To provide an understanding of the background of contemporary Japanese civilization, the editor's present material that illusitrates Japanese thought since earliest times. The traditions represented range from early Shinto and Buddhism to Confucianism. Apperaring here are such figures as the versatile Kukai; Seami, the great No dramatist; Hideyoshi, the foot-soldier who dreamed of word conquest; and Yamaga Soko, early exponent of the Way of the Warrior. This volume consists of translations from Japanese sources, made especially for this work, or taken as extensive introductory essays and commentary to assist the reader in understanding their historical setting and significance.