Stone Bridge Press, well-known for its books on anime and other aspects of Japanese pop culture, has announced its spring line, which includes several books of interest to retailers and consumers of Japanese pop culture products. 

 

First up is a 240-page trade paperback focusing on the samurai film genre, Stray Dogs & Lone Wolves:  The Samurai Film Handbook, in May.  The content consists of background on the samurai in Japanese culture as well as 50 original reviews on the most important samurai films.  The format is 7' x 9' with 40 b/w photos at $19.95. 

 

Anime Companion 2:  More What's What in Japanese Animation will be released in June at $18.95.  It will include over 500 glossary-style entries on the minutaiae of anime.   The book will be a 176-page 7' x 9' trade paperback with 50 b/w illos.  

 

Jrock, Ink:  A Concise Report on 40 of the Biggest Acts in Japan, also planned for release in June, will cover the harder-edged side of Japanese popular music, which has been growing in the U.S. due to the influence of anime and new radio stations.  The bands covered include Shonen Knife, B'z, Love Psychedelico, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Gackt and many more.  The format is a 176-page 7' x 9' trade paperback with 50 b/w illos at $18.95.