- Paperback: 276 pages
- Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 2nd Revised edition edition (1 Feb 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1741795230
- ISBN-13: 978-1741795233
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.7 x 2.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 351,069 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Lost Japan (Travel Literature)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
one of the finest books about Japan written in decades' -- Insight Japan
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Originally written in Japanese, this passionate, vividly personal book draws on the author's experience in Japan over thirty years. Alex Kerr takes us on a backstage tour, as he explores the ritualised world of Kabuki, retraces his initiation into Tokyo's boardrooms during the heady Bubble Years, tells how he stumbled on a hidden valley that became his home...and exposes the environmental and cultural destruction that is the other face of contemporary Japan.
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First Sentence
When I was six, I wanted to live in a castle. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
When I was six, I wanted to live in a castle. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is a journey. It is written in a very personal way and the author shares his insights about Japan. In here you can follow the author as he discovers not only the country itself, but also its people, culture, traditions and history.
Instead of writing the book in a chronological way starting with old history and then describing the development to today's world, the author use his own learning experiences to take you on a journey and share his insights to the reader. You get to know a lot about everything from Kabuki to Art collecting and Calligraphy, from Kyoto to Osaka and about Japan in general and why it is so different. It also makes you think about the development, what is happening in a society and why.
After living one year in Japan myself, I can say that this book teaches you just as much in one read.
If you are curious about anything on Japan - buy it now!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is not a book that will help you understand the Japanese, this is a book that will show you a very small glimpse of Japan, and its transformation over the past 30 or so years. The author had written his view of Japan in such a way that it doesn't feel like he is imposing it, it is almost like he is pushing you to go and find out for yourself create your own opinions and impressions. Alex Kerr is so descriptive that you can easily find yourself in the places he talks about, amongst the people, and the art works. It is a book that shows you the decline of some of Japan's most famous art forms, the lost countryside, the forgotten rituals, and yet it manages to make you fall in love with the Japan of today, it gives you a nudge in the right direction if you do want to find places that still have traces of the "Lost Japan". It's a touching piece of work
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a short yet descriptive look at Japan and how it's culture and countryside has changed over the years. The author is obviously biased in that he lived in Japan and loves the country and laments the loss of those things he held dear, and there is nothing wrong with that. This is a personal account of life in Japan and the way it is changing and is an interesting, informative read. Well worth a read.
Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.
Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Eddie wouldn't like this, Niles would.
As stated in other reviews, this isn't a bad book but its general tone is one of complaining about the decline of Japanese culture, values and... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Dr. A. Sahal
Japan: A Westerner's Narrative
Alex Kerr's book "Lost Japan" is an excellent expose of the workings of the Japanese culture. His insights are excellent, spread over a 20 year as he gains more confidence with... Read more
Published 12 months ago by John John
much more than regular travel guide
If you are travelling to Japan like we did without a lot of prior knowledge about the country and culture this book would enrich your vision. Read more
Published on 20 Mar 2010 by Anastasia Stepashkina
A well informed and interesting perspective on Japan
, Jul 15 2007
This book consists of what were originally 15 separate essays on different aspects of Japan, ranging from Kabuki to Osaka life, to the remote Iya Valley. Read more
This book consists of what were originally 15 separate essays on different aspects of Japan, ranging from Kabuki to Osaka life, to the remote Iya Valley. Read more
Published on 10 Aug 2008 by Oliver
Moving and insightful
This is an out of the ordinary account of Japan written by an out of the ordinary man. Alex Kerr's delicate sensibilities and aesthetic obsession can make him initially difficult... Read more
Published on 30 Dec 2004 by P. Arber
Was it good.....read on
Not a bad book.If you plan to visit japan and want to know about their culture...don't bother with this book. Read more
Published on 19 April 2004 by Aengus Ryan
perfect japan
reading this book is an invalubale insight into japan, filling you with the joy of the culture and the sorrow of it's demise, a wonderful taste of another life. Read more
Published on 16 Oct 2003 by "toukon-"
Percipient and insightful, well written account of Japan
This is a delightful and well written book about the author's experience of, and personal take on, the way Japan has lost its way. Read more
Published on 17 Sep 2001 by john.holden@lineone.net
Very interesting insight into traditional Japanese culture
The author reviews most arts and social practices of Japanese traditional culture and shows us how most are declining. Read more
Published on 10 July 2000
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