- Avant-garde Butoh dancing in the remote village of Tashiro in Akita Prefecture
- How shochu liquor is distilled from tropical ferns on the Pacific island of Aogashima
- An austere but delicious kaiseki meal in rural Tottori Prefecture composed of local herbs and meats
- Anecdotes relating to Kerr's childhood growing up in Japan and his passion for restoring old houses
- The damage caused by governmental infrastructure and reforestation policies, as well as by tourism
- Plus many other topics!
Kerr's sharp eye for detail and exquisite descriptions of Japanese, arts, architecture and foods will inspire readers who already appreciate his unique look at the "reality" of Japan beyond the romance. His personal involvement and obvious love for his subjects encourage us all to think more carefully about our own traditions and environment, and to challenge ourselves to search for better solutions to preserve what is of value all around us.