{"title":"Alex Kerr","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the captivating world of Alex Kerr, a distinguished author renowned for his immersive narratives and insightful explorations of Japan and its rich culture. Discover the soul of some of Asia's most intriguing locales through Kerr's eloquent storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnother Bangkok\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAnother Kyoto\u003c\/em\u003e invite you on a journey across vibrant cities, combining the allure of history with the dynamism of modern urban landscapes. These books offer an insider's perspective on the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines these regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those intrigued by the mysteries of Zen and Eastern philosophy, \u003cem\u003eFinding the Heart Sutra\u003c\/em\u003e is an enlightening read. Kerr demystifies classical texts, providing valuable insights into their relevance today. It’s a remarkable journey into the heart of transcendent knowledge that bridges philosophy and psychology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf your passion lies in uncovering the hidden gems of Japan, \u003cem\u003eHidden Japan\u003c\/em\u003e is an invaluable guide. Dive into lesser-known facets of Japanese culture and scenic wonders, far from the usual tourist trails. Similarly, \u003cem\u003eLost Japan\u003c\/em\u003e presents a personal account of the country's lost traditions and their impact on contemporary society, offering a poignant reflection on change and preservation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArt enthusiasts will appreciate \u003cem\u003eLiving in Japan, 45th Ed.\u003c\/em\u003e, a stunning visual compendium that celebrates Japan's distinctive architectural styles and interior designs. It’s an exquisite journey through the artistry of Japanese living spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Alex Kerr's works to enrich your understanding of the magnificence and complexity of Japan and its neighbouring cultures. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a curious mind, Kerr's books promise a wealth of discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"another-kyoto","title":"Another Kyoto","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImmerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and cultural depth of Japan with \u003cem\u003eAnother Kyoto\u003c\/em\u003e, an evocative and definitive exploration of the city’s rich heritage. This meticulously crafted guide is the culmination of Alex Kerr’s fifty years of living in Japan, enriched by insights and stories from a diverse array of individuals he has encountered, including artists, Zen monks, Shinto priests, Japanese literati, and notable expatriate figures such as the legendary art dealer David Kidd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMore than just a traditional travel guide, \u003cem\u003eAnother Kyoto\u003c\/em\u003e delves deep into the heart of Kyoto, shedding light on the intricate philosophies and subtle elegance behind its seemingly simple architecture. Kerr unravels the hidden meanings and cultural significance of everyday items like walls, floors, and sliding doors, offering a fresh perspective on these elements that will forever change the way you perceive them. His narrative turns familiar sights inside-out, allowing readers to gain a profound understanding of Kyoto’s inner workings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders will find themselves walking through Zen gates with a newfound appreciation, seeing them not merely as structures, but as embodiments of centuries of spiritual and aesthetic contemplation. Kerr’s eloquent prose and keen observations transform these ordinary objects and places into keys to understanding the deeper layers of Japanese culture and philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCo-authored with Kathy Arlyn Sokol, \u003cem\u003eAnother Kyoto\u003c\/em\u003e is not just a guidebook; it is a journey into the soul of one of Japan’s most cherished cities. Whether you are a seasoned traveller, a scholar of Japanese culture, or simply a curious reader, this book offers an enriching and enlightening experience that promises to reveal Kyoto in ways you have never imagined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter engaging with Kerr’s profound insights, you will find yourself seeing Kyoto—and perhaps even the world—in a brand new light. Discover the city’s secrets and marvel at its beauty anew with \u003cem\u003eAnother Kyoto\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45693064446188,"sku":"9780141988337","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141988337.jpg?v=1725586041"},{"product_id":"lost-japan","title":"Lost Japan","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLost Japan\u003c\/em\u003e by Alex Kerr is a mesmerising exploration of Japan's rich landscape, culture, history, and the complexities of its future. Originally penned in Japanese, this deeply personal narrative draws on Kerr’s extensive experiences over thirty years, providing an intimate glimpse into many facets of Japanese life that are often hidden from outsiders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book begins with Kerr's vivid portrayal of the ritualised world of Kabuki theatre, inviting readers to witness the intricate performances and traditions that have captivated audiences for generations. Kerr's journey through Japan doesn’t stop there. He retraces his own steps to the bustling boardrooms of Tokyo during the economic \"Bubble Years,\" a time of intense financial speculation and corporate drama.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative takes an evocative turn as Kerr recalls discovering and then making his home in a hidden valley, a place untouched by the rapid modernisation sweeping through Japan. This secluded haven serves as a poignant counterpoint to the environmental and cultural challenges that Japan faces in contemporary times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLost Japan\u003c\/em\u003e is not merely a collection of memories; it is suffused with a deep-seated nostalgia for a Japan that is slowly ebbing away. Through Kerr's eloquent prose, readers gain insight into the beauty and the sorrow of a culture grappling with the price of progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWinner of Japan's 1994 Shincho Gakugei Literature Prize, \u003cem\u003eLost Japan\u003c\/em\u003e stands as both a tribute to a beloved culture and a lament for its ongoing transformation. It is a testament to the delicate balance between preserving the old and embracing the new, a theme that resonates deeply in today's fast-changing world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45693085384940,"sku":"9780141979748","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141979748_8fb4fcb4-56d1-4edb-ab18-77bbf22652e9.jpg?v=1733116003"},{"product_id":"hidden-japan-by-alex-kerr-9784805317518","title":"Hidden Japan","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally published in Japanese as a call to preserve disappearing facets of Japan's rich and ancient culture, \u003cem\u003eHidden Japan\u003c\/em\u003e takes its