Customer Reviews

Art Space Tokyo: An Intimate Guide to the Tokyo Art World

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This gorgeously illustrated little book takes the reader on a stroll through Tokyo's neighborhoods. Its twenty interviews and half dozen essays successfully mix the voices of artists, gallery owners, journalists, art producers and art lovers.

(Disclaimer: I took part in one of the interviews. By far not my favorite part of the book, but... I am very fond of the rest.)

What really seduced me, however, is how the guide introduces each area with a wealth of tips on where to eat, shop, or what to see on the way to the art spaces. It succeeds not just as valuable insight on how the art world works, but as one of the best guides to date on my favorite city.

Who would I recommend this to? Perhaps not novices to the art world, but to any art professional or lover of Tokyo looking for a different way to roam the city, definitely.

First, I'm not even going into the fact that the book cover is a silkscreen print and much attention has gone into presenting the best of what Japan can offer in its artistry through the quality of the hardcopy. This attention to detail continues into the content, with the selection of typography, the illustration and the fine print that goes on to tell you that you basically have the freedom to reproduce from the book as long as you give acknowledgement. A very personal approach to the readers indeed!

During my last visit to Tokyo, I decided to grab a few hours of free time out of the business trip to visit a museum mentioned in this guide with its recommendation for affordable food- Hara Museum located in Shinagawa. I was pleasantly surprised, not just by the places of interest as mentioned in the book, but also the detailed route so I could maximize my experience when I was there.

As a freelance art practitioner, I can echo the frustration of visiting museums that present a beautiful visage but without a soul. I think the authors here have pointed out those museums that still retain its soul and whilst doing so, put the soul back into publishing.

For one to appreciate this book though, it's best to fit into its target audience profile- art lovers, museum goers, culture/Japan addict, book lover; and those who are keen to wander the beaten track instead of the obvious.

This book will be my reference map for subsequent visits to Tokyo.

An exceptionally crafted book that takes you wandering through Tokyo's contemporary art scene. I'm heading to Tokyo next year and can't wait to drop by the galleries mentioned in person.

Unbelievably well made and interesting. The book contains gorgeous illustrations and fantastic interviews with all of the main players in the Tokyo art scene.

Buy it.

I went to Toyko in April 2010 and left frustrated that I couldn't access the contemporary art scene there. In fall of this year, I am co-leading an art trip back to Tokyo and feel so lucky that I found this book in the interim. Through fascinating interviews and absolutely gorgeous maps, it de-mystifies the contemporary art scene for Westerners.

Thanks to those who wrote it and were interviewed. Any many thanks for putting out the new edition!!!

While I'm an incredibly huge fan of what Chin Music Press is doing as a whole, I can still give this book a five star review as a standalone item. Firstly, from a physical standpoint, this book just feels good to hold. I've been in the print business in one facet or another for the majority of my life, and this book is undoubtedly quality. Being inspired by print in this time of digital domination is no small feat. The visuals of the book are just as stellar - the illustrations command nearly as much attention as the content does and fits in well with the content and character of the book as a whole.

While I've never been in Tokyo, I've spent time in Japan and find all of the maps just as charming without knowing the maps in context. The interviews are the highlight of the entire project: From what I've learned, it seems Japan is in many ways like a U.S.A. in the '60s. There's an entire youthful underground movement in arts and in music. Without getting too subjective and skewing the slant of this review, I'll say it's interesting seeing everyone's point of view in the art movement there. There's plenty to find interest in; there's plenty to be inspired from.

I have to comment on the variety of different venues. As hackneyed as the phrase is, there is something for everyone without too much overlap. While I find the book as a whole to be a bit tedious to read for extended lengths of time (or even more than one "chapter" at a time) as a guidebook, it really isn't intended to be digested that way anyhow. Read a bit, set it aside, pick it back up.

...And I suppose you could even actually use it as a guidebook if you really wanted to.

I'll be honest: I don't know much about the art scene in Tokyo. I bought this book after hearing about it on Kickstarter. The folks working on it seemed earnest and passionate about creating a beautiful book: something lovely to hold in your hand, visually pleasing to look at, and everywhere filled with painstakingly crafted, reader-friendly attention to detail. They've succeeded on every count. From the fine mesh of its cover (who sweats the details on getting fabric like this anymore?) to the easy-on-your-eyes interior design, this book is an example of what print books can do that can't be done digitally. They've also chosen the content -- the mix of maps, essays, interviews, and background material -- in a way that makes the collection great fun to browse through. Like I said: I'm pretty much clueless about the book's topic itself, but I keep cracking it open for the pleasure it provides someone like me who's a fan of great publishing craftsmanship. Nice work fellas!