5 days ago
Lesley Downer's new book offers a grand panoramic tour of Japan's history
Japan has received far more than its share of natural disasters, most massive earthquakes, volcano eruptions, gigantic tsunamis and ravaging fires
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The Shortest History of Japan
by Lesley Downer
Published by Picador India
xiv+258pages ₹599
A grand panoramic tour
of Japan's history
Shreekant Sambrani
For the rest of the world, Japan conjures up a vision of unique sensual images and experiences: exquisite cherry blossoms, the ever-so delicately flavoured sushi, the highly stylised Noh and kabuki performances, the elaborately coiffed geisha dressed in an ornate kimono, the ethereal 17-syllable haiku, the ritualistic tea ceremony, aesthetic bamboo pavilions with tatami covered floors, extremely courteous, disciplined and equally industrious people worshipping their emperor (though no longer divine) — the list is endless. Even a veteran traveller is mostly unable
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