"A Kiss for the Absolute isnt only an important cultural project; it is vivid, ambitious work. . . . A book to remind us about the potential of poetry."---Fiona Sampson, Guardian "A Kiss for the Absolute introduces Shuzo Takiguchis surreal, mythical world to English readers, inviting them into a poetic landscape where Japanese culture and French surrealism meet in a celebration of beauty, desire, and wonder. This collection is more than an introduction to Takiguchis poetry; its an invitation into a cultural and linguistic dialogue that feels deeply mysterious and illuminating."---Georgia McInnes, The Indiependent "Bang and Tanakas skillful, colloquial translations offer English readers a long-overdue introduction to this important poet." * Seminary Co-Op * "The poems in A Kiss for the Absolute . . . are of a distinctly joyous, cheeky surrealism. . . . This splendidly resonating collection. . . . will make you wonder how youve been living all this time, and how you might now carry yourself with more rapture, more mystery, and more attention fit for the dizzying world we inhabit."---Turi Sioson, Only Poems "Meticulously harvested from a cache comprising a ten-year period of intense literary composition from 1927-1937, this edition of thirty-five poems gives needed shape to Takiguchis wide-ranging legacy as an eclectic visionarycritic, translator, poet, artist, collector, curator."---Michael Londra, Asian Review of Books "[ An] exciting new translation of Takiguchis work."---Leanne Ogasawara, 3 Quarks Daily