Cultural Study: Geisha

As part of my summer of Japanese Culture, I have segued from feudal samurai studies into the more modern day studies. This of course pertains to the Pacific World War II battles (which I've already written about various times), but also a new interest in geisha culture. This interest has emerged as I've embarked on the famous novel, Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. I've seen the 2005 movie before which I really enjoyed but still knew quite little about this unique culture. One could make the case that alongside the samurai, the geisha are one of the most iconic cultural traditions of Japan. 

As I've read the book, which I'll later have a full review on, I've been quite fascinated on all the unique customs and structure of this practice. I'll be honest before I began reading this book, I associated geishas as a form of classy prostitutes. However it's not that at all. Geishas are essentially performing artists, who specialize in dance, music, singing, hosting, and the art of conversation. They wear distinctive robes of intricate patterns, known as kimonos. They wear strong makeup with white face paint known as oshiroi. And they wear a traditional hairstyle known as the nihongami, which has a bun in the back with pins and red ribbons. They are essentially the embodiment of beauty and femininity and for this many people will pay highly just for their presence. 

They go thru years of training and it's almost like a cult society, where their life is dedicated to this artform. Their is a system of structure, discipline, obedience, intensive training, and a hierarchy. Most geisha do not get married or have children yet rather stay involved in the geisha community most their lives. This could be either thru mentoring, training, or starting their own geisha house or business. The headquarters of geisha culture is the Gion district of Kyoto, however it spreads throughout Japan. While they do not have a creed or doctrine they practice a philosophy known as the "willow world", which I'd like to further explore in this study. 

Origins of the Geisha

Quite surprisingly the geisha practice did not officially develop until the 1600s during the Edo Period. Of course there were many forms of female courtesans, dancers, and entertainers prior to this, but the artform did not develop until much later. The practice of "pleasure quarters" known as yukaku became common place and legal throughout the 1500s. The highest ranking courtesans were known as oiran, thus already establishing a hierarchy even within the field of prostitution. The oiran was essentially the predecessor to the geisha, as she was not only very beautiful but also well versed in various in music and performance. The visual aesthetics of these women would lay the groundwork for not only the geisha, but also the popular theatre known as kabuki. 

Another important predecessor to the geisha as we know them today, were actually male performers known as taikomochi. These court performers emerged as far back as the 1300s, known as jesters, storytellers, musicians, dancers, party masters, and even advisors to the feudal lords. The female geisha ultimately adopted this practice from the men, with more feminine aesthetics. By the 1700s this form of female entertainer had been identified not as a prostitute but as an artistic performer for social gatherings. By 1750, the first famous geisha Kikuya emerged from Fukagawa, achieving great success not thru sex, but through her skilled singing and shamisen playing. This geisha practice spread slowly throughout Japan, but most primarily in Kyoto's Gion district cattered to upper class private parties. 

Throughout the 1800s the profession had gotten much more organized and was now backed by government regulations that officially declared it was not a form of prostitution. Their popularity quickly grew at the same time as the kabuki theatre, both became beacons of Japanese fashion and cultural entertainment. By 1920 there were approximately 80,000 geisha practicing throughout Japan and were regarded as the elite trendsetters of high-class social life. However with the outbreak of WWII, this popularity ended drastically, and by 1944 most geisha districts were closed. Following the war, the nation was forever changed and many of these geisha found new lifestyles entirely while some did return to similar forms of entertainment. Stricter laws were passed throughout the 1960s, which made it harder for geisha societies to train children. By 1970 the once popular form of social entertainment had become a pastime. While the geisha practice still exists to this day, there are no more then 1000 geishas in Japan. 

Appearance

The geisha has a very distinctive appearance with the intent to emphasize feminine beauty. There are many features to a geisha's ensemble, beginning with their hairstyle, their makeup, and their wardrobe. The makeup is probably the most iconic, with it's white foundation known as oshiroi. The purpose is to illuminate the face with a contrast of the the red lips, black eye liner, and pink blusher. While this overuse of makeup can appear somewhat clownish, on the right girl it can also provide pure visual aesthetics. It's fair to note that this use of white paint makeup was commonplace throughout Europe and France as a symbol of status during this time.

The hairstyle is another distinctive feature of the geisha's appearance, often wore in a style known as the shimada. Similar to the samurai, it's wore with a topknot bun however it has much more intricacy and accessories to it. The hairstyle is the indicator of the geisha's level, either apprentice or professional. The key feature of this style is the red ribbon the is placed at the middle intersection of the back bun. To accompany these red ribbons are long dangling hair-pins or flowers. Once a geisha becomes a professional or more established she can wear a wig, so as not to have to go thru the elaborate styling each day. 

The kimono is their fashion statement, a colorful ensemble of intricate designs and patterns. This is a dress like robe, with long arms and trailing skirts which give off an elegant visual as if they are floating. The robe is held together by a sash known as the obi. The red collar symbolizes apprentice while the white collar symbolizes professional. Another key feature of the geisha's wardrobe are her platform sandals known as okobo. These are a different style of high heels, that lift the geisha from the floor, with a softer step. Geisha take great pride in their embroidered kimonos, which come in all different fabrics, from cotton, linen, polyester, and silk. The hikizuri is considered the most formal of kimono made of fine silk. 

Training Structure

The training process of the geisha begins at a very young age where the girl is likely recruited because of her prosperous beauty. In the early days many a geisha would have begun their training at the age of 6. The young geisha normally moved into houses known as okiya where they would learn from an adopted mother. Most of these young girls came from poor, rural families that simply could not afford the child and were thus sent to serve for their living. The mother of the okiya would raise, feed, clothe, and train the young girl with the intent that she would pay back her debts as a geisha escort. For the first few years of the young girls residency in the okiya, she was mostly a maid and an observer of the geisha customs. 

The proper training stage for a young geisha, known as the shikomi, begins when they start attending classes paid for by the mother of the okiya. A future geisha must spend many hours of intensive training to learn the arts they are expected to have. These arts consist of music classes, singing, and learning how to play the shamisen, three-stringed instrument, the taiko drum, and the fue flute. Dance is also a very important geisha art where the traditional dance of kyomai is best known for it's slow, graceful, and provoking movement. The mastery of tea ceremony, calligraphy, and especially conversation are also essential elements that separate a good geisha from a great geisha. 

The next phase is their apprenticeship where this maiko (apprentice) must follow an established geisha, referred to as their older sister. Here she continues to quietly learn from observation attending parties and other social functions with professional geisha. Normally a maiko is not allowed at a teahouse or an event without their sister geisha. The ceremonial promotion from maiko to geisha is sometimes practiced when a bidder buys their virginity, a tradition known as mizuage (raising the waters). When a maiko graduates to become a geisha (usually at the age of 20 or 21), their collar changes from red to white in a ceremony known as the erikae. She can be fully independent of their okiya mother, once all debts have been paid. She will continue to live in he same okiya for most of her life as she conducts her business as she chooses, often taking on her own apprentices at a fee. A geisha will often have a patron throughout most of her life, known as a danna. 

Traditional Arts

What makes a geisha different then a female escort or prostitute is her intellectual skill in the arts. This incorporates the traditional aspects of Japanese culture. The first and most important skill a geisha has is the art of conversation and hosting. While it may seem trivial, there is no doubt a skill in keeping a conversation lively, humorous, and sincere all at once. Since the geisha are mostly invited to social gatherings they are expected to be the life of the party, by not only showing obedience but also clever engagement with their clients. They are expected to not just be silent observers but to be knowledgably on current affairs, history, the arts, poetry, or literature. This quality brings life to their charming appeal.   

The geisha is also expected to perform for her customers thru her traditional arts of dance and music. The dance known as the nihon buyo is often an expressive one with minimal yet precise movement that displays total elegance. The geisha is also a skilled musician well versed in vocals as well as playing the shamisen, taiko, and fue instruments. They are expected to be masters of the tea ceremony, where they truly display their grace, precision, discipline, and acute awareness. They are also well versed in the Japanese traditions of calligraphy and flower arrangement. 

