Japan Living: form and function at the cutting edge

Natural serenity, unostentatious refinement, clean lines and the balancing of light and space are all hallmarks of Japanese interior design. In the new book from noted authors Marcia Iwatate and Geeta Mehta, Japan Living continues the themes of their highly successful Japan Houses with 30 specially designed houses that transcend function and resonate with spirit.

The houses represented in Japan Living reflect the many changes in the dynamics of the new Japanese society, including an aging population and the desire to remain single; while others embody plenty of creativity, self-expression and individuality. Throughout, a return to traditional materials and design elements is married with such present-day requirements as minimalism, flexibility, a small kitchen, a beautiful bathroom, energy efficiency and electronic gadgetry. Each of these homes is an exquisite representation of the integrity consistently found within Japanese interior design, both in new construction and old.

Marcia Iwatate is well known in the Japanese design and food industry for her work in art direction and interior design. She is the co-author of Japan Houses, Korea Style and the award-winning Shunju. She divides her time between Seoul and Tokyo.

Geeta K. Mehta, Ph.D. is a partner in the firm of Braden and Mehta Architects, and Adjunct Professor of Architecture at Temple University Japan Campus. She is the co-author of several books, including Japan Style and Japan Houses.

Takeshi Nakasa is Japan's foremost commentator and photographer of interiors and architecture. He is a regular contributor to major international design and architectural magazines, and is frequently requested to chair lectures on the design culture of modern Japan. Together with four other photographers from his design studio, Nacßsa & Partners, Inc., set up in 1989, he took the photographs for Japan Houses.