Reading List: 10 Coffee Table Books About Japan
Japan has always had a special place in my heart, especially when it comes to all things art and architecture, as well as discovering new worlds of traditional crafts. This, combined with my love for design has always inspired me to look out for physical products, design objects, and especially books. In an increasingly digital age, there’s something truly special about a well-crafted book that you can hold, flip through, and revisit whenever you want. The best books are more than just collections of beautiful images; they are thoughtfully designed pieces that offer insights into Japan’s culture, traditional craftsmanship, and design. They connect us to the stories and traditions that make Japan so unique. In this post, I’m excited to share with you ten of my favourite coffee table books about Japan.
Handmade in Japan: The Pursuit of Perfection in Traditional Crafts
Author: Irwin Wong
Handmade in Japan explores the meticulous world of Japanese artisans, where tradition meets innovation. Through beautiful photography and intimate stories, readers are introduced to the masterful techniques behind hand-painted kimonos, intricately carved wooden trays, and other timeless crafts. "Handmade in Japan" offers a rare glimpse into the unwavering commitment to perfection that defines these skilled artisans, making it a must-read for those who appreciate the art of handmade craftsmanship.
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The Monocle Book of Japan
Author: Monocle
The Monocle Book of Japan is a culmination of years of reporting across the country that delves into the people, places, and products that define this nation. Just some of the locations included are Daikanyama T-Site, 9h capsule hotel, the Imperial Palace, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Shinkansen (one of my favourite ways to get around Japan). The Monocle Book of Japan is packed with delicately drawn illustrations, practical guides for travellers, and deep dives into Japan’s culture, design, and retail scene.
Views from Japan: A More Meaningful Way to Experience Japan
Author: Ben Richards
After exploring deep into Japan over five years, I decided to create my very own coffee table book. A product of countless hours spent studying Japanese guidebooks, working closely with tourist boards, staying at unique design hotels, and asking local friends where to visit, Views from Japan is packed with expert guides, giving you all the tools to start planning your own trip. If you’re looking to avoid crowded areas and have an authentic trip, this is the book for you.
Japanese Interiors
Author: Mihoko Iida
For a slightly more modern take on Japanese architecture and design, Japanese Interiors by Mihoko Iida is an artfully designed coffee table book about Japan that explores the art and craft of residential interiors. A total of twenty-eight properties are presented throughout the book from the waterfront Peninsula house in Kanto, to Stairway House by Nendo in Minato City, and Lotus House by the renowned Kengo Kuma deep in the mountains of East Japan.
Related post: 7 Design Hotels for Your Next Trip to Kyoto
The Japanese House Since 1945
Author: Naomi Pollock
The Japanese House Since 1945 offers a compelling look into Japan's post-war architectural evolution. The book chronicles nearly eight decades of innovative homes, from experimental designs to iconic structures. Featuring 97 architect-designed houses, it explores the interplay between form, material, and family living, reflecting Japan's social and technological shifts. With clear prose and striking visuals, including photographs and drawings, this book provides both an architectural and cultural journey.
The Japanese Garden
Author: Sophie Walker
Delving into over 800 years of Japan's rich garden tradition, this comprehensive work explores the essence and evolution of Japanese gardens through a series of insightful essays, featuring 100 gardens that range from ancient Shinto shrines to modern Zen designs. In the detailed and visually stunning guide, Walker, a garden designer, provides fresh perspectives on this revered art form, while contributions from leading artists and architects offer personal reflections.
Japan - The Vegetarian Cookbook
Author: Nancy Singleton Hachisu
This collection showcases the exquisite flavours of Japanese cuisine, tailored for those who follow a plant-based diet or seek to reduce meat and fish consumption. Recipes are thoughtfully organised by cooking style – dressed, vinegared, deep-fried, simmered, and more – accompanied by Hachisu’s insights into ingredients and culinary traditions. A must-have for anyone eager to explore the rich, healthy potential of Japanese vegetarian cooking.
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Living in Japan. 40th Ed.
Author: Alex Kerr and Reto Guntli
Rich in tradition yet constantly evolving, Japanese architecture is celebrated in Living in Japan. This edition showcases a diverse range of homes, from ancient thatched farmhouses to contemporary designs like Tadao Ando’s 4x4 House and Shigeru Ban’s Shutter House. With 170 new photographs, the book offers a journey through Japan’s architectural landscape, as well as a detailed glossary and a list of intriguing addresses for those inspired to explore Japan’s unique living spaces firsthand.
Issey Miyake
Author: Kazuko Koike
From his groundbreaking work in the 1960s to his innovative collections up to 2022, Miyake’s fusion of tradition, technology, and function is meticulously explored. This book delves into the texture-driven originality of Miyake’s materials and techniques, including the A Piece of Cloth concept, Body Series, and Pleats Please. Featuring stunning photographs and a comprehensive essay by Koike, this work provides an unparalleled look at Miyake’s creative evolution and enduring impact on fashion.
Yayoi Kusama x Louis Vuitton: Creating Infinity
Author: Jo Ann Furniss
In this Louis Vuitton collaboration title, Yayoi Kusama’s work is featured alongside the iconic fashion collection. The book includes extracts from well known fashion, art and design contributors and explores the collaboration between the artist and Mika Yoshitake, one of the foremost curators of Kusama’s work. Creating Infinity also includes various statements and extended musings from some of the notable contemporary artists, celebrities, and world-famous creative figures.
Discover Japan Like Never Before. Tried & Tested by a Local.
Trusted by thousands of design-conscious, culturally curious and forward-thinking travellers around the world, Views from Japan is a meaningful travel guidebook that gives you all the tools to unlock remote destinations, delve into Japan’s unique cultural traditions and discover lesser-known neighbourhoods, without spending hours trawling the web or following generic itineraries.
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