Glimpses of Japan and Formosa

A richly illustrated travel memoir, this work transports listeners to the Japan and Formosa of the early twentieth century. The author moves fluidly between bustling, American‑styled avenues in Sapporo and the quiet, timber‑laden shrines of Nikko, letting the camera’s eye and the writer’s prose paint a layered portrait of a nation in transition. Every image is anchored by a brief, observant commentary that captures the texture of daily life, from street‑carriage vendors to the solemn rituals of mountain pilgrims.

The narrative follows a varied itinerary: meetings with Ainu elders, colorful festivals in Yamada‑Isé, the solemn procession of pilgrims climbing Koya‑san, and the hidden corners of Tokyo’s Yoshiwara quarter. Sacred sites such as the great Buddha of Kamakura and the deer‑filled grounds of Nara are presented alongside humble farm scenes and modern theaters, underscoring the coexistence of ancient tradition and emerging modernity. The tone remains curious and respectful, offering listeners a window into a world where wooden huts sit beside Western‑style streets.

Through personable anecdotes and a keen eye for detail, the book invites listeners to experience the cultural mosaic of Japan and its neighbour, revealing a society where spirituality, commerce, and indigenous heritage intertwine in everyday moments.