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Japan: An Autobiography II

Brief Description
The author takes the reader into rural Japan in the footsteps of the much-travelled poet Basho (1644-1694). Ranging far beyond the usual tourist traps, he explores easily accessible temples and shrines, delights in Japan’s unique regional cuisine and engages with interesting people.The result is a beautifully... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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In this sequel Peter Shaw continues his entertaining musings in answer to the question why he goes to Japan so often. Both novice and seasoned travellers to Japan will find invaluable insights and information to guide them on their next journey.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The author takes the reader into rural Japan in the footsteps of the much-travelled poet Basho (1644-1694). Ranging far beyond the usual tourist traps, he explores easily accessible temples and shrines, delights in Japan’s unique regional cuisine and engages with interesting people.
The result is a beautifully illustrated and absorbing essay on topics such as the place of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japanese life and unexpected connections between Japanese and Māori culture all from a uniquely New Zealand perspective. It is punctuated with anecdotes, tips, and recipes.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780473758769

Publisher: Six Point Press

Book cover type: Paperback

Genre: Travel, Biography

Language version: ENG- English

Target audience: Adults

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 November 2025

Country: New Zealand

Imprint: Six Point Press

Illustration: colour photographs

DIMENSIONS

Width: 120.0mm

Height: 195.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 156

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.

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