Description
"A sharp-tongued spokesman for Japan's environment and traditions" -The New York Times
In Alex Kerr's critically acclaimed Lost Japan and Dogs and Demons, he documented the decline of the traditional landscapes of Japan, his adopted home of many years. Here, in Hidden Japan he makes a journey of rediscovery to find the wonders that still remain.
Originally published in Japanese as a call to preserve disappearing facets of Japan's rich and ancient culture, Hidden Japan records Kerr's travels to various remote and lesser-known places where pockets of traditional culture can still be found. Some are faraway-like Aogashima Island, 200 miles south of Tokyo-while others are easy to reach, such as Mii-dera temple just east of Kyoto. The ten engaging essays in this book describe surprising remnants of Japan's fragile physical and cultural environment, including:
Kerr's sharp eye for detail and exquisite descriptions of Japanese, arts, architecture and foods will inspire readers who already appreciate his unique look at the "reality" of Japan beyond the romance. His personal involvement and obvious love for his subjects encourage us all to think more carefully about our own traditions and environment, and to challenge ourselves to search for better solutions to preserve what is of value all around us.
About the Author
~~~~~~
Reviews
"In spare but elegant prose, Alex Kerr introduces armchair travelers to some of Japan's most precious areas. If you want great insights into contemporary Japan and its treasures, Alex Kerr is the best you can get." --Amy Chavez, author of The Widow, The Priest and The Octopus Hunter
"A sharp-tongued spokesman for Japan's environment and traditions." --The New York Times
"Alex Kerr is on a lifelong quest for beauty." --Issey Miyake
Book Information
ISBN 9784805317518
Author Alex Kerr
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Tuttle Publishing
Publisher Tuttle Publishing
Weight(grams) 312g
In Alex Kerr's critically acclaimed Lost Japan and Dogs and Demons, he documented the decline of the traditional landscapes of Japan, his adopted home of many years. Here, in Hidden Japan he makes a journey of rediscovery to find the wonders that still remain.
Originally published in Japanese as a call to preserve disappearing facets of Japan's rich and ancient culture, Hidden Japan records Kerr's travels to various remote and lesser-known places where pockets of traditional culture can still be found. Some are faraway-like Aogashima Island, 200 miles south of Tokyo-while others are easy to reach, such as Mii-dera temple just east of Kyoto. The ten engaging essays in this book describe surprising remnants of Japan's fragile physical and cultural environment, including:
- Avant-garde Butoh dancing in the remote village of Tashiro in Akita Prefecture
- How shochu liquor is distilled from tropical ferns on the Pacific island of Aogashima
- An austere but delicious kaiseki meal in rural Tottori Prefecture composed of local herbs and meats
- Anecdotes relating to Kerr's childhood growing up in Japan and his passion for restoring old houses
- The damage caused by governmental infrastructure and reforestation policies, as well as by tourism
- Plus many other topics!
Kerr's sharp eye for detail and exquisite descriptions of Japanese, arts, architecture and foods will inspire readers who already appreciate his unique look at the "reality" of Japan beyond the romance. His personal involvement and obvious love for his subjects encourage us all to think more carefully about our own traditions and environment, and to challenge ourselves to search for better solutions to preserve what is of value all around us.
About the Author
~~~~~~
Reviews
"In spare but elegant prose, Alex Kerr introduces armchair travelers to some of Japan's most precious areas. If you want great insights into contemporary Japan and its treasures, Alex Kerr is the best you can get." --Amy Chavez, author of The Widow, The Priest and The Octopus Hunter
"A sharp-tongued spokesman for Japan's environment and traditions." --The New York Times
"Alex Kerr is on a lifelong quest for beauty." --Issey Miyake
Book Information
ISBN 9784805317518
Author Alex Kerr
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Tuttle Publishing
Publisher Tuttle Publishing
Weight(grams) 312g
