Customer Reviews

Living in Japan (English, German and French Edition)

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

 

 

This large format book intertwines a narrative about the architectural and aesthetic merits of selected living spaces in Japan, ranging from beach-side dwellings to compact apartments to spacious and serene courtyards. The title could be misconstrued as living/lifestyle in Japan but really it refers to 'living spaces' or modes of housing and integration with architecture. The scope ranges from well renowned architecturally meritorious buildings to precious traditional Kyoto dwellings. The elegant photography captures the serenity, angles, glimpses and innovation of the structures with sensitivity and initial impressions are challenged and augmented by the thoroughly researched commentary. The author's long-time residence in Japan and understanding of its culture underlies the text. I think this book would appeal to the architect, appreciator of spaces and aesthetics. It seems quite reasonable for such a large, hardcover book.

I bought this 'coffee-table' book as a gift for a friend, but when it arrived, we were so impressed with the extensive collection of photographs that I had to purchase a copy to display, re-visit, and share with future house guests. The authors have managed to capture the rare and simple beauty of Japanese architecture and design through history. An impressive tour!

Great photos, a well picked and varied number of interiors and still... I can't rate it at five. It's so slick and gorgeous but I miss some smaller and perhaps more lived-in dwellings. And a little more gardens. But it is definetely worth getting and browsing. A small defect is the habit of re-using objects and motifs in some of the pictures, always annoys me when they do that. Top marks I can only give to the twenty-some-years old Japanese Style, but then you won't get the recent modern interiors.

The book is a pleasure to read through and to look at the wonderful photographs. At the ~ $20+ sales price, it was a very good value. Of course the homes are not typical of the average Japanese home but rather something we all aspire to.

Saw this book in Tokyo and loved the photos of modern Japanese living. Great shots of modern architecture and interior design in Japan. Went back to the hotel and found the book on Amazon for half the price... it was waiting for me when I got back to the states. You can't beat that!

I am a big fan of Alex Kerr and this book did not let me down. It contains a many images that aren't normally seen in most traditional print, and thankfully none of the babbeling of authors that only spend a week in Japan and white about the "true Japan". The last thing I am looking for is another tatami mat or Japanese screen.

I have already begun a home re-modeling plan with some of the ideas in this book. I also got the idea from another one of Kerr's books, and began to collect old Japanese lumber to re-use in my own home.

Thanks Alex!