Whilst contemporary Japan has gained a reputation for hyperactive excess, it is in juxtaposition to an ancient culture of stillness and serenity. This quiet foundation that everyday Japanese life is built upon spoke profoundly to us in our travels - much louder than the cliched game shows and ubiquitous karaoke halls and pachinko parlours - and it is the true soul of Japan that we have tried to capture in these images.

There is an index at the end of the book with locations of each photograph.