On the Japanese Classics, the book that follows, represents a series of discussions held between Professor Makoto Nemoto of Soka University and myself. They were extremely enjoyable discussions, primarily because, as we talked of our feelings of affection for the various classics of the Japanese literary tradition and examined the qualities that entitle them to be looked upon as such, we were able to discover and appreciate the rare vitality embodied in them, the incalculable richness of the human spirit and its immeasurable power to move one anew. We have dealt with the classics of early Japanese literature, including the Man'yoshu, the Kojiki, the Genji monogatari, and the Konjaku monogatari. These are, we believe, works that remain vitally alive today and that tell us not only what the spirit of the Japanese people was in times past but speak to us of the future as well. - Preface.