Mayumi Nakagaki is the creator behind Enchanted Tones Publishing Co., where she has orchestrated a global symphony of artists dedicated to the fusion of art and literature. Her literary oeuvre is a testament to her profound engagement with Asian culture and art, marking her as a conduit through which the beauty and complexity of Eastern traditions are made accessible to the world. ""Hana Kotoba, the Meaning of Flowers"" and ""Tokyo Ink - The Art of Irezumi Tattoos"" and The Rise and Fall of the Samurai are great examples of this fusion. A particular highlight of her career is a charming collection of Haikus for Children, brought to life with the enchanting illustrations by Satoshi Watanabe. Mayumi's work, deeply rooted in Zen Buddhist teachings from Japan, China, and South Korea, transcends geographical boundaries, resonating with audiences across North America and Europe. Her artistic and literary contributions are showcased not only in publications from Enchanted Tones but also in ""Art Movements of the 20th Century,"" a collaborative release by the Gargoyle Collective and Rampages Publishing. ""Mayumi Nakagaki's works are a bridge between worlds. Few authors have been capable of translating the East to the West with this level of beauty and artistry"", states Ziggy Quinete, creator of Gargoyle Collective and co-author of several of Mayumi's previous works. Ziggy Quinete is a writer and journalist. He is the creator of Gargoyle Collective, a consortium of artists dedicated to proliferating art and artistically inclined literature. Gargoyle Collective's artistic endeavors extend across various mediums, encompassing paintings, literary works, and avant-garde installations. In his latest work, The History of Witches, Ziggy created a book to better understand the origins of witches and witchcraft in the collective conscience. His other book, The History of Pin-Ups, took a similar approach. In Goth Culture, the author delves into the connection of medieval Gothic art and literature in the world of Goth fashion and lifestyle, starting in the early 1980s.In collaboration with Mayumi Nakagaki, his most recent projects include an expansive encyclopedia about Irezumi, the ancient art of Japanese Tattoos. Titled 'Tokyo Ink', this book explores the meaning of the imagery used in Body Art. This collaboration has also created a book about 'Hana Kotoba, ' the secret meaning of flowers. He has done similar work delving into the world of tattoos with 'The Meaning of Tattoos', where he explores the language of the most common tattoo themes in a photographic essay that spanned 4 continents. With an academic background rooted in critical thinking, Ziggy holds a degree in French Literature from the Sorbonne, Paris, and a post-graduation in Political Sciences. His multidisciplinary education armed him with a unique perspective on how political landscapes and societal structures intertwine with the realms of writing, art, and design.His works spark conversations on pertinent issues, evoke positive criticism, and ignite a collective drive towards a more conscientious future, challenging the readers to envision the world beyond its current limitations, delving into the hidden meaning of art and photography, and exploring new art frontiers. Satoshi Watanabe is an illustrator known for reproductions of ancient Japanese art, especially watercolors, ukiyo-e, and photography. His work is available in several galleries in Tokyo, NY, and London around the year.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A Samurai Tale That's as Beautiful as It Is Gripping Ziggy Quinete and Mayumi Nakagaki have created something that's not just informative but downright captivating. It's like they took a history textbook, sprinkled in some myth and magic, and turned it into an epic saga. Satoshi Watanabe's artwork is breathtaking. Every page feels like a piece of art you'd want to frame. The way he captures the intensity of a samurai's gaze or the elegance of their armor adds so much depth to the storytelling. It's not just a book; it's an experience.. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This Book Made History Cool Again This book is part history, part storytelling, and it totally worked for me. You get the rise of the samurai class, their wild battles, insane loyalty codes, and then their slow decline as Japan modernized. It reads like a mix between a history class and a badass samurai movie, which is exactly my vibe. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Love The Book! The Rise and Fall of the Samurai is an absolutely fascinating read for anyone interested in Japanese history or samurai culture. The way the book blends historical fact with a touch of the fantastical makes it feel like you're stepping into an epic tale while still learning about the real events and figures that shaped Japan. It strikes the perfect balance between storytelling and history.