Viewed any which way, Japan through the eyes of Donald Richie is an interesting and rewarding place to read about. This is the third collection of Richie's essays following "Lateral Views" (1987) and "Partial Views" (1995) and yet another reminder that he is a master of the short essay and a thought-provoking guide to his subject. The spare style and distinctive phrasing grow on the reader and are apt for unveiling and imparting.
The 37 essays span a half century and remarkably the early ones have stood the test of time in a country where, according to Richie's long time friend Edward Seidensticker, analyzing traditions is complicated by the fact that change is itself a tradition.