The Willow World

Although the geisha don't have an official creed or doctrine they follow a way of life known as the karyukai (also known as the willow world). These courtesans are considered like beautiful flowers, who have their blossoming periods yet will also eventually wither. They are also considered like willow trees, who can adapt to any situation with great resilience. They are flexible and appeasing to their clients, but ultimately their roots are stable and grow stronger with age. While it may seem a grim life for most, the geisha take solace in this notion that they are providing an escape for most men, while maintaining their own stability. 

The geisha world is one that appeases others and bends to their desires while still maintaining their foundation. Their world takes place in the geisha districts, a life of servitude as a young child to become like an object of beauty. They don't normally marry or have their own children, and they certainly don't travel or roam freely like a bird. Instead they remain put in this willow world like a stable tree that offers it's leaves and branches to men. These geisha abide by this unofficial code thru their hierarchy and business structure of okiya houses, teahouses, and registry offices. So while most might see Gion or the other red light districts as a form of entertainment and pleasure, from the geisha's perspective this is one of servitude but also artistic fulfillment.  

Video Game Review: Assassin's Creed Shadows

This summer I have emerged into a Japanese phase much thanks to the video game Assassin's Creed Shadows. This is one of my all time favorite video game series, and I have had the game on my radar for some time now. I love the historical and cultural aspect of the game series, and that was certainly the case for this one set in the Sengoku Period of Feudal Japan. This game paired perfectly with the book I was reading, Shogun, which is also set during this time and therefore made this phase more of a focus on feudal Japan. This was such an intriguing time in Japanese history with the discovery by the Portuguese and the ending of their warring states period. The game depicts the key unification that occurred under the leadership of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoishi, and Tokugawa Iyeasu which would establish a 250-year long peaceful era under the Tokugawa Shogunate. 

Just like the last few AC games this was has multiple characters to appeal to both g
enders. Except instead of choosing your hero, they both are playable characters which are necessary to advance the game's storyline. The two heroes in this game are Naoe, a shinbo (ninja) from Iga, and Yaskue (a foreign African slaved turned samurai). The two characters offer a perfect contrast in stealth vs power and incorporate two of the most iconic Japanese warriors; the ninja and the samurai. It's quite interesting to follow their storyline how they got to their place, and the community they establish to weed out the corruption in Japan.

The Story

I'll be honest the main storyline was quite complex to follow, especially since it revolved around two characters. My character of choice was Naoe, whose village of Iga was attacked by Nobunaga's army (led by Yaskue who is actually based off a historical black samurai). Naoe's father tells her to recover a secret lost blade, however she is shot and her father is killed by a secret society known as Shinbakufu. 

Naoe is able to find refuge, and as she recovers she promises vengeance against those who killed her father. Naoe begins the game already as a skilled assassin' however we see flashbacks of her training with her father early on. Naoe gathers information that Nobunaga is the head of the Shinbakufu, and attempts to assassinate him before she is stopped by Yasuke. It is then revealed that she was setup in a greater plot to kill Nobunaga. Yasuke then joins Naoe's fight to gain vengeance on this Shinbakufu circle.

Yasuke is drawn to Naoe's mysterious hidden blade she conceals in her wrist (a symbol of the Assassin's Order) and believes he was instructed to join their cause from his past life. The two establish their own league of assassins to hunt down the remaining members of the Shinbakufu throughout Japan. They eventually uncover a plot coordinated by Ashikaga Yoshiaki, to dispose of Nobunaga. To add a further layer of complex they discover the the Templar Order has influenced many of these events, which further drives Yasuke for vengeance since he was enslaved by Portuguese templar members. The story ends with all enemies terminated, a new league established, and a new quest to find Naoe's mother. 

The GamePlay

This game had a massive open-world map of which I have still yet to fully uncover after nearly 130 hours of gameplay. It had beautiful graphics and almost everything on the map was accessible through roads, water, fields, or even trailblazing thru the brush of the mountains. The game also had a seasonal change, which really added a layer of aesthetics to the beautiful landscape of Japan. Exploring the map is always one of my favorite things to do in open-world games and this one definitely did not disappoint. It had all the usual AC map elements, such as viewpoints, main objectives, side missions, and assassin contracts. Also it was vital to collect resources throughout the map to buildup your hideout.

Both character's weapon of choice is the famous curved sword known as the nagata, but each had some different secondary weapons. Naoe carried an arsenal of the tanto dagger, the kusarigama (spiked metal ball with a chain), throwing knives known as kunai, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook. She was a great climber and stealth killer. Yasuke carried the more traditional samurai weapons such as the kanabo (a large spiked club) and the naginata (a long reach sword). He also carried both the bow and a rifle as his long range weapons known as the yumi and teppo. Where Yasuke lacked in stealth and agility he made up in raw power, ideal for group fights or boss fights. 

Leveling up the characters is necessary to advance in the storyline, and it's always fun to find upgraded weapons and wardrobe. The blacksmith in the hideout will get your preferred weapons and armor upgraded at a cost. The resources collected are necessary to advance your hideout which also includes a network of assassin's that can assist you throughout the game. The league includes Tomiko, head of the base; Junjuro, an artistic young boy; Yaya, a fierce female monk; Gennojo, a street thief; Ibuki, a former ronin; Oni-Yuri, skilled young girl in toxins; Yagoro, younger assassin apprentice; Rufino, a Portuguese rifle shooter. Calling upon these characters to aid you in battle can be helpful but I honestly didn't use this feature all that much. 

The hideouts throughout various locations were also helpful to restock on health supplies, recruit new scouts, and take on new contracts. It also served as a great teleportation on the map, similar to traveling via the viewpoints. The map offered many historical locations which I learned from the game such as Kyoto, the once capital of Japan, Osaka, Lake Biwa, Himeji Castle, Azuchi Castle (Oda Nobunaga's fortification), and the region of Iga known as the birthplace of the ninja method. I found climbing thru mountain shrubs to be a rewarding shortcut to get to where you had to go. There were also many caves to explore or obstacle courses known as hidden paths that offered great treasures. 

The combat format had a solid structure with the typical light attack, hard attack, block, or doge options. Also after a sequence of assaults the hero would get a special attack which was a nice cinematic break that would deliver heavy damage. As I've mentioned Naoe was a good fighter but not good at taking on big groups like Yasuke was. Naoe was the typical Japanese shinobi assassin, somewhat like Shao Jun from AC Chronicles China. She could move quick. climb easily, and perform stealth assassin's which for me is the classic AC format. It's always fun to sneak into a fortification and see how much loot you can steal, and how many enemies you can kill without detection.  

I'd say my biggest complain in the game, was the subtle mention of the Assassin's Order throughout the game. Despite being at the backdrop of the story, I felt Naoe really never had a proper initiation or welcome into this order. At the onset of the game she was already equipped with the hidden blade, a skilled stealth assassins, and could perform the leap of faith. In most other AC games, the lead hero goes thru a period of training to acquire these skills. Sure she discovered elements of the order throughout the game, but it seems like she established her own league based off the principles of the Order. While her parents may have been involved in the league, they were both gone, before they could properly welcome her in. I also rea paid no mind to the animus component of this game, a feature I have always ignored in Assassin's creed. I prefer the historical setting not the modern day one. With that aside though it was a very enjoyable game in which I learned so much about Japanese history and culture.            

Book Review: Shogun

 As I've embarked on a summer of Japan one of the cornerstones of that phase has been the novel Shogun by James Clavell. The book is a two part behemoth with a total of 1312 pages (This falls into War and Peace status). There were certainly times I was not following every miniscule detail, but I got the main gist of the story. It is set once again in Feudal Japan, similar to my AC Shadows, video game, at the end of the 1500s and start of the 1600s (the dawn of the Edo Period). The story is a historical fiction pertaining to the real English navigator William Adams who crash landed in Japan in 1600 and served as their counselor for the rest of his life. In the backdrop of this story is the influence of Catholic Portugal and the warring daimyos which lead to the foundation of the Tokugawa Shogunate (the golden era of Japan known as the Edo Period). 