inspiration from the 1960s classic, \u003cem\u003eHidden Hamlets\u003c\/em\u003e by Shirasu Masako. Like Shirasu, Alex Kerr travels to remote and lesser-known places around Japan where pockets of traditional culture can still be found. Some are faraway—like Aogashima Island, 200 miles south of Tokyo—while others are easy to reach, such as Mii-dera temple just east of Kyoto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ten engaging essays in this book describe surprising remnants of Japan's fragile physical and cultural environment, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAvant-garde Butoh dancing in the remote village of Tashiro in Akita Prefecture\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHow shochu liquor is distilled from tropical ferns on the Pacific island of Aogashima\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAn austere but delicious kaiseki meal in rural Tottori Prefecture composed of local herbs and meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAnecdotes relating to Kerr's childhood growing up in Japan and his passion for restoring old houses\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe damage caused by governmental infrastructure and reforestation policies, as well as by tourism\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePlus many other topics!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKerr's sharp eye for detail and exquisite descriptions of Japanese arts, architecture, and foods will inspire readers who already appreciate his unique look at the \"reality\" of Japan beyond the romance. His personal involvement and obvious love for his subjects encourage us all to think more carefully about our own traditions and environment, and to challenge ourselves to search for better solutions to preserve what is of value all around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A sharp-tongued spokesman for Japan's environment and traditions'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ci\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"David Bateman Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46220447875308,"sku":"9784805317518","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9784805317518.jpg?v=1740633159"},{"product_id":"living-in-japan-45th-ed-by-kathy-arlyn-sokol-9783836588430","title":"Living in Japan. 45th Ed.","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo rich and unique is \u003cstrong\u003etraditional Japanese architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e that it's nearly impossible to improve upon. Yet \u003cstrong\u003econtemporary Japanese designers and architects\u003c\/strong\u003e keep finding fresh approaches to refurbish and take inspiration from the ways of old. Whether it's a pristinely preserved traditional house or a sleek modern apartment, the best Japanese homes share a love of \u003cstrong\u003ecleverly designed spaces and warm materials\u003c\/strong\u003e like wood, brick, and bamboo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a thatched roof farmhouse occupied by a Zen priest to \u003cstrong\u003eTadao Ando\u003c\/strong\u003e's experimental 4x4 House, from \u003cstrong\u003eShigeru Ban\u003c\/strong\u003e's conceptual Shutter House to a beautiful domestic homage to bamboo, this elegant compendium traverses the \u003cstrong\u003emultifaceted landscape of Japanese living today\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnriched by \u003cstrong\u003e170 brand new, unpublished photographs\u003c\/strong\u003e, this edition takes you on a breathtaking journey through the Land of the Rising Sun—complete with a \u003cstrong\u003elist of addresses\u003c\/strong\u003e, should you wish to undertake this journey to Japan's most fascinating inns and homes yourself. \u003cstrong\u003eAn insightful glossary\u003c\/strong\u003e of key terms, such as tatami, shoji, and noren, will also help you come to grips with all elements of Japan's \u003cstrong\u003eunique aesthetic of Eastern minimalism\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46833260626156,"sku":"9783836588430","price":74.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/27872433483553.jpg?v=1758449139"},{"product_id":"finding-the-heart-sutra-by-alex-kerr-9780141994208","title":"Finding the Heart Sutra","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn illuminating — and deeply personal — exploration of the essence of Buddhist thought, from the author of \u003cem\u003eLost Japan\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePowerful, mystical and concise, the Heart Sutra is believed to contain the condensed essence of all Buddhist wisdom. This brief poem on emptiness has exerted immense influence throughout Asia since the seventh century and is woven into the fabric of daily life. Yet even though it rivals the teachings of Laozi and Confucius in importance, this ancient Buddhist scripture remains barely known in the West.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the many years he has spent living in Japan, Alex Kerr has been on a quest after the secrets of the Heart Sutra. Travelling from Japan, Korea, and China, to India, Mongolia, Tibet and Vietnam, this book brings together Buddhist teaching, talks with friends and mentors, and acute cultural insights to probe the universe of thought contained within this short but intense philosophical work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000620761324,"sku":"9780141994208","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14744063482238.jpg?v=1763290043"},{"product_id":"another-bangkok-by-alex-kerr-9780141987170","title":"Another Bangkok","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential book for anyone visiting Bangkok - a wonderful mixture of history and culture - from the author of \u003cem\u003eLost Japan\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of Asia's most extraordinary cities, Bangkok is also one of the most baffling. It is filled with remarkable people and glittering golden palaces and temples, but is also a maze of concrete and twisting overhead utility wires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlex Kerr has spent over thirty years of his life living in Bangkok and is uniquely qualified to write about it. As with his bestselling books on Japan (\u003cem\u003eLost Japan\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAnother Kyoto\u003c\/em\u003e), he revels in the secret, tucked-away corners, the great contemporary artists and the sheer wonder of so many aspects of Thai dance and design. While deploring the loss of much of old Bangkok, he is never merely nostalgic for a past but finds inspiration in Thailand's dynamic modern fusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnother Bangkok\u003c\/em\u003e will delight both those who think they know the city well and those visiting for the first time. Kerr is a uniquely wry and eloquent guide to everything from ceramics to puppetry, from flower patterns to old houses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47072126370028,"sku":"9780141987170","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14673683482238.jpg?v=1765079040"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/alex-kerr.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}