Japan Style: Architecture + Interiors + Design

by Geeta K. Mehta, Kimie Tada, Noboru Murata (Photographer)

Enter the world of the stylish Japanese house, where every object in sight is a work of art. Japan Style introduces 20 special residences. With more than 200 color photographs, this book showcases the stunning beauty of old homes, and reveals how they are cared for by their owners.
Traditional Japanese homes, with superbly crafted fine wood, great workmanship and seasonal interior arrangements, have an aesthetic of infinite simplicity. Unlike Japanese inns and historical buildings, the houses featured in this book are private property and are not open to public viewing. Japan Style offers a rare glimpse into the intimate world of the everyday Japanese and fascinating insight into the traditional architecture of Japan.

Genres: Architecture, Japan, Design, Nonfiction, Interior Design, Art, Japanese Literature

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2005

Reviews

[Lemony]

Such a beautiful book, with wonderful pictures and explanations of Japanese architecture! I found this book really interesting with its explanations of the origins of each building, and the features with in them.
However I agree with another review that said the end of the book was still interesting but not as engaging. The more modern buildings were gorgeous, but I found there was information about each building. I think I would have preferred fewer buildings with more information on them.

[Sachi Argabright]

A great book for learning more about Japanese architecture and design. The modern era section at the end was interesting, but I didn’t find it as captivating as the rest of the book. A great read, overall!

[Syifa Luthfianingsih]

“One never tires of the opulent view of the outdoors from this house. The mountain scene changes from moment to moment from day to day. Nature also unfolds its magic according to the rhythm of the seasons. A mantle of fresh green covers the hills in spring; the groves thicken their dark green leaves in summer; autumn clothes the forests in fiery colors; and a blanket of snow settles over the hillsides in winter. One wakes up to the sound of birds singing and an occasional entourage of them flying across the sky, veiled in the morning haze. The house silently stands on a hill surrounded by constantly varying cloud forms, as the day gives way to the evening glow. This retreat truly awakens the soul to the taste of true luxury.” (p. 204)

[Beverly Zearley]

I got this book from the library’s Blind Date with a Book program. I would never have picked it, but found some interesting things in it and beautiful photos for sure!! Some of the fancy Japanese houses took 10 years to build in the late 1800’s early 1900’s. I love the way the houses incorporate gardens and nature.

[Osamuyi Okpame]

Mostly about Japanese architecture and minimalist style in interior decor, and partly attributes the manimalist style to the area been prone to earthquake and cultural considerations as possible influence for this.

[Kieran]

I wish it talked more about Japanese architecture in general, rather than just exploring specific houses in depth. Still, this book did exactly what it set out to do - that is, make me wish I lived in Japan.

[stephan wintner]

A few lovely pictures, but no overarching theme nor enlightening analysis. No substance to go with the style. Shrug.

[m00rdil]

zui hơn tưởng tượng ;;)))

[hajin yoo]

wasnt gonna log this but im 5 books behind schedule

[Carrie]

Traditional, elegant design.

[Lauren]

Really great pictures capturing the essence of Japanese design and architecture and interior simplicity.

[darío hereñú]

I am a deeply admirer of japanese arquitecture.
This book reflects that feeling.
With lots of photography in a glossy paper (I love smell books!) seems to be "the perfect book" (at least for me).
A couple of words can describe it: zen priest, shinto, buddhism, Muromachi & Momoyama periods, minimalism, simpleness.
In the Introduction, in the first paragraph, remind us that "housing design took place in Japan during the 14th century.(...) Eliminate the inessential, and seek the beauty in unembellished humble things".
That idea resonated for the next 600 years.
Incredibly, actual ideas about modular grids, prefabrication and standardization had been the raison d'être of japanese building tradition.
The summun of surprises comes with this statements: "The ethos is of co-existence with nature, not control over it" or "the goal is to please rather than impress the visitor" or this zen verse "shiki-soku-ze-ku" which means "all is vanity or "every form in reality is empty".
Too much wisdom for an architectural book.
A glimpse of a millennium culture.

[Mei Visco]

Beautiful pictures that cover the pages and excellent information about the intent beneath the careful avoidance of symmetry and the artful contemplation of the passage of time that makes old Japanese architecture so fascinating.

[Masih]

best

[Susan]

Best book gift EVER! =)

[East West Notes]

Nice focus on use of pottery and other traditional arts.

[Tina Valenzuela]

beautiful photography and style.

[Kast]

a great picture that tell a thousand words .its where i detailed every inch of the soul of what Japanese architecture look like .

[Cloay]

- available in SG NLB 747.2952 (QT)

[Sue]

This may be my favorite decorating/lifestyle book of all time.