The setting alone was very fascinating for me, a true historical emersion into feudal Japan which I knew very little of. For starters I just recently discovered from this book that Japan was not discovered until the late 1500s by Portugal. Also of equal interest was the early influence the Catholic Church had after this arrival, but were then later expelled by the local Shinto and Buddhist faiths. I'd say this book was everything I was after in regards to better understanding Feudal Japan and it's overall culture. The TV show was also top quality, with great film production, even though it differed on a few key points from the book. One thing I was disappointed however was the rather abrupt ending which I'll get more into in the review. 

The Plot Synopsis

John Blackthorne is an English pilot of the Dutch ship known as Erasmus which is lost at sea for some time and eventually crashes on the coast of Izu Harbor, Japan. He and his crew are taken prisoners by the local Japanese daimyo Yabu, who intends to keep the ship for himself. Blackthorne is defiant and puts up a fight against his captors who later refer to him as a barbarian. News of the mysterious ships quickly reaches Yabu's liege lord Toranaga who summons him to bring the barbarian before him to Osaka. Once again Blackthorne displays his strong character of resistance, fighting with the Portuguese translators. Toranaga observes this fighting between the European foreigners and discovers there are two warring sects of the Christian faith between the Catholics and the Protestants. 

Toranaga realizes he can learn much from Blackthorne, especially his navigational skills, however decides to imprison him in order to appease the other regent council members (especially Lord Ishido his greatest rival). While in prison Blackthorne learns much of the language and customs of Japan from a Spanish friar. Toranaga once again summons Blackthorne, however this time he places a Japanese translator Mariko, as he begins to distrust the Catholic Portugese translators. Blackthorne explains the Catholic's church intent to colonize Japan the same way it did with the Americas of the New World. Toranaga gives Blackthorne the new Japanese name of "Anjin-san" as a sign of respect. 

Sensing a new threat with Blackthorne's arrival, the enemy regents, supported by the Catholic Portuguese send assassin's to kill Blackthorne however fail. Toranaga decides to then leave Osaka with Blackthorne, whom he now considers a great asset in his fight against the enemy regents. Toranaga grants him the privilege of hatamoto samurai with his own residence, wife, and even courtesans. Mariko continues to grow close to Blackthorne, as she translates for him and teaches him of Japense customs beginning to fall in love with him. However Blackthorne still desires to wage war against the Portuguese Catholics and return to his home in England. He even threatens to commit seppuki, which further demonstrate his fierce resolve to the Japanese daimyos. 

After some time Blackthorne does begin to learn the language and also trains the samurai army in the use of cannon warfare. During this time a great earthquake hits the town of Anjiro, by which Blackthorne saves Toranaga and thus strengthens their trust. However despite his newly acquired skilled navigator, Toranaga still has the odds stacked against him by the regent lords of Osaka led by Ishido. Toranaga is visited by his brother Zataki who informs him he has joined sides with Ishido, and the only option left for Toranaga is to give himself up and commit seppuku. While his war-counsel of Hiromatsu, Yabu, Buntaro, Naga, and Omi seek war, Toranaga instead plans to surrender. He sends Mariko to Osaka as his messenger to lord Ishido.

While visiting Lord Ishido in Osaka, Mariko declares Toranaga will surrender but first she must be allowed to leave with several other noblewomen. Ishido denies this request, which then leads to Mariko's rash act of public defiance in leaving the castle gates. Ishido's guards do not let her pass and she then publicly declares she will commit seppuku for being unable to fulfill her lord Toranaga's command. Knowing that the other regents and nobles do not wish to see Mariko die, Ishido grants her freedom to leave before she can commit seppuku. However that night the castle is assaulted by a group of ninjas (coordinated by Ishido and Yabu's betrayal). Mariko retreats to a storeroom with Blackthorne, where she sacrifices herself when the door is exploded. 

The death of Mariko was a tragedy for all of Osaka, and quickly turned the noble regents against Ishido, which was something he did not intend. This was ultimately a masterplan by Toranaga, knowing he could not defeat Ishido by sheer force and would need this act to help divide the regent lords. Furthermore Yabu was discovered for his treachery and ordered by Toranaga to commit seppuku. Upon his return from Osaka, Blackthorne discovers his ship the Erasmus has been sunk. Toranaga later reveals that a deal was made with the Catholics that Blackthorne's life could be spared if this ship was destroyed. Due to the sacrifice of Mariko and the loss of his ship, Blackthrone develops a new purpose to join Toranaga's fight and rebuild a new ship. The book ends with a brief paragraph on Toranaga's easy defeat of Ishido.

The Review

As I mentioned above this was a very long book, loaded with detail and many characters. I got the general flow of the story but could probably gain more from a 2nd read-thru. I can say that I learned quite a lot from the historical setting which is exactly what I was after. However there's parts of the story I was somewhat dissatisfied with. The first being this unfulfilled love and sacrifice of Mariko, who never really was able to obtain happiness. She was like a prisoner all along, shamed by her father's disgrace she was a prisoner to her lord Toranaga and her husband Buntaro. A devout Catholic she believed in a concept of an Eightfold Fence, a strict duty to Japan, which only allowed her brief moments of happiness with Blackthrone. She was in my opinion the book's true hero and most interesting character and I think she deserved a better ending.

I was also dissatisfied with the abrupt ending and think there could have been a sequel. The whole book is building to this war between Toranaga and Ishido, and the reader never really gets to see it unfold. Rather it's a game of tactical chess, with complex political and diplomatic schemes, Toranaga being the mastermind of it all. With as much detail as there was in the book, Clavell could have certainly dove further into a proper Japanese samurai battle. While we know that Toranaga had already won the battle before it began, why not spell this out in more detail. It would have been great to hear Ishido's final realization and dialogue that his alliance had broken and he was defeated. I also feel Blackthrone's animosity towards Mariko's husband Buntaro was also unresolved especially after her death.   

Aside from these two major anti-climatic points, the book still provided some great historical insight with powerful themes. I would say there was definitely a Japanese concept at work throughout the book, pertaining to their beliefs of honor, duty, karma, and destiny. What's especially interesting in this book, is the culture clash that occurs, where we get to see Japan's unique customs from the perspective of a westerner, Blackthrone (this being ideal for western readers). For me the most eye-opening aspect I learned from this book, was this extreme servitude by both Japanese men and women, who would quickly embrace death in the name of honor. 

The Characters

John Blackthorne (Anjin): He is a portrayal of English navigator William Adams the first Englishman to reach Japan. The character of Blackthrone is quite fierce and strong-minded who seeks to complete his mission by defeating the Portuguese Black Ship most of the book. He does eventually lose site of his own ambitions and begins to embrace the Japanese culture, by falling for Mariko and befriending Toranaga. His transition into the Japanese way is a key element of the book.  

Toranaga: He is the chief daimyo of the book portraying Tokugawa Ieyasu who would later establish the glorious Tokugawa Shogunate. Toranaga is depicted as a very wise and observant man, often calculating his opponents and his next move. His curiosity and willingness to learn of Blackthrone is what helps him gain the upper advantage on his rivals.

Mariko: She is one of the most interesting characters in the story. Her father was a traitor and her family was killed, yet she was spared by her husband Buntaro. She converted to Christianity seeking a new path to salvation and became fluent in various languages such as Latin and Portuguese. It is thru this skill of translation that she becomes a vital tool for Lord Toranaga. Her story is further enhanced when she falls for Blackthorne and reveals the elements of Japanese culture to him. She is ultimately a somber character who restrains her emotions it total stoicism, a concept she refers to as the eightfold path. She sees her sacrifice as the ultimate path to restore her family's honor, and achieve her fate.

Yabu: He is a the chief lord serving under Toranaga, with a sly humorous and scheming character. He is the first to discover Blackthorne and intends to use him for his own personal ambitions. His loyalty to Toranaga is questioned throughout the story, and ultimately breaks when he helps Ishido, which leads to his seppuku at the end.

