This page-a-day Japanese language pad teaches a new Japanese phrase each day—useful vocabulary that comes in handy for everyday situations when visiting Japan.

Although more people are studying the Japanese language than ever before, others are still wary of starting because they believe, "it's too difficult." But A Japanese Phrase A Day will show absolute beginners that Japanese is in many ways much easier than other languages and it will help intermediate Japanese learners review and improve upon their past studies and practice Japanese everyday. Japanese is a fascinating language that uses Chinese characters (kanji) as well as two other alphabets (hiragana and katakana). After a few weeks of gradual progress your ability to read Japanese, write Japanese and speak Japanese will grow tremendously.

This calendar like desk companion is divided into monthly topics and builds upon itself, one day at a time. Japanese phrases are kept short, simple and functional. Each of the 365 pages include these four components:

1. The phrase or dialogue in Japanese characters
2. A transliteration using English letters (romanji), which gives English speakers a guide to pronunciation
3. The English translation
4. A related note about the phrase, Japan, or Japanese culture to add context.

Audio for all of the Japanese Phrase A Day entries is available online. Listening and repeating after the native speakers in the audio files will help you to practice Japanese regularly and polish your spoken Japanese and Japanese listening comprehension. To get started, turn to Day One and begin studying the phrase, its meaning, pronunciation and cultural context. Then tear off the sheet and practice writing it a few times. In a matter of days you'll be on your way to reading and writing Japanese!

Learn the art of palm weaving with this fun Hawaiian craft book.

Based on years of meticulous study and practice, the book explains in clear, easy-to understand instructions how to obtain and prepare coconut palm fronds suitable for weaving into hats, baskets, epergnes, mats, birds, and various decorations. More than 100 easy-to-follow diagrams and sketches give the reader exact, detailed instructions on weaving procedures, and provide countless ideas to inspire the imagination of the creator. After mastering the basic principles of frond weaving, the reader will be able to duplicate almost any woven object or execute his own designs, whether in coconut palm fronds or with fronds from other types of palm trees and palmettos.

The weaving itself takes no unusual physical prowess. In fact, frond weaving is well suited to the needs of both recreational craft and physical therapy programs, as well as the general hobbyist. With a little patience and effort, a novice weaver can acquire the skills of an ancient art which is as uncomplicated as it is beautiful.

This economical and delightfully presented volume will be a valued addition to the literature of traditional handicrafts, a book that recreation libraries and all craft enthusiasts will welcome.