November 15, 1990
These books provide a window on a wonderful aspect of Japan--its domestic culture. While Ueda pinpoints the essence of traditional culture through architecture--in an ably translated version of a best seller (300,000 copies) in Japan--Katoh and Kimura take us inside homes in a feast for the eyes. The diffuse light of Kimura's photos of andon (a traditional lighting fixture) and other objects is true to life. With first-rate photography and honest sociology, these two engrossing views of Japanese life go well together. Librarians may want to purchase both books for cultural collection building; Katoh and Kimura's should be purchased where there is interior design interest. Highly recommended.-- Mike Heines, USAF Rome Air Development Ctr., N.Y.
Copyright 1990 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.