Hiromatsu: He is the elder lord and most devoted general for Toranaga who confronts Yabu when the Dutch ship is discovered. He sides with Toranaga most the story, until the end when he commits seppuku in protest of Toranaga's decision not to fight.

Omi: He is a younger samurai lord, and nephew to Yabu, who serves Toranaga. He is deeply in love with the beautiful courtesan Kiku. 

Buntaro: He is a courageous samurai lord of Toranaga, and husband to Mariko. He is also a somber figure sharing in the remorse of his wife. He was believed to have been killed early in the story, but later returns and grows animosity towards Blackthrone due to his strong relation with his wife. Even after the death of his wife, his relationship is somewhat unresolved with Blackthrone. 

Ishido: He is Toranaga's chief rival in the council of regents, and seeks to establish himself as Shogun. 

Kiku: She is the most beautiful courtesan of Japan who is a consort to Omi, Toranaga, and Blackthrone. She is later arranged to be Blackthrone's husband at the end of the book. 

Lady Ochiba: She is the heir of the fallen Taiko, who holds significant influence over the regent lords. She is a friend of Mariko, and later decides to pull her alliance with Ishido due to Mariko's death.    

Naga-sun: He is the son of Toranaga, eager and willing to prove himself but perhaps not as strong as his father. 

Rodrigues: He is a skillful Portuguese navigator who befriends Blackthrone, despite their animosity towards one another. They share a rather humorous relationship, a mutual hate yet respect for the other.    

The TV Series

It was actually thanks to the Hulu TV series, that I decided to read this epic novel. I remember seeing the advertisements over a year ago, and could tell it was a top quality historical production. I knew AC Shadows was being released a year later, so I decided to hold from watching the show until I began playing the game. The two were a perfect pair for one another both pertaining to the historical setting of feudal Japan. I of course made sure to start the TV show as I was reaching the backend of the book.  However after a couple episodes in I was surprised to discover that the full book would be recounted in this first season and not the additional seasons to follow. So I had to really delay the final 5 episodes so I could finish Part 2 of the book.

I will say that the TV show definitely helped me better understand the story, but I also picked up on major differences from the book. Obviously the TV show was quite expedited and quickly skimmed over Blackthrone's early capture and culture clash with the local Japanese. It also skimmed over his feud with the Portuguese, primarily the captain Rodrigues. The TV show also skims thru the courtesan aspect of Kiku and the "Willow World". Another major difference were the deaths of Naga and Hiromatsu which did not occur in the book. I also noticed Blackthrone's attempted seppuku came midway thru the book and not at the end as depicted in the show. Also worth mentioning Yabu's second at his seppuku was his nephew Omi, and not Toranaga as depicted in the TV show.    

However despite it's differences from the original book, I would say the TV show definitely enhanced the story with it's dramatic flare. The show had a thematic quality to it, a grand-scale epic production on par with Game of Thrones. I wasn't too crazy about the lead actor portraying Blackthrone and his somewhat goofy demeanor, however I did enjoy the portrayals of Toranaga and Mariko. The setting, wardrobe, landscape, and music are quite captivating and really set this historical scene. For me what really gave the show an artistic quality was the use of poetry thru-out. The final poem at the end, really did move me, by Mariko and Ochiba;

While the snow remains, veiled in the haze of a cold evening, a leafless branch... 

Flowers are only flowers because they fall. 

Thankfully, the wind.

For me this poem captures the essence of Japanese culture, which is primarily focused on honor, duty, sacrifice, and fate. It's no doubt a somber poem that hints at Mariko's grim state by which nothing beautiful in this world can last for long. Furthermore she sees herself as this falling flower needing to achieve this sacrifice to fulfill her fate. However Ochiba adds a touch of hope in that final line, that states this beauty can live on even after the fall, which hints at Mariko's legacy after her death. Poetry such as this is relevant throughout the book, but especially more meaningful in the TV show. Also the ending dialogue between Yabu and Toranaga was equally powerful and poetic which made everything very clear at the end. It was a great show and I look forward to the seasons to follow that will expand on Toranaga's new shogunate.     

Cultural Study of Japan

This summer I've embarked into a deep dive on Japanese culture and history. The phase was long in anticipation due to the latest release of Assassin's Creed Shadows in May.  The game offers a vast open-world immersion into Feudal Japan, during the Civil Warring Period known as Sengoku). I've also paired this behemoth game with an equally massive 1100 page book, Shogun by James Clavell. The book is also set around the same time as AC Shadows (during the early 1600s). I'll later have full reviews on both the video game and the book. As well as the usual video game and books, I also accompany my phases with television shows (Shogun, Blue Samurai), movies (The Seven Samurai, The Last Samurai), Japanese food, tea, Japanese garden plants, and relaxing Japanese Zen music. So it's fair to say the summer of 2025 for me is a full-on Japanese summer. 

As I mentioned in my previous post on the historical study of Feudal Japan, I know very little about this country's history and culture. The first things that would often come to mind was the neon-light city of Tokyo, samurai warriors, sushi, and their maniacal army during WW2. Little did I know of this concept of Zen-Buddhism, Shintoism, or Bushido. Or how they were discovered by Portugal in the 1500s and resisted the conversion to Christianity. Or how Samurai were not just warriors, but also noble-men who considered the act of seppuku as an honorable death. These cultures of the far-east are so unique to me, because of their divergence from Christianity. I must say that I had no intention to ever visit Japan in my lifetime, but after this summer that has changed. It's culture is very rich with unique symbolism and identity. 

Japanese Geography and Landscape

Most national cultures get their identity from their land's geography and that is certainly the case for Japan. It is an island on the far east surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Japan puts great emphasis on their geography and considers nature to have a holy presence, a concept known as "shizen". The most iconic landmark is Mount Fuji, a stratovolcano that dominates the skyline. This mountain is one of three holy mountains the other two being Mount Tate and Mount Haku. The Three Views of Japan are also iconic scenic locations which include the tiny islands of Matsushima, the sandbar of Amanohashidate, and Itsukushima "Shrine Island" (renown for it's iconic Torri Gate that floats in the water). 

Another unique characteristic of Japan's landscape is their colorful trees. They have some of the most beautiful plants in the Sakura Trees (cherry blossoms), Japanese red Maples, the yellow Ginkgo tree, and purple Wisteria flowers. The climate goes thru a distinct four season period, similar to the Americas, which makes their foliage all the more beautiful. Japan celebrates the beauty of their nature in mini zen-gardens as a means of peaceful meditation and tranquility. These gardens often consist of minimal colors, with plants, rocks, waters, sand, lanterns, and a bridge. 

Japanese Religion

This Japanese emphasis on nature is a core component of their most popular religions. The most ancient being the practice of Shinto, which dates back to the Yayoi Period of 300 BC. This religion originated in Japan, as a celebration of nature rather than a specific monotheistic deity. However there are still supernatural spirits at work within the religion referred to as kami, that are considered forces of nature. There is really no official doctrine like the bible or ceremonial services, yet rather a peaceful state of mind. The religion is a concept that worships the power of nature, with the practice of prayer thru shrines and meditation. 

Another iconic religion practiced in Japan is Buddhism, which originated in India, and became prevalent in Japan by 600 AD. There are many similarities in Buddhism and Shinto particularly this peaceful state of mind to appreciate the natural environment. Few other concepts from Buddhism that especially took hold in Japan were the belief of karma and reincarnation. That every action in life will later have an equal reaction and that all souls will follow a path of rebirth until they achieve proper nirvana. The practice of Zen Buddhism and Confucianism also became popular during the Feudal Age with emphasis on meditation and human reason. Western religions such as Christianity and Islam had a minor presence in Japan but never realy took off. 

Japanese Visual Art

Japan has a unique style of the visual arts quite distinct from western art with it's iconic brushstrokes and minimalist landscapes. Calligraphy is one of their most iconic visual arts, an expressive and decorative form of handwriting. Their text is quite different from our alphabet which uses a form of Chinese symbols known as Kanji. Each of these symbols are quite unique illustrations that almost require a bit of artistry to write. Ink wash painting is an artform often associated with calligraphy. It uses black brushstrokes to demonstrate a surreal natural essence. This is an iconic form of eastern Asian art that demonstrates an expressive form of interpretation.  

