"Yoshio Takanashi's excellent comparative study of Emerson and Zhu Xi, the central philosopher of Neo-Confucianism, illuminates the relationship between American Transcendentalism and Asian philosophical traditions. Emerson's influence in Japan arose from the neo-Confucian attributes of his work, which share much with Zhu Xi's concepts of moral sincerity and self-development. Takanashi cogently explains their shared recognition of the interplay of 'cosmic law and human ethics,' and substantiates the growing appreciation of Emerson as an ethical and social philosopher." - David M. Robinson, Distinguished Professor of American Literature, Oregon State University, USA and author of Emerson and the Conduct of Life and Natural Life: Thoreau's Worldly Transcendentalism   "Emerson has long been known for his assimilation of the Hindu and Confucian traditions of spiritual wisdom. But Yoshio Takanashi offers new insight with this in-depth study of Emerson's affinity with Neo-Confucian Zhu Xi, discovering their kindred readings of the ethical self as well as natural universe across time and culture. It is exciting to see contemporary scholars catching up with writers of the past in tracing such paths across the Pacific." - Phyllis Cole, Past President of Ralph Waldo Emerson Society and Professor of English, Women's Studies, and American Studies, Penn State Brandywine, USA  .