Sign in or 
Share this
Guardian of the Sea: Jizo in Hawaii
CLARK, John R. K. Guardian of the Sea: Jizo in Hawai‘i. Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii Press, 2007. X, 193p. ISBN 978-0-8248-3158-5 (pa) $19.95. Index, Bib, Illus, Alk Paper.
In Guardian of the Sea: Jizo in Hawaii the author John Clark defines the deity of Jizo then continues on to the cultural context of Jizo the Hawaiian Islands. Jizo is a Buddhist protector figure for the dead, travelers, and especially for children. Clark outlines where statues or shrines to Jizo are located throughout the islands and their purpose. This detailed account is an original offbeat history of Japanese fisherman in Hawai’i. After the story of Jizo in Hawai‘i is told Clark moves off to Jizo shrines and monuments in Japan to solidify the cultural relevance. It is also notable that this is the first work of its kind. The fishermen of Hawai‘i were casting in dangerous places for different kinds of fish including the ulua, which is known as a delicacy. Clark used primary source material to outline the history of the Japanese Casting Club in 20th century Hawaii, the culture that they brought with them, and how some were swept into the ocean.
This is the seventh book on Hawaii written by John Clark and published by the University of Hawaii press. His preceding works are: Hawai'i Place Names: Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites, Hawaii's Best Beaches, Beaches of Kaua'i and Niihau, Beaches of the Big Island, The Beaches of Maui County: Maui, Moloka'i, Kaho'olawe, and The Beaches of Oahu. After graduating from the University of Hawai’i with a degree in Hawaiian Studies he became a lifeguard at Sandy Beach then he became the Deputy Fire Chief in Honolulu. This book was inspired by the statue of Jizo at Bamboo Ridge that the author observed while working as a lifeguard.
Clark’s research methods for this work are impressive; he interviewed hundreds of people including many Nisei who are listed in the book, his bibliography is equally as impressive. He worked with translators to use material from the Japanese publications of the early 20th century. By combining these articles with a knowledge of Hawaii and a network of ulua fishermen which one could only have from local knowledge; the four years of research to write this work make it a unique read. His experience in the community as a lifeguard makes the last chapter “Drownings in Hawai‘i" particularly memorable, it certainly ties in with the purpose of Jizo the protector.
Structurally this work is not chronological therefore some of the points seem redundant; however it does make it more enjoyable to read in sections. It is not a traditional history work, however it does include: references, illustrations, a timeline, a prologue, an epilogue, and an index. Clark’s tone is playful and easygoing making this an easy read however there is a serious history behind the writing. This unique work is a useful addition to an academic collection or anyone who is interested in Japanese culture in Hawai‘i the easy reading along with the comprehensive research makes this an excellent work for high school and college libraries.
In Guardian of the Sea: Jizo in Hawaii the author John Clark defines the deity of Jizo then continues on to the cultural context of Jizo the Hawaiian Islands. Jizo is a Buddhist protector figure for the dead, travelers, and especially for children. Clark outlines where statues or shrines to Jizo are located throughout the islands and their purpose. This detailed account is an original offbeat history of Japanese fisherman in Hawai’i. After the story of Jizo in Hawai‘i is told Clark moves off to Jizo shrines and monuments in Japan to solidify the cultural relevance. It is also notable that this is the first work of its kind. The fishermen of Hawai‘i were casting in dangerous places for different kinds of fish including the ulua, which is known as a delicacy. Clark used primary source material to outline the history of the Japanese Casting Club in 20th century Hawaii, the culture that they brought with them, and how some were swept into the ocean.
This is the seventh book on Hawaii written by John Clark and published by the University of Hawaii press. His preceding works are: Hawai'i Place Names: Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites, Hawaii's Best Beaches, Beaches of Kaua'i and Niihau, Beaches of the Big Island, The Beaches of Maui County: Maui, Moloka'i, Kaho'olawe, and The Beaches of Oahu. After graduating from the University of Hawai’i with a degree in Hawaiian Studies he became a lifeguard at Sandy Beach then he became the Deputy Fire Chief in Honolulu. This book was inspired by the statue of Jizo at Bamboo Ridge that the author observed while working as a lifeguard.
Clark’s research methods for this work are impressive; he interviewed hundreds of people including many Nisei who are listed in the book, his bibliography is equally as impressive. He worked with translators to use material from the Japanese publications of the early 20th century. By combining these articles with a knowledge of Hawaii and a network of ulua fishermen which one could only have from local knowledge; the four years of research to write this work make it a unique read. His experience in the community as a lifeguard makes the last chapter “Drownings in Hawai‘i" particularly memorable, it certainly ties in with the purpose of Jizo the protector.
Structurally this work is not chronological therefore some of the points seem redundant; however it does make it more enjoyable to read in sections. It is not a traditional history work, however it does include: references, illustrations, a timeline, a prologue, an epilogue, and an index. Clark’s tone is playful and easygoing making this an easy read however there is a serious history behind the writing. This unique work is a useful addition to an academic collection or anyone who is interested in Japanese culture in Hawai‘i the easy reading along with the comprehensive research makes this an excellent work for high school and college libraries.
Reviewed by Chelsea Bryson April 2008.
DrDrewHonolulu |
Latest page update: made by DrDrewHonolulu
, Jun 13 2008, 11:03 PM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by DrDrewHonolulu
view changes - complete history) |
|
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
