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In this lively, tip-to-tail cat compendium, Japanese culture maven Manami Okazaki shares the weird and wonderful realities of Japan's cat shrines, temples, and festivals; interviews toy artisans, fashion designers, and even an architect; and looks at cat-centric social media, manga, and mascots. From ubiquitous manekineko dolls and Doraemon collectibles to Maro, a cos-playing Internet celebrity, every aspect of Japan's ongoing love affair with cats springs to life. 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From cute stationery to illustrations, followed by manga, Hello Kitty, Harajuku, and, ultimately, a pervasive culture of cute that touches every aspect of Japanese life: from the robotics industry to the postal service, architecture to food. As colourful as its subject matter, this book contains numerous interviews with illustrators, graphic artists, fashion designers, scientists, and scholars. It explores the phenomena of Harajuku, Sanrio, and girls' manga, and traces the roots of Kawaii from sociological and anthropological perspectives. It also looks at Kawaii's darker sides as it morphs into gothic and gloomy iterations. Best of all, this book illustrates the cultural movement through hundreds of colourful photographs that capture Kawaii's utter ubiquity: on the streets and inside homes, on lunchboxes and airplanes, in haute couture and street fashion, in cafes, museums, and hotels. 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Readers are introduced to SONY’s iconic dog robot AIBO; to the loyal Akita Hachiko, whose statue is located next to the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing; and to Doge, the Shiba Inu internet sensation. The book looks at how dogs are represented in Japanese traditions, as well as the extraordinary lengths to which they are exalted within pop culture. It includes Edo and Meiji-era woodblock prints, as well as dog-centric work by Pritzker Prizewinning architects and renowned contemporary artists. Interviews with craftspeople, illustrators, and stylists offer a fascinating glimpse into the human-to-animal connection. 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Discover the simplicity and charm of traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls, known for their cylindrical shape and distinctive absence of arms and legs. Originally crafted as children's toys in Japan's Tohoku region, these dolls have evolved into sought-after collector's items, inspiring renowned architects and artists worldwide.  In this visual guide, readers will find:  An overview of the various Kokeshi doll types How kokeshi dolls are crafted, including information on tools and woods used Interviews with leading kokeshi craftspeople worldwide Detailed information on both traditional and modern Kokeshi dolls An exploration of the cultural significance, both historically and in the post-earthquake and tsunami rebuilding efforts of northern Japan in 2011 A guide to visiting Japan's kokeshi regions Tips on purchasing these dolls directly from Japanese artisans or through global stockists   Filled with artist interviews, gorgeous photos and firsthand travel experience, author Manami Okazaki has created a book to be enjoyed by all — from serious collectors to woodcrafters, interior designers, architects, armchair travelers and anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and travel.","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":49738192879889,"sku":"NGR9784805315545","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ VERY_GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50042774520081,"sku":"CIN4805315547VG","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":51062220587281,"sku":"NIN9784805315545","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51503432007953,"sku":"GOR012195475","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53348454531345,"sku":"GOR014865503","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":53650382061841,"sku":"CIN4805315547G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/4805315547.jpg?v=1750904018"},{"product_id":"oishii-book-manami-okazaki-9783791389233","title":"Oishii!","description":"As fascinating and colorful as its subject, this visually striking celebration of Japanese food shows the importance of aesthetics in everything, from haute cuisine to vending machines.  In Japan, where a meal is typically described as a feast for the eyes, food is a matter of national identity and heritage. Oishii! (which means ‘delicious’ in English) explores the aesthetics of the country’s cuisine from a variety of perspectives, including interviews with world-famous chefs, scholars, designers, popular home cooks, patisserie chefs, artists, and more. It looks at Japanese food through the seasons; traces contemporary trends such as bento boxes and kawaii character cafés; takes readers to destinations like the Shin- Yokohama Ramen Museum and the fish roe-themed Mentai Park; and dives into culturally-specific phenomena including plastic display food, manga, and vending machines. Japanese culture expert Manami Okazaki offers a kaleidoscopic investigation of every aspect of the nation’s cuisine, resulting in a book that is both comprehensive and contemporary. 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This book offers an illustrated guide to Japan's rich folk craft traditions and shows why the Mingei philosophy is even more relevant today than it was a century ago. Folk crafts have become associated with the Slow Life movement and the Wabi Sabi philosophy which values simple and imperfect items above the bright and shiny mass-produced objects of our modern culture.  This book introduces 34 fascinating Japanese folk craft traditions—ranging from popular, widely-known ones to many lesser-known crafts that are equally exquisite but rarely seen. The crafts covered here include:    Aizome Hand-dyed Indigo Textiles which use the leaves of the indigo plant to produce a rich, deep-blue color Bizen,  the unique unglazed pottery with an earthy, rustic appearance—and simple, charming designs Chochin Lanterns  made of handmade washi paper stretched over a bamboo frame, found outside restaurants and temples, including the famous example at the entrance to Tokyo's Sensoji Temple Edo Furin Wind Chimes  made of delicate hand-blown glass, one of the iconic symbols—and sounds—of the hot and humid Japanese summers Inuharuko Papier Mache Toy Dogs, adorable pups that have acted as good-luck symbols since the Edo period Maneki Neko Beckoning Cats, one of the most popular folk crafts in Japan, with their right paw raised to bring in money and good luck Tenugui Cloths, dyed using the chusen method to provide delicate color gradations and used as kitchen cloths, for wrapping or to wear as a scarf, as well as for framing since they are so beautiful!   Author Manami Okazaki describes each craft in loving detail and interviews nine talented folk artists specializing in unique crafts like Koginzashi Needlework, Bingata Dyed Fabrics and Warazaiku Rice Straw Crafts.   This beautifully-illustrated book will be treasured by folk art collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. 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