reader does not need to go through all of that to experience how truth and falsehood are freely manipulated -- buying the book will have served as the best object lesson!
In essence, this rambling mish-mash of thoughts, pseudo-philosophy, and often-unrelated photographs was apparently nothing more than an attempt to publish a high-priced book on the strength of the author's name. I know Masaaki personally and would not be surprised at all to discover that was the ONLY motive. There was no attempt at editing or proofreading and one must wonder why such a reputable publishing house as Kodansha would agree to carry a piece that is so under par with the rest of their literary undertakings. How Hatsumiu got them to publish this is the only feat that even remotely approaches being a "Secret Technique."
Book Review: What a disappoinment
Summary: 1 Stars
What a disappoinment... fortune cookie philosophy with smudgy and dark black and white photos... Doesn't anyone in Japan own a decent camera and flash? Another "A warrior is all heart and is one with nature" book... and nothing else. Don't expect to learn anything here, or even be entertained.