This richly illustrated guide is the first comprehensive and accessible introduction to the extraordinary natural history of the Japanese archipelago. It explains how Japan’s geology, geography, climate, seas and currents have forged conditions supporting a diverse range of species—from cranes, bears, eagles and monkeys to plants, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and snakes—many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Engaging and authoritative, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore or learn about Japan’s natural wonders, from the Japanese Macaque—the famous snow monkeys—to the magnificent Steller’s Eagle.
- Features more than 878 colour photographs, illustrations and maps
- Provides a lavishly illustrated introduction to many of Japan’s common and iconic mammals and birds
- Takes readers on a naturalist’s journey to the key areas of Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Nansei Shoto, as well as the Izu, Ogasawara and Iwo islands
- Introduces Japan’s geology, geography, topography, climate, habitats, biodiversity and much more
- Explains where and how to watch and photograph wildlife in Japan, including whales
Mark Brazil is a naturalist, international wildlife expedition leader and natural history author who specializes in Japanese wildlife and lives in Hokkaido, Japan. His books include Guide to the Birds of Japan, The Nature of Japan, Wild Asia and Field Guide to the Birds of East Asia (Princeton).
"[Japan] explores not just the animals of the country’s islands, but also the regions and the best seasons to see them – perfect for armchair travelling."—Penny Sarchet, New Scientist Wild Wild Life
"Gloriously illustrated, deeply informed introduction by naturalist Mark Brazil."—Andrew Robinson, Nature
"No matter what experience on Japan you have there is much to be learnt from this book. It is a wonderful compendium of Japan’s natural history that neatly complements the author’s other writings, and is an essential and enjoyable addition to the documentation of Japan’s wildlife."—Dave Brassington, Birdwatch
"This book is excellent, deeply interesting and a real achievement to condense such a large and complex topic into something so accessible. If, like me you have ever dreamt of going to Japan this book is a great place to start planning an adventure of your own, even if you never get any further than your armchair.
"—David Swales, British Naturalists Association
"For anyone even marginally interested in the wildlife of Japan this work will fill in the gaps in your knowledge, and expand on what you already know - all brought to you by one of Asia's foremost wildlife authorities."—David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds
"Beautifully illustrated . . . a rich introduction to the diverse habitats contained within Japan, and the animals which live there."—Ian Rapley, Asian Review of Books
"Nobody has done more in recent years than Mark Brazil to raise the profile of Japan’s wildlife and this latest book packs in a lot of information . . . . [This book] adds information about the ecology of the country that helps the visitor to make sense of how everything fits together."—Keith Betton, IBIS Book Reviews.
