Shizuko Yamamoto Papers
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Creator
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Abstract
The collection consists of materials Shizuko Yamamoto created and gathered throughout her career as a shiatsu practitioner and macrobiotic specialist. Materials include research files, notebooks, conference and workshop packets, photographs, correspondence, recipes, clippings, books, magazines, pamphlets, patient files, audio and video recordings. The collection primarily consists of Yamamoto's books and research files pertaining to shiatsu, macrobiotics, yoga, and alternative, non-Western healing methods. The materials date from 1965 to 2010.
Biographical Note
Shizuko Yamamoto is a well-known shiatsu practitioner and macrobiotic consultant. In her native country of Japan, Yamamoto studied alternative and non-Western healing methods including shiatsu, seitai, yoga, and macrobiotics. After living in Tokyo for 40 years she moved to New York in order to share her knowledge of and promote macrobiotic and shiatsu practices. During her time in the United States, Yamamoto worked as a macrobiotic chef for Gloria Swanson and several macrobiotic restaurants. She provided shiatsu treatments in combination with macrobiotic diet recommendations and guidance to clients suffering from various ailments. Yamamoto is the founder of the International Macrobiotic Shiatsu Society, and served as president of the Macrobiotic Center of New York from 1970 to 1990. She also taught shiatsu and macrobiotic seminars across the United States and Europe. Yamamoto is the author of several books, including Barefoot Shiatsu,The Shiatsu Handbook, andWhole Health Shiatsu.
Arrangement
This collection has been organized into four series: Series I: Research Files; Series II: Books and Magazines; Series III: Correspondence and Photographs; Series IV: Patient Files.
The contents of each series have not been physically arranged by an archivist and the materials are arranged in the order in which they were received from the donor.
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of materials Yamamoto created and gathered throughout her career as a shiatsu practitioner and macrobiotic specialist. The collection primarily consists of Yamamoto's research files, books, and magazines pertaining to shiatsu, macrobiotics, yoga, and alternative, non-Western healing methods. A small portion of the research files contain commercial and non-commercial audiocassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes mostly relating to prominent figures in the macrobiotic and alternative medicine community. To a smaller extent the collection contains correspondence and photographs from friends, family, and clients. The collection also contains patient files documenting Yamamoto's consultations and treatments for patients with various ailments.
Collection materials include research files, notebooks, conference and workshop packets, photographs, correspondence, recipes, clippings, books, magazines, pamphlets, patient files, audio and video recordings. Some of the materials are in Japanese. The materials date from 1965 to 2010.
Subjects
People
Donors
Conditions Governing Access
Series IV: Patient Files contain sensitive data, and researchers should contact fales.library@nyu.edu for more information. The remainder of the collection is open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright (or related rights to publicity and privacy) for materials in this collection, created by Shizuko Yamamoto was not transferred to New York University. Permission to use materials must be secured from the copyright holder. Please contact fales.library@nyu.edu
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date; Shizuko Yamamoto Papers; MSS 235; box number; folder number; Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University.
Location of Materials
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Kezia Snyder in 2009; an additional accession was donated in 2011. The accession numbers associated with these gifts are 2009.235 and 2011.235.
Audiovisual Access Policies and Procedures
Access to some audiovisual materials in this collection is available through digitized access copies. Researchers may view an item's original container, but the media themselves are not available for playback because of preservation concerns. Materials that have already been digitized are noted in the collection's finding aid and can be requested in our reading room.
Audiovisual materials that have not been preserved may not be available to researchers. Materials not yet digitized will need to have access copies made before they can be used. To request an access copy, or if you are unsure if an item has been digitized, please contact Fales Library and Special Collections, special.collections@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596 with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. A staff member will respond to you with further information.
About this Guide
Processing Information
The collection was arranged into series based on the original order of the materials as maintained by Shizuko Yamamoto. Materials were placed in archival folders and boxes. Original folder titles were retained when available. In most cases, where folder titles were missing, the archivist's interpretation is enclosed in square brackets. Some materials were shifted between boxes to correct over- or understuffing, but in all cases the original order of the materials was maintained.
Revisions to this Guide
Repository
Series I: Research Files, 1965-2010, inclusive
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Scope and Contents
Series I: Research Files contains Yamamoto's research materials on shiatsu, macrobiotics, yoga, and alternative, non-Western healing methods. Research files consist of notebooks, conference and workshop packets, printed material, recipes, clippings, audio and video recordings. The audio and video recordings consist of commercial and non-commercial audiocassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes. The content of most of the audiovisual materials pertains to prominent figures within the macrobiotic and alternative medicine community such as Michio Kushi, George and Lima Ohsawa, and Louise Hay. The content of several of the VHS tapes is unknown due to lack of labels. Some of the materials in Series I are in Japanese. Materials date from 1965 to 2010.
