Hidden Japan destinations still exist - talking with author Alex Kerr about his latest book

Alex Kerr is a living treasure of knowledge about all things Japan- especially Japanese culture, traditional houses, community development, village life and the arts.

In this talk, Alex shares insights about his latest book which features unknown destination gems in Japan which still retain their traditional charms - called HIDDEN JAPAN.

Alex Kerr has published many iconic books about Japan which are both critical AND full of admiration for a country, people and culture he deeply loves. He has been writing about Japan for over 30 years and this is the latest of a series of books among favorites like Lost Japan and Dogs & Demons. See the talk here on YouTube

(Links below Timestamps)

00:00 Welcome back Alex Kerr

00:15 Dogs & Demons Tourism Prediction

02:40 Standing on shoulders of giants

03:00 author Shirasu Masako

04:30 How did you choose only 10?

05:00 How have your books effected people?

07:30 If you love Japan - get mad to protect it

09:30 What does it take to do projects in Japan?

11:11 Zero-dollar tourism

14:30 Osaka Tourism Expo

15:50 Tourism to rebuild community

18:30 Hurdles to start a guest house

22:40 Akita & BUTOH

26:50 Jomon era connection to Butoh

30:30 Grants & Funding for projects

32:30 Village Japan / Lost Japan

34:20 What's REAL about Japan now?

35:00 Stunning trees in Japan

39:00 Appreciating non-famous spots

40:10 Is Japan small?

42:00 Rice paddy designs

43:10 Rewilding of Japan

45:00 Time to bring back Japan's wolf?

46:20 Kitamae trading ship routes

49:19 Thatched village in Fukushima

50:40 Appeal of thatch roof villages for tourism

52:40 Machiko Thatched houses

53:00 Tottori gems: Chizu & Yazu

56:00 Why are thatch roofs covered in metal?

58:00 Mature tourism interested in rural areas

59:30 Issues of Japan Tourism

1:00:00 Where can I go that can benefit from my visit?

https://www.tuttlepublishing.com/japan/hidden-japan-9784805317518

BGM thanks to Casey Bean of the Beanpod podcast - original singer-songwriter living in Ishikawa - please support his music on Bandcamp by naming your price