The use of woodblock prints and folding screens are also an emblematic Japanese art style. The practice of Ukiyo-e especially flourished during the Edo Period (1603-1868) under the Tokugawa Shogunate where Japan experienced a golden age in Tokyo. These paintings became popular household items that celebrated Japanese society thru colorful displays of geishas, samurai, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and beautiful landscapes. Some iconic ukiyo-e paintings include the Maple Viewing at Takao (1500s) by Kano Hideyori, the First Play of Musical Instruments in the New Year ( 1805) by Kitagawa Tsukimaro, and the most famous being the Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) by Katsushika Hokusai.  

Japanese Literature

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikiu, is the most famous piece of Japanese literature. It was written in 1021 AD and is considered the first novel ever written in history (long before the western influence of Don Quixote). I am honestly quite unfamiliar with this story about an emperor's son set during the Heian Period. Muraska was a noblewoman who served Empress Shoshi and became a well renown writer and poet throughout her life. Her classic work of literature helped define Japanese culture and society. Some of Japan's greatest literature came during this Heian period (794-1185) such as The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Tale of Heike, and the Pillow Book. One of the greatest poets was Matsuo Basho considered a master of the haiku verse that became popular during the Edo Period.   

Japenese Wardrobe

Another unique trait of Japanese culture is their wardrobe, quite different from the western world. The kimono is their traditional garments, like a robe with very intricate elaborate detail. Accompanying this relaxing robe is the obi sash and the zori sandals (often made of wood, with elevated bases). Both the samurai and geisha heightened this unique style of fashion; where samurai wore elaborate armor known as the o-yoroi with facial armors (like masks) known as the men-yoroi. They also wore a distinctive topknot or shaved the middle of their head known as the chonmage. Meanwhile the geisha often wore heavy white makeup known as the oshiroi, with elaborate hair buns with hairpins, often carrying umbrellas or folding fans. 

Japanese Music and Theater

Traditional Japanese Music has a zen-like relaxing quality to it, incorporating the elements of Buddhist chants and rituals. The most iconic instrument is the shamisen, a three-stringed guitar that offers a unique buzz tone, almost like a high-pitched drum beat. This instrument especially became popular during Japan's flourishing Edo Period, as the backdrop of Kabuki theater performances. Musical theater is also an important aspect of Japanese musical culture. The four main types are the Noh (spiritual dance), Kyogen (comic performance), Kabuki (the most famous well renown for it's elaborate masks and costumes), and the Bunraku (puppet performances).   

Japanese Holidays

One of their most important holidays is New Year's Day known as the Shogatsu which includes family gatherings, traditional foods, and visits to shrines. This New Years celebration lasts for a few days known as the Oshogatsu Season. Although Japan does not have an Independence day like most nations they do celebrate a National Foundation Day on Feb 11 where they commemorate Emperor Jimmu as founding the empire in 660 BC. The Golden Week in late April-early May is also a popular time of holidays, festivals, and vacation. The Buddhist holiday of Obon is celebrated in July/August to give homage to deceased family and ancestors. It's also interesting to note that Christmas is celebrated but doesn't have the religious Christian aspect to it and is not considered an official national holiday.   

Japanese Architecture 

The iconic Asian Pagoda style originated in China but Japan brought a distinctive element to the design with it's overhanging tiered roofs. These designs were given great aesthetic detail with practical construction to protect from earthquakes and heavy rainfalls. Other common Japanese architectural features are the sliding paper doors, straw mats, the engawa outdoor porch, and the tokonoma (a dedicated recession within a room to display art or a shrine). The Torri gate is also a cultural element of Japanese architecture, a symbol of Shintoism that represents a passage into a sacred realm. 

At the core of all Japanese architecture is minimalism and simplicity that accentuates nature. Zen gardens are a common feature of many households and buildings. Some of the most iconic landmarks in Japan include the Himeji and Osaka Castles and the floating shrine of Itsukushima. Kyoto is renown for it's classic Japanese architecture with many monuments, castles, Buddhist temples, and Torri shrines. The modern city of Tokyo also has many amazing futuristic skyscrapers and constructions including the Tokyo Tower, The Tokyo Skytree, and the Shibuya Crossing. 

Japanese Sports

The way of the warrior is a major element of Japanese competition, which is seen in many of it's athletic sports. This is prevalent in many of it's famous martial arts such as judo, jujutsu, karate, and sumo wrestling. While these forms of combat were initially intended for samurai battle throughout the Edo Period they later become incorporated into competitive sport. In the modern age Japan adopted many of the western sports and especially excelled at baseball. They've won the World Baseball Classic a record three times in 2006, 2009, and 2023. They hosted the FIFA World Cup with Korea in 2002 and have hosted the Olympics 4 times in 1964, 1972, 1998, and 2020. Some of their greatest athletes include baseball stars; Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui; and tennis 4-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka.  

Japanese Cuisine

Being an island nation, seafood is a very popular base food throughout most of Japan. Of course we know sushi as it's most iconic dish, raw seafood and vegetables wrapped around rice (often served with a side of soy sauce and wasabi). Other popular dishes include the fried seafood known as tempura, white rice, noodles, swekered chicken known as yakitori, and teriyaki glazed meats or fish. Miso Soup, Udon Noodle Soup, white rice, and ramen noodles are also common side dishes. One of the more popular dishes during the New Year holiday is the Osechi, a variety of flavors served on a dish referred to as a jubako or bento box.  

The consummation of tea is also a very important element of Japanese cuisine and culture. The tea ceremony is a traditional practice of spiritual meditation but also social interaction. Green tea and matcha are the the most common type. The most popular alcoholic beverage is the riced wine known as sake. Beer came much later to Japanese cuisine in the 1860s, the lager being their preferred choice. Popular Japanese desserts include the mochi rice cakes, sweet dango dumplings, Daifuku sugar covered strawberries, and Japanese cheesecake or pudding known as purin.  

Top 50 Bob Dylan Songs

Last summer I wrote a detailed list of my favorite Beatles songs and before that my favorite Dave Matthews Band songs. So now it's time to share the list of my 3rd all time favorite musician Bob Dylan (see Top 50 Favorite Musicians). I've been a fan of his ever since my college days, and have gone thru many Dylan appreciation phases. This latest fascination comes after watching the new biopic, A Complete Unknown starring Timothee Chalamet. The film deals with Dylan's early arrival to the folk scene of Greenwich New York in the early 1960s and his transition into rock and roll in 1965. It was a great movie and Chalamet gave off a very convincing performance of Dylan's early rise to stardom. 

I've wrote various times now about the music of Bob Dyan, and even made a deep biographical study in 2018 (see Early Life of Bob Dylan). While his career has spanned over 50 years, it's without question that his early stuff was his best stuff. He brought forth such an original style of raspy vocals with beautiful thought-provoking lyrics. Often accompanied by his guitar, harmonica, and even piano for some songs. His musical delivery had such a passionate quality to it, sometimes with a rap-like rhythm. I've often stated that Dylan's musical voice is an acquired taste no different than coffee or beer. I believe he intentionally delivers a raw sound that is often accentuated with some truly beautiful sustained notes. 

So here without further ado is my top 50 well thought-out favorite Dylan songs. I've included the duration of the song, which I think is an interesting component of folk music. Unlike your typical pop hit, these folk songs can sometimes go much longer than the usual 3 minute average. As stated above most of my favorite Dylan songs occurred in his first few albums during the 1960s, however there are still several songs from the 70s, 80s, and even 90s on this list. 

 

Honorable Mention

Sara
Pressing On
Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat
Love Minus Zero/ No Limit
It Takes alot to laugh, a train to cry
Isis
It's Alright Ma, I'm only bleeding
Slow Train
Gates of Eden
One too Many Mornings
Knocking on Heaven's Door
North Country Blues
La Lady Lay

 

Top 50 Bob Dylan Songs

 

50. Changing of the Guards

• Album: Street-Legal (1978)
• Genre: Rock, Gospel
• Duration: 6:37
• Significance: It's one of the few clean cut studio songs I'll have on this list, but it's a catchy gospel rock song. The song is a reference to Dylan's conversion to Christianity and as the title suggests it a change from the 16 previous years in the musical industry. It's an up-tempo song, with backup vocals by a gospel choir.  

