Contemporary Netsuke is an in-depth study of Japanese netsuke—miniature sculptures that are favorites of collectors and artists. In this unusual and engaging Japanese art book the author traces the historical background of netsuke and goes on to examine its current state, at the same time providing the background knowledge that every collector needs concerning authenticity, workmanship, and materials along with a wealth of information on subject matter, techniques, scholarly interest, and investement. Over 110 signatures and brief biographies of present-day netsuke and okimono carvers are included, and there are close-up studies of 27 leading artists. Contemporary Netsuke also includes nearly 200 illustrations, a photo essay showing the creation of a netsuke, and numerous sketches picturing legendary themes. A comprehensive list of dealers, a bibliography, and a glossary-index complete this authoritative, thorough and lively introduction to one of the oldest and newest of Japan's living arts.

What do you use every day that is small and large, worthless and beyond price? It's easily found in the gutter, yet you may never be able to replace it. You are always losing it but it faithfully protects you; sexy and uptight, it is knitted in to your affections or it may give you nightmares. It has led to conflict, fostered and repressed political and religious change and epitomizes the great aesthetic movements. It's Eurocentric, and is found all over the world. On the Button is an inventive and unusual exploration of the cultural history of the button, illustrated with a multiplicity of buttons in black and white and colour. It tells tales of a huge variety of the button's forms and functions, its sometimes uncompromising glamour, its stronghold in fashion and literature, its place in the visual arts, its association with crime and death, its tender call to nostalgia and the sentimental. There have been works addressed to the button collector and general cultural histories. On the Button links the two, revealing why we are so attracted to buttons, and how they punch way above their weight.

Netsuke, the carved toggles used to fasten a small container to a kimono sash, made from ivory, wood, porcelain, and more, are among the most popular Asian antiques. Over 970 vivid images of netsuke are shown, representing Japanese life, customs, religion, professions, art, history, and legends. The netsukes are organized by subject, allowing readers to rapidly find those that interest them most. The succinct text introduces, defines, and describes the various types of netsukes and helps identify the subjects represented. Additionally, important evaluating tips are provided, along with a bibliography. This book is a must for anyone interested in Oriental art

The Rough Guide to Japan Make the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides. World-renowned 'tell it like it is' travel guide. Get Olympic ready with this practical 'tell it like it is' guidebook to Japan. Featuring extensive listings and maps, this is packed with information to help travellers make the most of their Tokyo 2020 Olympic adventure. Discover Japan with this comprehensive and entertaining travel guide, packed with practical information and honest recommendations by our independent experts. Whether you plan to make the tough but rewarding hike up Mount Fuji, wander through neon-drenched Tokyo or take a tour around the numerous sake breweries, The Rough Guide to Japan will help you discover the best places to explore, eat, drink, shop and sleep along the way. Features of this travel guide to Japan: - Detailed regional coverage: provides practical information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas - Honest and independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our writers will help you make the most from your trip to Japan - Meticulous mapping: practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Osaka, Fukuoka and many more locations without needing to get online - Fabulous full-colour photography: features inspirational colour photography, including the tranquil, moss-covered temples of Kyoto and an abundance of delicious sushi that will leave you salivating. - Time-saving itineraries: carefully planned routes will help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences - Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Naoshima, Yakushima, Hiroshima and Nikko's best sights and top experiences - Travel tips and info: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more - Background information: comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter provides fascinating insights into Japan, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary - Covers: Tokyo (and around); Northern Honshu; Hokkaido; Central Honshu; Kyoto and Nara; Kansai; Western Honshu; Shikoku; Kyushu; Okinawa You may also be interested in: Pocket Rough Guide Tokyo, Rough Guide Tokyo, Rough Guide Phrasebook: Japanese About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.

This in-depth coverage of Japan's attractions, sights, and restaurants takes you to the most rewarding spots-from the cutting-edge modernism of Tokyo, the history and culture of Kyoto, to the heights of Mt. Fuji-and stunning color photography brings the nation to life. The locally based Rough Guides author team introduces the best places to stop and explore, and provides reliable insider tips on topics such as driving the roads, taking walking tours, or visiting local landmarks. You'll find special coverage of history, art, architecture, and literature, and detailed information on the best markets and shopping for each area in this fascinating country. The Rough Guide to Japan also unearths the best restaurants, nightlife, and places to stay, from backpacker hostels to beachfront villas and boutique hotels, and color-coded maps feature every sight and listing. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Japan.

This Japan guidebook is perfect for independent travellers planning a longer trip. It features all of the must-see sights and a wide range of off-the-beaten-track places. It also provides detailed practical information on preparing for a trip and what to do on the ground. And this Japan travel guidebook is printed on paper from responsible sources, and verified to meet the FSC’s strict environmental and social standards. This Japan guidebook covers: Tokyo (and around); Northern Honshu; Hokkaido; Central Honshu; Kyoto and Nara; Kansai; Western Honshu; Shikoku; Kyushu; Okinawa. Inside this Japan travel book, you’ll find: A wide range of sights – Rough Guides experts have hand-picked places for travellers with different needs and desires: off-the-beaten-track adventures, family activities or chilled-out breaks Itinerary examples – created for different time frames or types of trip Practical information – how to get to Japan, all about public transport, food and drink, shopping, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, tips for travellers with disabilities and more Author picks and things not to miss in Japan – Ginkaku-ji Temple and Gardens, Kyoto; Nikko; Mount Fuji; Ryokan; Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park; Roppongi at Night; Naoshima Island; Hiking the Northern Alps; Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa; Kaiyukan Aquarium Insider recommendations – tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money, and find the best local spots When to go to Japan – high season, low season, climate information and festivals Where to go – a clear introduction to Japan with key places and a handy overview Extensive coverage of regions, places and experiences – regional highlights, sights and places for different types of travellers, with experiences matching different needs Places to eat, drink and stay – hand-picked restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels Practical info at each site – hours of operation, websites, transit tips, charges Colour-coded mapping – with keys and legends listing sites categorised as highlights, eating, accommodation, shopping, drinking and nightlife Background information for connoisseurs – history, culture, art, architecture, film, books, religion, diversity Essential Japanese dictionary and glossary of local terms Fully updated post-COVID-19 The guide provides a comprehensive and rich selection of places to see and things to do in Japan, as well as great planning tools. It’s the perfect companion, both ahead of your trip and on the ground.

An American woman, Page Queenan, lives and teaches in Kyoto, Japan. She meets a wealthy Japanese man, Kenji Tanaka, and quickly becomes involved with him, only to be drawn into his world- a world where money is no problem, or is it? Page suspects Kenji is being followed, and her suspicions become reality when he is kidnapped. Some quick thinking and detective work on her part helps to end the kidnapping, but the drama doesnt end there. Page and Kenjis relationship causes his family to question whether Page is only interested in Kenjis money, and if she was possibly involved in the kidnapping. His family gradually comes to realize the seriousness of Kenjis commitment to Page, but Page continues to have doubts that they will ever accept a gaijin as a suitable partner for their only son. They travel to Okinawa, London, and Boston, and their whirlwind romance becomes a strong and passionate union. Flying First class, staying in five star hotels, receiving jewelry from Cartier, and dresses from Chanel, is something Page has never experienced before, but even money cant shield her from what is to come. Page and Kenji are determined to stay together as they deal with an attempted murder, accusations of infidelity, and revenge from an unexpected source, but being accepted in Kenjis world could prove to be Pages most difficult challenge of all.