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Living in Japan. 45th Ed.
30
Japanese homes are refuges of tranquility, crafted in a unique domestic aesthetic of Eastern minimalism. Traditional architecture features alongside contemporary dwellings in this collection of homes, with many never-before-seen photographs. Turn to the rising sun and discover the fluid simplicity of these spaces where Zen philosophy breathes.
Hardcover, 6.1 x 8.5 in., 2.41 lb, 480 pages
“The photos alone are enough to keep readers entranced for hours...”
“From a Zen priest’s thatched farmhouse to a bamboo home, this book is loaded with ideas on how to live tomorrow.”
"The sort of interior spaces that wouldn't look out of place in the latest James Bond movie."

Living in Japan. 45th Ed.
30Nippon Nests
Today’s most exceptional Japanese homes
So rich and unique is traditional Japanese architecture that it’s nearly impossible to improve upon. Yet contemporary Japanese designers and architects 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 cleverly designed spaces and warm materials like wood, brick, and bamboo.
From a thatched roof farmhouse occupied by a Zen priest to Tadao Ando’s experimental 4x4 House, from Shigeru Ban’s conceptual Shutter House to a beautiful domestic homage to bamboo, this elegant compendium traverses the multifaceted landscape of Japanese living today.
Enriched by 170 brand new, unpublished photographs, this edition takes you on breathtaking journey through the Land of the Rising Sun—complete with a list of addresses, should you wish to undertake this journey to Japan’s most fascinating inns and homes yourself. An insightful glossary of key terms, such as tatami, shoji, and noren, will also help you come to grips with all elements of Japan’s unique aesthetic of Eastern minimalism.
From a thatched roof farmhouse occupied by a Zen priest to Tadao Ando’s experimental 4x4 House, from Shigeru Ban’s conceptual Shutter House to a beautiful domestic homage to bamboo, this elegant compendium traverses the multifaceted landscape of Japanese living today.
Enriched by 170 brand new, unpublished photographs, this edition takes you on breathtaking journey through the Land of the Rising Sun—complete with a list of addresses, should you wish to undertake this journey to Japan’s most fascinating inns and homes yourself. An insightful glossary of key terms, such as tatami, shoji, and noren, will also help you come to grips with all elements of Japan’s unique aesthetic of Eastern minimalism.
The photographer
Swiss photographer Reto Guntli, based in Zurich, regularly travels the world shooting for international magazines. He has published numerous books and contributed to such TASCHEN publications as Inside Asia, Living in Japan, Living in Bali, and Great Escapes Asia.
The authors
Author, art collector, calligrapher, and restorer of old houses, Alex Kerr has lived in Japan and Thailand since 1964. As a writer, he is known for Lost Japan (1996), Dogs and Demons (2001), and Another Kyoto (2016).
Kathy Arlyn Sokol is a writer, interviewer, and award-winning narrator. Her published works include Rasta Time, based on her exclusive interview with Bob Marley, and Another Kyoto, co-written with Alex Kerr, on the secrets of the ancient city. She presently resides in Udaipur in Rajasthan, India.
The editor
Angelika Taschen studied art history and German literature in Heidelberg, gaining her doctorate in 1986. Working for TASCHEN since 1987, she has published numerous titles on art, architecture, photography, design, travel, and lifestyle.
Living in Japan. 45th Ed.
Hardcover, 15.6 x 21.7 cm, 1.09 kg, 480 pagesISBN 978-3-8365-8843-0
Edition: Multilingual (English, French, German)Download product images here
4.7
Professional
November 5, 2021
I could said, I am a huge fan of your works from long ago. Now, that I can afford money to buy and time to read, my life is more joyful. Thank you very much.Living in Japan
October 27, 2021
Fabulous book! Excellent photos! Bought it for my daughter and son-in-law who just got back from living in Yokohama for two years. I’m sure they’re going to love it (unless I keep it!)A Japonists dream come true
October 27, 2021
With this book Taschen brings even the most hardcore Japan traveller back to the origins of the minimalistic architecture of the country of contrasts.February 20, 2024
I want to send one back , I ordered two by mistakeJanuary 18, 2024
Beautiful book, full of great photosJanuary 11, 2024
Very nice pictures and quality of the book. Very happy with it.