電子書籍

The Spirit of the Garden: A Photographic Journey Through the Beauty and Philosophy of Japanese Gardens in Central Japan

(著) 山髙佳雄

作品詳細

[About the Book]
—A Photographic Journey Through the Beauty of Japan—
Over the course of fifty years of research and fieldwork on Japanese gardens, the author has traveled in pursuit of beauty and serenity. This book chronicles those journeys through both renowned historical gardens and little-known local treasures quietly cherished by their communities. Each site is introduced with detailed commentary and evocative photographs.
Rocks, moss, water, stone lanterns, steppingstones—these simple elements of nature come together in harmony within a single space, embodying the Japanese sense of beauty. This depth of aesthetic is the essence of the Japanese garden. Drawing on both personal experience and scholarly insight, the author explains the origins, design principles, and points of appreciation of each garden.
Within the silence lives a profound beauty. This book invites readers to savor that world slowly and deeply. Whether you are encountering Japanese gardens for the first time or have a keen interest in landscape architecture and Japanese culture, you will find new discoveries and inspiration here.
Practical information such as locations and access details is also included, making this book a useful travel companion. It is a “journey through reading,” allowing you to explore each garden on the page—and perhaps inspiring you to visit and feel its atmosphere in person someday.

[Editor’s Comment]
Japanese gardens distill the nation’s cultural pursuit of “beauty in harmony with nature.” With detailed explanations and beautiful photographs, this book will captivate anyone interested in Japan’s traditional culture. Since it also includes directions and access information for the featured gardens, visitors to Japan may find it a valuable guidebook to gardens in the Chubu region.

[Biography]
Yoshio Yamataka
Born in 1937, from Inazawa City (born in Nagoya)
1960 Graduated from the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University. After graduation, spent three years engaged in restoration work following the Ise Bay Typhoon disaster.
1963 Became a teacher in the newly established Landscape and Civil Engineering Department at Aichi Prefectural Inazawa High School.
Worked as an instructor there for 30 years, until 1993, teaching in the Landscape and Civil Engineering Department at Inazawa High School.
During that time, also served concurrently as a “Landscape Department Vocational Training Instructor.”
Commissioned by the Aichi Prefectural Board of Education for “school greening tasks.”
From 1993 for three years, taught in the “Comprehensive Landscaping Course” at the Ichinomiya High School Technical Training School Inazawa Campus, guiding younger generations.
In 1998, retired after finishing as Vice Principal of Aichi Prefectural Nishio Jitsugyō High School.
After retirement, continued to guide younger generations as a lecturer at vocational schools related to “landscape.”
Lecturer at the Aichi Prefectural Agriculture and Forestry Corporation’s Plant Center
Lecturer at the Aichi Prefecture Landscape Construction Association
Also served on the Aichi Prefecture Vocational Ability Development Association
As a committee member for the “Landscape Department” skills examinations, among other roles.
Currently acts as advisor to the Chubu Garden Enthusiasts’Association, conducting ongoing research into Japanese gardens, and gives occasional lectures at the Asahi Culture Center.