Be More Japan: The Art of Japanese Living

Description

Whether you're dreaming about your first journey, revisiting the trip of a lifetime or simply in love with all things Japan,Be More Japanwill transport you to this fascinating country. Dive into the thrilling and serene world of Shinto monks, street food vendors, anime characters, Okinawan centenarians, technological innovators, J-Pop megastars, ancient philosophers,onsendwellers and so many more. There are so many ways to fall in love with Japan. It's home to one of the world's most unique cultures: a perfectly balanced celebration of past traditions; the vibrancy of now and the need to look fearlessly into the future. From architecture to martial arts; from ramen to robots;kawaiito Kusama;ikigaitoikebana; towering skyscrapers to shrines -Be More Japanuncovers the art and creativity behind modern Japanese living through its kaleidoscope of contrasting places, people and practices. With beautiful design throughout and with each page alive with facts, history and inspiration,Be More Japaninvites you to absorb a little Japanese wisdom into your daily life. CONTENTS......Page 7 Introduction......Page 11 WELCOME TO JAPAN......Page 12 On the Map......Page 14 Spring......Page 16 Summer......Page 18 Autumn......Page 20 Winter......Page 22 First Encounters......Page 24 History......Page 30 Japan Around the World......Page 34 A VIEW OF JAPAN......Page 40 On the Map......Page 42 Cityscapes......Page 44 Focus on Manhole Covers......Page 48 Rural Japan......Page 50 Mountains......Page 52 Focus on Mount Fuji......Page 54 Island Diversity......Page 56 TIMELESS JAPAN......Page 58 On the Map......Page 60 Shinto......Page 62 Buddhism......Page 66 Focus on Fortunes and Charms......Page 70 Seven Lucky Gods......Page 72 Aesthetics and Design......Page 74 Focus on Ikebana......Page 76 Traditional Homes......Page 78 Gardens......Page 80 Focus on Bonsai......Page 82 Painting......Page 84 Woodblock Prints......Page 86 Ceramics......Page 88 Decorative Crafts......Page 90 Focus on Origami......Page 92 Calligraphy......Page 94 INNOVATIVE JAPAN......Page 96 On the Map......Page 98 Engineering Marvels......Page 100 Gadgets......Page 104 Focus on Robot Evolution......Page 108 Video Games......Page 110 Soundscapes......Page 112 CREATIVE JAPAN......Page 114 On the Map......Page 116 Trends in Architecture......Page 118 Modern Style......Page 120 Contemporary Art......Page 122 Kawaii......Page 124 Fashion......Page 126 Literature......Page 132 Manga and Anime......Page 134 Focus on The Evolution of a Manga Series......Page 138 ENTERTAINING JAPAN......Page 140 On the Map......Page 142 Japanese Theatre......Page 144 Focus on The Kabuki Experience......Page 148 A Geisha’s World......Page 150 Japanese Music......Page 152 Focus on The Ultimate Pop Idols......Page 156 Nightlife......Page 158 Otaku Japan......Page 160 Focus on Otaku Districts......Page 164 Japan on Screen......Page 166 Focus on Japanese Cinema......Page 170 Sports......Page 172 Focus on Martial Arts......Page 176 EDIBLE JAPAN......Page 178 On the Map......Page 180 Sushi and Sashimi......Page 182 Noodles......Page 184 Rice......Page 186 Regional Food......Page 188 Focus on Kaiseki-ryori......Page 190 Snacks......Page 192 Focus on Wagashi......Page 194 Tea......Page 196 Focus on Tea Ceremony......Page 198 Whisky......Page 200 Sake......Page 202 HEALTHY JAPAN......Page 204 On the Map......Page 206 Hot Springs......Page 208 Focus on Enjoying the Onsen......Page 210 Diet, Exercise and Longevity......Page 212 Pilgrimages and Pathways......Page 214 Focus on The Yoshida Trail......Page 216 Japanese Philosophies to Live By......Page 218 Acknowledgments......Page 220