Kurashi no Techo Sha First Edition, First Printing, Heisei 20 (2008) From Amazon Reviews: This book centers around nine poems written by the late lyricist Yu Aku for "Kurashi no Techo" while he was in poor health. All of the poems, written in easily understandable language, resonate with the reader, posing questions about the lost aspects of Japanese people (regardless of age or gender) in a warm and embracing tone. Chapters that touch upon the failures of Japanese people, such as walking the path of "parent and child like friends," "teacher and student like friends," and "husband and wife like friends," make us reconsider the deep-rooted problems that modern Japan faces. Furthermore, the passage stating that the fear of "being excluded" leads to a compulsion to possess the same things as others (or think the same way), and that not doing so results in bullying, creating trends, was very insightful. I believe this is an excellent book that makes us realize that former Japanese people, despite lacking education, academic background, or wealth, were a resolute, dignified, and beautiful nation. [Condition] There are minor wrinkles on the top edge of the cover. Otherwise, due to slight tanning on the cover, top, bottom, and fore-edge, there is a general sense of age, but the pages themselves show almost no signs of use and are in good condition. It comes with a obi (book band), but the obi has stains and a small tear. #IzumiIzumiBooks