49. Tombstone Blues

• Album: Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
  
• Genre: Blues Rock
• Duration: 5:58
• Significance: As the title suggests this is a blues song, with some good upbeat jamming and complex lyrics. It's ultimately a protest song directed at the Vitenam War, but also the chaos of authority and society in general. The song is played at the beginning of the film I'm Not There, with Richie Havens.  

48. If Not for You

• 
  Album: New Morning (1970)
• Genre: Country Rock
• Duration: 2:39
• Significance: It's a simple love song with a catchy studio quality tune. As the title suggests Dylan is sharing his love and gratefulness towards his first wife Sara Dylan. He states he would be incomplete and lost without her guidance. 

47. Masters of War

• Album: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 4:31
• Significance: As the title suggests it a protest song speaking out against war.  In this case it is regarding the build-up of arms due to the Cold War. The song has the traditional Dylan folk quality to it, more of a spoken melody with strumming guitar rhythm.  

46. Ballad of a Thin Man

• Album: Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
• Genre: Blues Rock
• Duration: 5:56
• Significance: It is a protest song, that tells the story of Mr. Jones as a confused journalist unable to grasp the meaning of rock and roll. The lyrics of the song are quite complex and invite open interpretation. This is no doubt a reference to the media constantly trying to analyze the meaning of Dylan's songs. Dylan was notorious for his aloof interactions with the press throughout the mid 1960s. This scene was famously portrayed in the film I'm Not There.  

45. Desolation Row

• Album: Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 11:21
• Significance: It's one of Dylan's longest most complex songs about surreal characters and a sense of alienation. The notion of Desolation Row represents a dark place for misfits and outcasts who can't come to terms with society's norms. The lyrics tell various stories of historical, mythological, and biblical characters taken way out of context and put into the sheer chaos of desolation row. One could interpret this song as another drug induced psychedelic trip, on par with Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds or The Walrus Man. It's got the classic Dylan folk sound, even if it's a bit on the grim side.  

44. Corinna, Corinna (Cover)

• Album: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963)
• Genre: Country Blues
• Duration: 2:41
• Significance: This is a catchy cover of the 1928 country blues song by Bo Carter. Aside from it's enjoyable soothing melody, Dylan provides some great guitar strumming, harmonica, and vocal delivery. The yodeling voice cracks is what wins me over in this bluesy song.    

43. Just Like a Woman

• Album: Blonde on Blonde (1966)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 4:50
• Significance: One of Dylan's more controversial and even misogynistic songs where he is clearly frustrated over a recent breakup. He describes a relationship where the woman lures him in, but then breaks his heart like a little girl. Aside from these harsh lyrics towards women, it is actually an iconic Dylanesque folk song with some guide singing and harmonica breaks. 

42. My Back Pages

• 
  Album: Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964)
  
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 4:23
• Significance: This is the classic Dylan folk style that I will have many examples of on this list. It is a personal song, that explains his desire to live his times rather then sing of the stories of old.  This is no doubt laying the groundwork for his transition from the folk protest music to rock-and-roll. In a clever twist of backwards aging, Dylan states that "he was older then but is younger than that now". I interpret this a someone ready to let go of wisdom in exchange for the social present. 

41. Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again

• Album: Blonde on Blonde (1966)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 7:03
• Significance: Classic Dylan folk song with many allegories that is very open for interpretation. The general theme hints at someone stuck in a lonely, isolated, even depressive states referred to as Mobile, Alabama, who longs for something more exciting such as Memphis, Tennessee. There's also an element of abstract confusion perhaps a nod to altered states from drug use.   

40. I Want You

• Album: Blonde on Blonde (1966)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 3:05
• Significance: Another love song from Dylan's greatest album Blonde on Blonde. However it's not a sweet/simple love song like it may sound, but rather a complex one of obsessive desire and infatuation. The narrator experiences a surreal overwhelming emotion supported by some unique characters that enhance his manic state-of-mind. As whacky as the lyrics may be, the song has an upbeat melody, carried by Dylan's great vocals, and powerful harmonica rifts. 

39. Tangled up in Blue

• Album: Blood on the Tracks (1975)
  
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 5:41
• Significance: One of the few post-60s Dylan songs on the list, this one has a nice blend of classic Dylan with a cleaner studio sound. It's a romance story depicting the ups-and-downs and various memories of the relationship. 

38. Highway 61 Revisited

• Album: Highway 61 Revisited (1966)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 3:30
• Significance: It's one of Dylan's abstract almost psychedelia rock songs. He recounts many whimsical stories, such as God and Abraham and King Louie where they solve all their problems on Highway 61. I think it's yet another Dylan song that is very open to interpretation but celebrates the historical US Route 61 from Minnesota to New Orleans. 

37. One More Cup of Coffee

• Album: Desire (1976)
  
• Genre: Folk Rock  
• Duration: 3:47
• Significance: This is a later folk song by Dylan during the 1970s and has a unique gypsy quality to it. Dylan sings with a dramatic flare, carried by expressive violin, and backup vocals from Emmylou Harris. It is a song that embraces Romani Folk culture. I especially love the mention of coffee in this song, and use the phrase a lot before I move onto to something different, even if it's to the valley below (no doubt a reference to death). 

36. Not Dark Yet

• Album: Time Out of Mind (1997)
• Genre: Rock
• Duration: 6:29
• Significance: This is the most recent/modern Dylan song I have on this list. It's quite different from his early stuff, but it's got such a chill, soothing quality to it. I believe the premise is that Dylan realizes he is getting old, but his career and life is still not over yet. Dylan is reflecting on his past, his near brush with death, his loneliness, and his peaceful acceptance of the approaching end. It's a melancholic message with a beautiful melody. 

35. Blowing in the Wind

• Album: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 2:45
• Significance: Often considered Dylan's breakout song, and arguably his most famous song of all time. It no doubt captured the counter-culture revolution of the 1960s a youthful movement seeking change. It's an enjoyable song, but in my opinion somewhat plain and even mainstream. It's of course very overplayed, and reminds me of the Beatles breakout song' "I want to hold your hand". A song that was once so catchy that it became lame, which is everything Dylan did not want from his music. 

34. Maggie's Farm

• Album: Bringing it All Back Home (1965)
• Genre: Blues Rock
• Duration: 3:51
• Significance: One of Dylan's early electric-blues songs in 1965, that controversially debuted at the Newport Folk Festival to mark his transition from acoustic folk to electric rock. The song can be interpreted as a union or labor song, against unfair pay or working conditions. It's ultimately a rebellious song against the system, represented as Maggie's Farm.  

33. Jokerman

• Album: Infidels (1983)
• Genre: Reggae Rock
• Significance: This song has a unique style from the 1980s with a very catchy tropical vibe. The reggae song is quite open to interpretation of who exactly is this Jokerman; Jesus, the devil, Dylan himself, or just some confused person struggling with good and evil. Aside from these deep lyrical meanings, I just think it's a really jiving song, and a refreshing break from Dylan's usual style. 

32. Simple Twist of Fate

• 
  Album: Blood on the Tracks (1975)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 4:18
• Significance: Another rare 1970s song on my list, it has a soothing production quality to it, with Dylan's passionate vocals. It's another personal reflective song for Dylan looking back at his past marriage, beginning with the spark that consumed and frightened him. Its a melancholic song where the spark and powerful connection eventually ended with the separation that was feared.   

31. Wigwam

• Album: Self Portrait (1970)
• Genre: Country Rock, Psychedelic Rock
• Duration: 3:08
• Significance: It is a unique wordless/instrumental melody where Dylan just sings la-la vocals. The melody has a very uplifting, big band arrangement. I would even label this song as somewhat psychedelic in the likes of the Beatles "Flying". I could see this song as someone lost in a state of jubilation, or even a group of drunken friends singing around the campfire. 