Arrangement
The materials are arranged in the order in which they were received from the donor. Paper materials are listed first, followed by audio and video recordings, and two objects are listed at the end.
Research materials, 1999-2000, inclusive
Hawaii trip materials, 1979-1980, inclusive
Japan trip materials, 1980-1993, inclusive
Master courses, 1993
Research materials, undated
Research materials, undated
14th Annual International Macrobiotic Conference, 1998
Research materials, 1988-2000, inclusive
Macrobiotic Shiatsu Seminar Workbook, 2002
The Kushi Foundation - Dietary Recommendations and Recipes, 1992
Research materials, 1999-2007, inclusive
AIDS articles, 1985-1987, inclusive
Research materials, 1986-2003, inclusive
Orando cooking and shiatsu classes, 1994-1999, inclusive
Research materials, 1976-1997, inclusive
Macrobiotic research materials, 1985
Rice research materials, undated
Research materials, 1985-1993, inclusive
The Natural Spa Seminar, 1989-1990, inclusive
Macro Scope newsletters, 1979-1980, inclusive
Research materials, 1966-1992, inclusive
New York City guidebook, undated
Research materials, 1985-2006, inclusive
Research materials, 1971
Research articles and newspaper clippings, 1984-2004, inclusive
Macrobiotics Teachers Conference, 2005
Research materials, 1990-2003, inclusive
Research materials, undated
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia - Membership Directory, 2004-2005, inclusive
Macrobiotic Shiatsu Seminar Workbook, 2002
Research materials, 1986-1988, inclusive
Research materials, 1991-1997, inclusive
Research materials, 1994-1999, inclusive
Research materials, 1997-2006, inclusive
Research materials, 1991-2003, inclusive
Notebooks, 1982; undated
Research materials, 1990-2003, inclusive
Research materials and notebook, 1983
Bahama trip materials, 1992-1993, inclusive
London trip materials, 1992
Palm Springs and Napa Valley trip materials, 1991
Roma, Parma, and Saltburg trip materials, 1993
China trip materials, 1994
Research materials, 1977-2000, inclusive
Newspaper clippings, undated
Macrobiotic articles, 1984-1999, inclusive
Greece trip materials, 1997
Italy trip materials, 1995
Research materials, 1986-2000, inclusive
Research materials, undated
Business cards, undated
Kushi Foundation Physicians' Macrobiotic Studies Program research materials, 1987-1989, inclusive
American Shiatsu Association - Honorary Member Certificate, 1985
American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association - Certified Instructor Certificate, 1992
Research materials, 1990-1993, inclusive
Research materials, 1985-1993, inclusive
Kushi Foundation Summer Conference, 1993
Kripalu Experience program materials, 1987-1988, inclusive
Rice research materials, 1980-1984, inclusive
Research materials, 1974-1992, inclusive
Research materials, 1975-1994, inclusive
Research materials, 1982-2007, inclusive
Michio Kushi articles, 1994-2002, inclusive
Research materials, 1985-1995, inclusive
Getting Whole Grains to 3 conference, 2006
Yamamoto's workshop materials, 1985-2006, inclusive
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia - Certified Instructor Certificates, 2001-2005, inclusive
Research materials, undated
Kushi Foundation articles, newsletters, and promotional material, 1979-2010, inclusive
Energie Kaarten posters, undated
Acupuncture poster, undated
Michio Kushi lecture on microbiotics and intuition, December 15, 1984
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Duration: 96 minutes; Preservation note: Side 2: first minute and fourteen seconds is a snippet from Beethoven's 6th symphony, then continuation of side 1 content continues.
Audio
Michio Kushi lecture and group activity on dietary balance and lifestyle, December 15, 1984
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Duration: 96 minutes; Preservation note: Side 1: at 00:44:43 new, unrelated content begins and lasts until the end of the side.
Audio
Michio Kushi lecture on cooking styles and energy forces, December 16, 1984
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Duration: 64 minutes
Audio
Interview with Lima Ohsawa - audio recording, 1987-04-14
Extent
Lima Ohsawa, Trans. Herman Aihara, April 1987
Language of Materials
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Duration: 41 minutes; Preservation note: Side 1 has poor audio, side 2 is blank.
