Book Review: Horses in Japan

Title: Horses in Japan
Author: Vivienne Kenrick (deceased)
Published: 1964, Hokuseido Press for J.A. Allen & Co, Ltd. Published in Japan
Score: 5/5

"Why tether your young horse
To a blossoming cherry tree?
As he prances
The flowers will flutter and fall."
     -Min-yo, Folk Song (from the introduction)

In this well researched and breathtaking informational book Kenrick reveals the spirit of the horse in Japan from mythology to Post-World War II. Similar to Robert Vavra's musical soundtrack "Horses of the Wind" the reader is taken on a journey of the horse in Japanese culture. The reader will encounter the ancient war horse, the samurai and his horsemanship skills, and the introduction of European breeds into the land of the rising sun. Kenrick leaves the reader with the understanding of the great role horses have played in the Japanese culture through history, art, and religion. The translated Japanese texts Kenrick selected to be a part of her pages are fascinating and provides her work with the essence of the horse. Kenrick's desire to make horses of Japan known has continued from beyond the grave.