30. Subterranean Homesick Blues

• Album: Bringing it All Back Home (1965)
• Genre: Folk Rock, Blues Rock, Rap
• Duration: 2:20
• Significance: If ever there was a song that could be pointed as the early pre-cursor foundation to the rap genre, it would be this one. Dylan is spitting out quick versed lyrics, in spoken format broken up with guitar strumming and harmonica rifts. It's yet another rebellious anti-establishment song, that highlighted his transition from acoustic to electric.  

29. To Ramona

• Album: Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 3:51
• Significance: It is a beautiful folk song, with the qualities of a Greek or Spanish flamenco style. I would say this is a departure from the usual American folk sound of Dylan and something more cultural. It is a romantic song dedicated to Joan Baez, who he felt a strong connection with throughout the early part of his career. 

28. Rainy Day Women

• Album: Blonde on Blonde (1966)
• Genre: Blues Rock, Psychedelic Rock
• Duration: 4:34
• Significance: It's an iconic rock song by Dylan with a unique bluesy/psychedelic sound to it. It has a whimsical silly nature to it, with it's live rendition of laughter, shouting, loud harmonica, Dixieland jazz, and the constant phrase to "Get Stoned!". While the song is commonly considered a drug celebration, it's also interpreted as a persecution song. This is a clever wordplay by Dylan to allow two different directions on the song. 

27. Going to Acapulco

• Album: The Basement Tapes (1975)
• Genre: Country Folk
• Duration: 5:27
• Significance: It's a beautiful country folk song, and collaboration with The Band. It has a raw dreamlike quality to it, of someone yearning for escape and adventure. This is one of the rare examples of a great Dylan song, I think could have used a little more polishing. The cover version of this song by My Morning Jacket, played in the film I'm Not There is one of my favorite Dylan covers. 

26. A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall

• Album: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1964)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 6:55
• Significance: Another iconic early Dylan folk song regarding apocalyptic visions of the end-times. This is of course another protest song pertaining to the social injustice, the potential collapse of the world, and the necessity to bear witness. It's passionate singing from Dylan, with driving acoustic guitar. 

25. Shelter from the Storm

• Album: Blood on the Tracks (1975)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 5:02
• Significance: Once again another example of Dylan's vulnerable dependency on a woman, in this case his wife Sara. He compares the trials and tribulations of life as a storm, and his woman as his shelter and refuge from this chaos. It's a lovely acoustic melody with simple rhythm, and the iconic Dylan harmonica at the intro and outro. 

24. It's All Over now Baby Blue

• Album: Bringing it All Back Home (1965)
  
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 4:12
• Significance: Another classic Dylanesque folk song, with his loud wailing, guitar strumming, and iconic harmonica. It's a farewell song directed at his musical partner and love interest Joan Boaz. It is also interpreted as his farewell to the folk scene in exchange for his entry into the rock-and-roll genre.  

23. All Along the Watchtower

• Album: John Wesley Harding (1967)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 2:30
• Significance: One of Dylan's most popular and covered songs (especially by Jimi Hendrix and Dave Matthews Band). The song is about the pending doom of the world, and the hopeless realization that there is no escape. It's a classic Dylanesque song with good vocal delivery, acoustic strumming, and harmonica rifts. 

22. The Man in Me

• Album: New Morning (1970)
• Genre: Roots Rock
• Duration: 3:10
• Significance: Here's another uplifting studio-quality song from Dylan celebrating love. The theme is once again showing gratitude for the woman that completed him and brought out the best version of himself. I enjoy the vocal la-la's throughout this song, especially at the bridge towards the end.   

21. Mr. Bojangles (Cover)

• Album: New Morning (1970)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 5:32
• Significance: It's a beautiful cover of Jerry Jeff Walker's 1968 country song about a street performing tap dancer. I usually envision a hobo or clown playing a banjo when I hear this song. I remember my dad also use to play the song at retirement homes. Bob Dylan delivers a great passionate vocal performance in this song especially towards the end, with long sustained notes, telling Bojangle to dance. 

20. Song to Woody

• Album: Bob Dylan (1962)
  
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 2:42
• Significance: It's one of Dylan's first original songs that appeared on his debut album in 1962. It's classic iconic Dylanesque sound, heartfelt folk music. The song is a homage to his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie. What's especially interesting about this song, is that Dylan traveled to New York City to play this song for his folk hero before beginning his own career in the folk scene. 

19. Hurricane

• Album: Desire (1976)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 8:32
• Significance: One of Dylan's later protest songs from the 1970s about the wrongfully accused boxer Rubin the Hurricane Carter. It's an upbeat protest song, with some fast paced percussion and violin rifts in it. This song always reminds me of the film Dazed and Confused, when they walk into the Emporium. I just think that's one of the coolest scenes in film, especially enhanced by this great song. 

18. The Times they are a-Changin'

• Album: The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 3:12
• Significance: One of Dylan's iconic early folk songs, that became the anthem of the counter-culture revolution in the 1960s (alongside Blowing in the Wind). This song essentially points out a shift from the old generation of the 1950s (an age of innocence) to the newer youthful generation that would become involved in civil rights and antiwar movements (sometimes referred to as the Hippie Movement). Aside from it's beautiful poetic lyrics it's a sheer raw delivery from Dylan; with his prophetic voice, strumming guitar, and harmonica solos. 

17. Positively 4th Street

• Album: Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits (1967)
  
• Genre: Folk Rock  
• Duration: 3:54
• Significance: Yet another transitional song for Dylan regarding his switch from folk to electric. This song in particular is directed at his former friends and even fans, who claimed he was a traitor. Dylan accuses them of being hypocrites and false friends who also sought to gain from his success. The song has a prominent organ melody to it, a new element he introduced in his two major 1965 albums; Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde. 

16. With God on Our Side

• Album: The Times They Are a Changin'
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 7:08
• Significance: This is another great early definitive Dylan song, with the folksy protest vibe. He basically runs down American history, explaining how all the wars brought forth great injustice, however Americans believed God was on their side. This is of course a sarcastic message and hits at the hypocrisy of killing in the name of God. Perhaps one of the most thought-provoking parts of the song is the mention of Judas Iscariot, and how his betrayal may have been a part of God's plan to fulfill the prophecy of Jesus Christ. 

15. One Too Many Mornings

• Album: The Times they Are a Changin' (1964)
• Genre: Folk
• Significance: It's a very simplistic song, quite similar to the Times they are a Changin and many other early Dylan folk songs, and yet still so soothing. It's an easy fingerpicking tempo, with Dylan's soothing voice, and entrancing harmonica solos. The song is a reflective song, looking back at a relationship, the passing time, and the nostalgia that comes with letting go of something.   

14. Farewell

• Album: Bootleg Series (1963)
  
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 3:58
• Significance: For some strange reason he decided not to include this original folk song on his album The Times They are a-Changing. The live 1963 recording was later released on the Bootleg Series album. Despite it's raw somewhat unpolished quality it's still a beautiful folk song, the epitome of Dylanesque passion. It's yet another goodbye/heartbreak song which Dylan seems to specialize in during his early folk period. My favorite lines in the song is "It ain't the leavin' thats a-grievin' me, but my true lowe who's bound to stay behind". 

13. He Was a Friend of Mine (Cover)

• Album: Bootleg Series (1961)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 4:01
• Significance: This is such a powerful song for me that always hits home, a beautiful cover of a 1930s folk song (authorship unknown). It's a simple story, about someone who lost his friend and this tragedy makes the narrator sad. The man died on the road, and didn't have much money to begin with. While the narrator is sad at the loss of his friend, he is also sad in realizing that he is very similar to his friend in that he also doesn't have much money and is never been quite satisfied. When I hear this song I just envision two broke hobos trying to survive in the 1930s. It's a beautiful delivery by Bob Dylan, with great vocals and harmonica. 