Audio
Community Health Foundation and Shizuko in London - audio recording, 1988-1989, inclusive
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Dr. Anthony Sattilaro, Recalled by Life - audio recording, 1988-08-12
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Corrective exercises, SH2 - audio recording, 1986-07-08
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George Ohsawa, Fundamental Principles of Yin and Yang - audio recording, 1965
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Self Healing: Creating Your Health, by Louise L. Hay - audio recording, 1986
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Laugh for the Health of It: Laughter Therapy for the Whole Family, Created by Lino and Jane Stanchich - audio recording, undated
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Junsei Yagi Shigin - audio recording, undated
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Macro Myths, Steve Gagne, 1 of 2 - audio recording, 1989-11-17
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Macro Myths, Steve Gagne, 2 of 2 - audio recording, 1989-11-17
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Wisdom of Aging Panel, Kushi Institute Summer Conference - audio recording, 1997
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Singing Lesson, 1 of 3 - audio recording, undated
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Singing Lesson, 2 of 3 - audio recording, undated
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Singing Lesson, 3 of 3 - audio recording, undated
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Voice Lesson - audio recording, undated
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Shizuko, Music - audio recording, undated
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AIDS: A Positive Approach - audio recording, 1983
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Laugh for the Health of It, Lina and Jane Stanchich - audio recording, 2002
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Radio Sotokoto - audio recording, 2006-08
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Barefoot Shiatsu - video recording, 1990
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Barefoot Shiatsu: Macrobiotic Shiatsu Workbook - video recording, 2004
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Michio Kushi's Life Story - video recording, undated
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Unlabelled video recordings, undated
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The Macrobiotic Center of New York - corporate seal embosser, 1985
Magnifying glass, undated
Series II: Books and Magazines, 1968-2008, inclusive
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Scope and Contents
Series II: Books and Magazines contains publications from Yamamoto's library pertaining to shiatsu, macrobiotic living and cooking, yoga, nutrition, acupuncture, and alternative non-Western healing methods. Some of the books are authored by Yamamoto herself, including Barefoot Shiatsu,The Shiatsu Handbook, andWhole Health Shiatsu. Other book authors prominently represented within the series include Edward Esko, Wendy Esko, Louise Hay, Alex Jack, Aveline Kushi, Michio Kushi, Patrick McCarty, George Ohsawa, and Lima Ohsawa. The most common magazine titles within the series are Amberwaves, AOBTA Pulse (American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia), Christina Cooks, Compas, Healthways, Ignoramus, Macrobiotics Today, Macrobiotique, and Vegetarian Times. Some of the books and magazines are in Japanese. Materials date from 1968 to 2008.
Arrangement
The materials are arranged in the order in which they were received from the donor.
Books, 1970-2006, inclusive
Magazines, 1968-2008, inclusive
Series III: Correspondence and Photographs, 1965-2007, inclusive
Abstract
The materials are arranged in the order in which they were received from the donor.
Extent
Scope and Contents
Series III: Correspondence and Photographs contains Yamamoto's personal and professional correspondence with family, friends, and clients. The series also contains personal photographs with a small amount of professional photographs from workshops or events Yamamoto attended. Some of the correspondence is written in Japanese. Materials date from 1965 to 2007.
Correspondence and photographs, 1999-2000, inclusive
Hawaii correspondence and photographs, 1979-1980, inclusive
Japan correspondence and photographs, 1980-1993, inclusive
Correspondence, 1986-2007, inclusive
Photographs, undated
Photographs, 1988
Correspondence and photographs, 1998-2003, inclusive
Correspondence, 2001
Correspondence and photographs, 1982-2004, inclusive
Photographs, 2006
Shizuko Yamamoto birthday party guestbook, 1984-06-01
Correspondence, 1984-1985, inclusive
Correspondence and photographs, 1995-2004, inclusive
Correspondence and photographs, 1980-2003, inclusive
Correspondence regarding donations for The Macrobiotic Center of New York, 1987-1988, inclusive
Correspondence, 1994-1995, inclusive
Correspondence and photographs, 1996
Bahama photographs, 1992
London photographs, 1992
Roma, Parma, and Saltburg correspondence and photographs, 1993
Correspondence and photographs, 1965-2001, inclusive
Negatives, undated
Correspondence and photographs, 1984-2006, inclusive
Naropa Institute correspondence, 1996
Correspondence and photographs, 1993
Correspondence and photographs, 1990-2007, inclusive
Letters of recommendation for Yamamoto, 1997
Correspondence and photographs, 1980
Postage stamp collection, undated
Series IV: Patient Files, 1977-2002, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
Series IV: Patient Files contains the files Yamamoto created for patients she consulted and treated for various ailments. The files consist of index cards with patients' contact information and reason(s) for consultation. The materials contain sensitive data and researchers wishing to view these materials should contact fales.library@nyu.edu for more information. Materials date from 1977 to 2002.
Arrangement
The materials are arranged in the order in which they were received from the donor.
Conditions Governing Access
Series IV. Patient Files contain sensitive data. Please contact fales.library@nyu.edu for more information.
