Japan is a country of museums. A wealth of public galleries and a myriad of private
collections are on display for those who know where to find them. This vibrant and
beautifully illustrated guide introduces readers to a selection of art museums that
highlight the range and variety of Japan’s heritage. Detailed entries guide visitors to
must-see museums and little-known treasure houses around the country. For each
venue, information is given on the span of the collection, the rotation of works and
exhibitions as well as the building itself.
There are also pointers to further galleries and special places to visit nearby.
www.sophierichard.co.uk
Published by the Japan Society
www.japansociety.org.uk
176 pages, full colour, £18.99
The book can be ordered via the Japan Society’s website
February 2014
The author:
Sophie Richard is a freelance art historian and translator. Born in Provence and
educated at the Ecole du Louvre and at the Sorbonne in Paris, she worked in the art
world in New York before moving to London where she is now based. She has
travelled to Japan many times during the last 10 years. Passionate about Japanese
arts and culture, she set to explore the country’s many museums. In the course of
her research she has interviewed museum curators and directors, visiting over 100
venues across the country. Her articles on Japanese museums have appeared in
magazines in America and the United Kingdom. She has lectured for the Japan
Society and the How To Academy in London. The art lover’s guide to Japanese
Museums is her first book.
The book:
The museums of Japan feature rich collections and excellent exhibitions in worldclass galleries. Yet they can be difficult to navigate without first-hand knowledge.
The art lover’s guide to Japanese Museums acts as a personal guide, introducing readers
to some of the most distinctive and inspiring museums in the country. In depth
information is given about each listed venue, including the story behind their
creation.
“As an art historian, I always look for museums to visit when I travel. In doing so in
Japan I realised not only that there is a bewildering amount of places to see but also
that access to accurate information is difficult for non-Japanese. As I discovered
more and more museums I decided to write about them. From magnificent
traditional arts to fascinating artist’s houses and from sleek contemporary buildings
to idiosyncratic galleries, I think museums are the perfect gateway to discover
Japanese culture, both from the past and from today. The art lover’s guide to Japanese
Museums is the first guidebook to be published on the subject in English in over 30
years.”
contact@sophierichard.co.uk