The Japanese Chart Of Charts By Seiki Shimizu Pdf | LATEST |
The Verdict: The "Roots" of Candlestick Analysis If you are looking for a quick "how-to" guide on candlestick patterns to make a fast profit, this is not the book for you. However, if you are a serious technical analyst who wants to understand the origin and the philosophy behind Japanese candlestick charting, this book is an essential piece of history. Translated by Gregory Nicholson, this book is widely considered the first major authoritative text on candlestick charting introduced to the English-speaking world, predating Steve Nison’s more popular works.
Strengths: Why You Should Read It 1. The "Source Code" of Candlesticks Most modern trading books repackage the same dozen patterns (Doji, Hammer, Engulfing). Shimizu goes deeper. He explains the Japanese names and the agricultural psychology behind the patterns. You aren't just learning a shape; you are learning the "story" the market is telling. For example, he delves into the philosophical difference between a "morning star" and an "evening star" in a way that modern glossaries often skip. 2. Focus on "Sakata's Five Methods" While most traders only know candlesticks, Shimizu introduces the broader context of the Sakata's Five Methods (Three Mountains, Three Rivers, Three Gaps, Three Methods, Three Lines). This provides a structural framework for chart reading that goes beyond single candle patterns, offering a more holistic view of market tops and bottoms. 3. Unique Charting Techniques The book discusses variations of the standard candlestick, such as Renko and Kagi charts. While these are available in modern software, reading Shimizu’s original explanation of how they filter out "noise" provides a fresh perspective on why they exist. 4. Price Gaps (Windows) Shimizu offers one of the most detailed treatises on gaps (referred to as "windows" in Japanese charting) available in literature. He categorizes them with high precision, distinguishing between exhaustion gaps and breakaway gaps in a way that is practical for determining stop-loss placement. Weaknesses: What to Watch Out For 1. Density and Translation Style This is not an "easy read." The translation retains a somewhat formal, slightly stiff tone. It can be dry and academic compared to the flashy, colorful trading books published today. It requires patience and active note-taking. 2. Dated Examples The book relies heavily on Japanese commodity markets (like red beans and rubber) from decades ago. If you are a modern Forex or Crypto trader, you will have to do the mental work of translating these concepts to your specific market. The charts are black and white and can be difficult to read on small screens (a specific drawback for PDF readers on mobile). 3. Not a "System" The book does not give you a complete trading system with entry signals, exit signals, and risk management rules. It is a dictionary and a manual on chart reading, not a trading playbook.
The PDF Experience Searching for the PDF of this book is common because it is a classic, but there are a few things to consider regarding the digital format:
Visual Quality: Because the book relies on distinct chart patterns, the quality of the PDF scan matters immensely. Low-quality scans often blur the critical "shadows" (wicks) of the candles, making the examples hard to decipher. Portability: The book is text-heavy. Reading it on a dedicated e-reader or tablet is fine, but trying to study complex chart formations on a phone screen is not recommended. Searchability: The index in the physical book is useful, but a properly OCRed (Optical Character Recognition) PDF is superior for quickly jumping to specific pattern definitions like "Kicking Pattern" or "Harami." The Japanese Chart Of Charts By Seiki Shimizu Pdf
Comparison: Shimizu vs. Steve Nison This is the most common question traders have.
Steve Nison (Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques): The "popularizer." Easier to read, modern examples, better integration with Western technical indicators. Recommended for beginners. Seiki Shimizu: The "Purist." Harder to read, deeper history, more philosophical. Recommended for intermediate/advanced traders who already know the basics and want to master the nuance.
Final Recommendation "The Japanese Chart of Charts" is a 4 out of 5 stars book for the modern trader. It is not the best book to learn how to trade, but it is arguably the best book to learn how to read charts. If you treat it as a textbook rather than a strategy guide, it is invaluable. Who should download the PDF? The Verdict: The "Roots" of Candlestick Analysis If
Traders who feel they have "plateaued" with standard technical analysis. History buffs interested in the origins of charting. Traders looking to master the nuances of gap analysis (Windows).
Who should skip it?
Beginners looking for a simple strategy to follow. Traders who need colorful, modern charts to stay engaged. Strengths: Why You Should Read It 1
Here’s a useful, balanced review you can use or adapt for "The Japanese Chart of Charts" by Seiki Shimizu (PDF version):
Title: A Classic Foundation for Candlestick Traders – But Know What You’re Getting Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Review: Seiki Shimizu’s The Japanese Chart of Charts is a short, seminal work often cited as one of the original English-language introductions to Japanese candlestick charting. If you’re serious about technical analysis—especially patterns like doji, engulfing, harami, or morning/evening stars—this PDF is worth studying. What’s good:
