"Meticulously researched and finely argued, Secrecy in Japanese Arts is an intellectually bracing and deeply satisfying book. The author shows convincingly that esotericism, often considered to be a feature of Japanese cultural transmission, does not belong to the category of the inscrutable or mysterious, but rather operates according to an analyzable logic. This thrilling encounter between "postmodern theory" and "premodern ... Read moreJapanese culture" ought to be required reading for anyone involved in learning, teaching, investigating, or practicing the traditional Japanese arts." - Ayako Kano, University of Pennsylvania "[Morinaga] is well versed in critical theory, and the book raises provocative questions regarding the various contingencies involved in the process of textual and lineage production...Morinaga's book encourages us to think deeply about the multiple ways in which 'knowledge' is crafted and maintained. The author argues compellingly that we must pay attention to the detailed dynamic contours of the production, performance, attempted transmission, and motivated reception of 'knowledge' in order to understand its workings in any context." - Terry Kawashima, Wesleyan University Show Less