A photo-book with images of classic Japanese beauty.

All over Japan, on the surface an ultra-modern country, old traditions are still alive and vibrant today, even if it's just a tiny garden squeezed between a house and a busy street. After more than a century of many challenges, it almost seems like a miracle that such islands of beauty still exist. And yet, a short walk almost anywhere in Japan will bring you to little treasures and delights that have their roots deep in age-old traditions.

Anyone who has lived in Japan for a longer period of time will carry some special memories of places and sights in his or her heart. These images here are from my own memories, sights of beauty that seem to be far removed from the hustle and bustle of modernity, which in reality may have been right next to me. Certainly, these photos are idealising and do not document Japanese reality, but like in a dream I allowed reality to be blanked out. At the same time these photos were all taken effortlessly, by just keeping my eyes and mind open and the camera ready. Once your mind gets tuned to noticing the islands of beauty, calm and serenity, they are everywhere to be found.