Japan: An Autobiography
$45
Peter Shaw first went almost unwillingly to Japan 25 years ago, staying in Tokyo for only two days. Surprised at how little he knew or understood he was however, smitten. In the following years he returned many times searching for answers about the country’s culture; its art, architecture, food, religion, history and people. Accompanied by many of his own photographs this book conveys a New Zealand writer’s feelings and thoughts about a unique culture.
But why do you go to Japan?
‘I have been attempting to answer this question ever since 1989. Usually the eyes of the questioner glaze over and the subject is quickly dropped. However, as friends, acquaintances and even people I’d never met came to know of the frequency of my visits, I was asked for advice about where to go and what to see. Times have changed; people’s incredulity at my repeated visits has ceased. Nowadays it seems as though everyone wants to go to Japan. This small book is an attempt to provide an answer, in the hope that other New Zealanders may come to an understanding of what Japan has to offer, as I have.’
— Peter Shaw
About the Author
Peter Shaw has been at various times a teacher, journalist, music critic, radio broadcaster, art curator and writer. Born at Taumarunui, he later lived in Tauranga, Thames and Auckland where in 1981 he became METRO’s first Lively Arts writer. Peter taught design history at UNITEC, Auckland and then spent over twenty years as curator of the Fletcher Trust Art Collection.
His History of New Zealand Architecture was first published in 1991 and went into three editions. He has designed exhibitions and written many art and ceramics catalogues as well as books on Waitangi and the architecture of Napier and Hastings.
An accidental tourist to Japan in 1989, his curiosity about the country was awakened and in succeeding years he has made repeated visits, the result of which is this book. Peter Shaw now lives in Pirongia where he intermittently works on a memoir.