12. 4th Time Around

• Album: Blonde on Blonde (1966)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 4:32
• Significance: I just love this song, and it's dreamlike romantic quality. Maybe it's the guitar strumming or Dylan's vocals, or the harmonica that does it for me. It's no doubt a love song, however it has a deeper complex narrative at work, pertaining to mind game. While the song is playful at heart, it ultimately hints at the women's manipulative behavior. I especially love the part where Dylan asks for some of her Jamaican Rum, in which she refuses in a strange power dynamic.  

11. Forever Young

• 
  Album: Planet Waves (1974)
  
• Genre: Rock
• Duration: 4:57
• Significance: I love the melody of this song, but also the general message. Dylan sings and belts this one with great heartfelt warm passion. While the song is likely directed at Dylan's son, Jakob, it is a seen as a general celebration of youth. Whether that be from the parents perspective or individual growth. It's a positive frame of mind, that can be applied to anyone who feels down or lonely and seeks hope. I think I first heard this song in a 2009 Pepsi Commercial that merged the old footage of Bob Dylan and the newer footage of Will.I.Am. I was so inspired by the video, the awesome celebration of American culture, and just Dylan's song in general.  

10. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

• Album: The Times They Are a Changin' (1964)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 5:48
• Significance: Here is classic protest song from Dylan, where he is sharing a raw story of racial injustice. It's the epitome of the Dylanesque style, as he strums his guitar and sings in that iconic whiney voice sharing the details of Hattie Carroll. A black maid who was slain by her white boss, William Zantzinger. The true artistry of the song is not only pointing out the injustice of the murder, but more so the injustice of the court ruling, which let Zantinger walk away with just a 6-month sentence. At this point Dylan brilliantly states to the audience, "Now is the time for your tears.". I first fell in love with this song at it's portrayal in the film, I'm Not There. 

9. All I Really Wanna Do

• Album: Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 4:04
• Significance: Similar to It Aint me Babe, Dylan is stating his desire not to be tied down to a woman, but rather just remain as friends. It's a subtle knock at all the difficult complexities and commitments that come with a relationship, and that maybe it is better to just stay free, single, and remain as friends. It's a song about freedom, individuality, yet also welcoming companionship. It's got the overall iconic full Dylaneqsue folk package (raw vocals with some yodeling, acoustic guitar, poetic lyrics, and harmonica). 

8. Like a Rolling Stone

• Album: Highway 61 Revisisted (1965)
• Genre: Rock
• Duration: 6:09
• Significance: This is often ranked as Dylan's greatest song of all time alongside Blowing in the Wind. While it was a very catchy song it also represented his first major hit in his new electric guitar phase. The song is carried by a definitive organ sound, which introduced a new layer of studio quality to Dylan's music (a shift from the raw delivery of acoustic guitar). The song was also unique for it's length of 6 minutes quite different from the usual 3-minute standard for most hit songs. It essentially tells the story of a wealthy noble woman who falls from grace, loses her money, and must now fend for herself. Dylan sarcastly asks her, "How Does it Feel, To Be on Your own, with no direction hom, a complete unknown, like a rolling stone!" While the song no doubt introduced some new elements to Dylan's it also has some of his former folk elements such as that whiney passionate voice and beautiful harmonica solos. 

7. Mr. Tambourine Man

• Album: Bringing it All Back Home (1965)
• Genre: Folk 
• Duration: 5:32
• Significance: One of my favorite Dylan folk songs, with that iconic Dylanesque sound that made him famous to begin with. It's those crying heartfelt vocals directed at the tambourine man that hit home for me every time. It's a call to let go of control, to escape from the sorrow of everyday life, and surrender to the beauty of the music. As Dylan best states "I'm ready to go anywhere, I'm ready for to fade, Into my own parade, cast your dancing spell my way, I promise to go under it". It's a song about freedom and celebrating the power of art and music. 

6. Moonshiner (Cover)

• Album: Bootleg Series (1963)  
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 5:05
• Significance: Another raw beautiful cover song from Dylan released on his Bootleg Series. The origin and author of the song is unknown, but it's first recordings occurred in the late 1930s. What I especially love about this song is the easy tempo and it's long sustained harmonica notes, that sound like an train passing by. I hear the song as a homage to American culture, perhaps the country life living in isolation and solitude. The whiskey is of course the key player in the song, serving as the narrator's escape from reality. It's yet another melancholic but very beautiful Dylan song.

5. It Aint me Babe

• Album: Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 3:33
• Significance: Just another beautiful song of early Dylanesque folk brilliance. It's a rather melancholic song, of a person accepting that he cannot make this woman happy. It's almost defeatist, with lines such as "You Say you're looking for someone who's never weak but always strong". In this song Dylan is boldly stating that he is weak, flawed, and a complex person. He is simply not the perfect ideal man the girl is looking for. It's just a beautiful melody with great passionate vocal delivery from Dylan. 

4. Visions of Johanna

• Album: Blonde on Blonde (1966)
• Genre: Folk Rock
• Duration: 7:30
• Significance: Another one of my all time favorites on so many different levels. It's the lyrics, the organ, the harmonica, the melody, and just Dylan's vocal delivery. As the title suggests Dylan is lost in thoughts and memories of a woman, but it's not quite as simple as it may sound. It appears he is torn by two women, Louise and Johanna; Louise is quite average while Johanna is like a perfect angel. This has a deeper meaning of the gap between what we have and we wish we could have. There's so many great poetic lines in this song, such as "Aint it just like the night to play tricks when you're trying to be so quite",  "Infinity goes up on trial", "Mona Lisa musta had the highway blues, you can tell by the way she smiles". I remember playing this song on repeat during my courier days in 2011-2012. 

3. Boots of Spanish Leather

• 
  Album: The Times they Are a Changing (1964)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 4:40
• Significance: Another iconic early Dylan folk song, that I actually discovered in one of my later Dylan phases. Dylan is once again giving a passionate story about having to depart from a lover and exchanging letters with her. He asks her what he can give her to remember him by, and she requests boots of Spanish leather, as a symbolic gesture that he use these boots to return to her. I just love Dylan's delivery throughout this song, with it's beautiful poetry, and various incantations such as when he accentuates the line, "Barcelona". I think it's yet another melancholic song of heartache, but that ending is so poetic. Where all she wishes is that he would return to her. 

2. Girl from the Northern Country

• Album: The Freewheeling Bob Dylan (1963)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 3:19
• Significance: Just a raw passionate iconic early Dylan masterclass of love and nostalgia. He's just reminiscing of a lost love and his former home, no doubt a reference to rural Minnesota where he grew up in. He's simply lost in reflection of this past love of his, and wonders if she even remembers him at all. Dylan creates a great image of Americana in this song where the "winds hit heavy on the borderline" almost appealing to the northern traveler to remember of his once true love. Just the full beautiful folk package from Dylan here with the poetic lyrics, the reflective singing, the acoustic strumming, and the long sustained harmonica notes. 

1. Don't think Twice, It's All Right

• Album: The Freewheeling Bob Dylan (1963)
• Genre: Folk
• Duration: 3:37
• Significance: This is one of my all-time favorite definitive Dylan folk songs here. It's yet another a farewell break-up song, but rather one of bitter resignation rather than heartache of Boots of Spanish Leather or Girl from the North Country. Aside from it's beautiful vocal delivery and lyrics such as "Goodbye is too good of a word, so I'l just say farewell", I think what especially wins me over on this song is that beautiful guitar picking and sustained harmonica rifts. It's simplistic music at it's finest and I think that is the ultimate appeal and essence of Dylan's genius music. 

   

Favorite Albums 

10. Desire (1976) - 2 songs

9. New Morning (1970)- 2 songs

8. Bootleg Series (1961-1963)- 3 songs

7. Blood on the Tracks (1975) - 3 songs

6. Bringing it all Back Home (1965)- 4 songs

5. Another Side of Bob Dylan (1964)- 4 songs

4. The Times they Are a Changing (1964)- 4 songs

3. Highway 61 Revisited (1965) - 5 songs

2. Blonde on Blonde (1966) - 6 songs

1. The Freewheeling Bob Dylan (1963)- 7 songs