Japanese Culture

john barr

Oct 6, 20232 min read

Japan Stories

Japan Stories: Three views of Japanese architecture by photographers living and working there.

john barr

Apr 20, 20234 min read

Uji-An Teahouse : Arata Isozaki :1992

The Uji-An teahouse may encapsulate how the architect, Arata Isozaki, wished to be remembered.

john barr

Oct 7, 20228 min read

Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Japan and represents one of the three native architectural styles.

john barr

Sep 8, 20226 min read

Izumo Taisha, Shimane Prefecture

Izumo Taisha is one of the most ancient Shinto Shrines in Japan, and central to Japan's creation myth. But what role does it play today?

john barr

Aug 11, 20227 min read

Horyuji Temple, Nara Prefecture

Horyuji is said to contain the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world, but what does that really mean?

john barr

Mar 1, 20221 min read

20th Century Japan in 20 Buildings

This book tells the story of 20th century Japan through investigation of 20 buildings that reflect the major forces that formed modern Japan

john barr

Mar 31, 20212 min read

National Theatre of Japan : Addendum

The National Theatre of Japan, like the 12th century Shoso-in on which the design is based, is an elegant 'black box' housing treasure.

John Barr

May 21, 20187 min read

Sabi (A Matter of Life and Death)

Sabi is an important concept in Japanese aesthetics that can be difficult to grasp because there is no directly equivalent word in English.