Presented on the following pages is as comprehensive a listing of Japanese Temari books that we know of. Many are instructional, some are reference. As of August 2004 the listing has been rebuilt here to summarize all info regarding the books in a comprehensive dcoument. There are some 39 known books, both in and out of print.

        The most accurate way of referring to or identifying the books is with the ISBN numbers. However, with deep thanks to Kiyoko Tibbets of Sophia Books in Vancouver BC Canada, we have accurate English and Japanese Romanji translations. Kiyoko's primary language is Japanese and she speaks fluent English as the key contact of the Japanese section of Sophia's.  A most gracious lady, she is very supportive of everyone's Temari efforts, and it is with her grace and encouragement that the translation information is provided. Kiyoko also keeps us up to date with any new publications as well as what books remain in print and available. Sophia's maintains a small inventory of available volumes and will also special order from Tokyo. I also wish to thank Gen Ladwig for her efforts in compiling the bibliography, Fujio Hayashi who also provided translation assistance, Ai M. for current availability and transation, MHJCA members for translation, and web readers who have contributed help in tracking down more obscure volumes.

         I've added my impression of most books to help you make choices as to which might be useful to you (I'm fortunate enough to have accumulated a complete collection of both the current and out-of-print works). Please note that when I mention beginners that is meant to be people that know a little of the basics. Scratch learners mean that you have not begun to work Temari yet at all. Overall, I would suggest that you become a bit familiar with Temari using some of the English books before you set out on the Japanese ones - but, they are also well worth having just to be able to page through and admire. 

        There are several sources for Japanese Temari books. In addition to Sophia Books, you can also try :  Ai's Temari Store  (Kobe, Japan)  J. Toguri Mercantile Co. (Chicago, Illinois), Lacis (Berkeley, California). Please note that I have no business connection at all with these merchants.  
       
         It is important to point out that all of these books published in Japan and are in Japanese format - Japanese language (Kanji characters, not romanized), and most read right to left, with Japanese characters top to bottom. They are still wonderful for any temari maker, and with even a basic working knowledge you can learn to work many patterns using the diagrams and photos. Some books are geared towards beginners, with very complete and detailed diagrams or photos showing  the methods step by step. Others presume a working knowledge of basic techniques for dividing and working standard pattern elements. All of the books follow the similar layout of the first section being pages of spectacular photographs of the Temari included in the book. The rest of the book is devoted to pattern diagrams/instructions for most or all of the Temaris photographed (there always seem to be a small percentage of temari with only text info, though many times you can work the pattern from stuying its photo).

        Since numerous authors are represented across there books you will find some pattern repeats but often with minor varying interpretations. The exception is the Cosmo series (all of which were written by Snesei Ozaki). This is a series of books sponsored by the Cosmo thread company in Japan - similar to our DMC or Anchor. The first two books in the series are definitely for beginners in that the first covers vertical divisions and basic elements step by step with additional patterns, and the second does the same with C8 and C10. This does not say that everyone else would not appreciate them for the patterns included after the instructional section. The remaining books in the series (currently there are 7) roll into the standard format of the other Temari books in showing patterns, and most all of them have all levels of patterns, with a slightly increased level of difficulty as the book number increases. Some books carry rather detailed pages on division sections and/or pattern stitches.... others may include a few pages on a specific "extra" or different technique.

        The TK listing is meant to be as complete a bibliography of all known books as it can be, for reference sake. It includes older books that are out of print and not available through standard methods, as well as commemorative/album books, which are usually limited editions/privately published, and not available through standard publishing distributors. In some cases (both instructional and commemorative), books that are out of print may occasionally be found on the secondary/ auction markets, both in Japan and the US. Depending on demand, Japanese publishers do return books to limited printings, so stocks available can change. Please be aware of the last known availability status of any book included on the Temarikai.com listings, and relevant limits thereof if you are trying to order books through retail sources, including those that accommodate special or search orders. If the book is out of print or a private publication, it can't be obtained through standard order services.