We are very pleased to be giving away two copies of Peter Shaw’s book ‘Japan: An Autobiography’, to our GrownUps members.
All you need to do to enter the draw is be a GrownUps member, make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter and fill in your details near the bottom of the page!
About Japan: An Autobiography
A love letter to Japan after numerous visits, New Zealand author Peter Shaw reveals all you might want to know about Japan in this pocket-sized, illustrated gem
Peter Shaw first went to Japan in 1989, staying in Tokyo for only two days. Surprised at how little he knew or understood, he determined to return. Since 2000 he has visited Japan every year, sometimes twice, in search of answers to his questions about the country’s culture: its art, architecture, food, religion, history and people. This book is the result.
Accompanied by many photographs, it conveys his feelings and thoughts about a unique culture which can seem strange to non-Japanese people. Drawing similarities with his own country, Aotearoa New Zealand, this book is written for the enjoyment of all who want to follow in his footsteps.
‘I have never ever had a dull day in Japan. Even when travelling to see a specific castle or temple or shrine there are always other unexpected and unknown things waiting to be discovered. My trips to Japan have been spiritual retreats rather than touristic jaunts. There are many lessons to be learned.’
But why do you go to Japan?
‘I have been attempting to answer this question ever since 1989. Usually the eyes of the questioner glaze over and the subject is quickly dropped. However, as friends, acquaintances and even people I’d never met came to know of the frequency of my visits, I was asked for advice about where to go and what to see. Times have changed; people’s incredulity at my repeated visits has ceased. Nowadays it seems as though everyone wants to go to Japan. This small book is an attempt to provide an answer, in the hope that other New Zealanders may come to an understanding of what Japan has to offer, as I have.’
About the Author
Peter Shaw has been at various times a teacher, journalist, music critic, radio broadcaster, art curator and writer. Born at Taumarunui, he later lived in Tauranga, Thames and Auckland where in 1981 he became METRO’s first Lively Arts writer. Peter taught design history at UNITEC, Auckland and then spent over twenty years as curator of the Fletcher Trust Art Collection.
His History of New Zealand Architecture was first published in 1991 and went into three editions. He has designed exhibitions and written many art and ceramics catalogues as well as books on Waitangi and the architecture of Napier and Hastings.
An accidental tourist to Japan in 1989, his curiosity about the country was awakened and in succeeding years he has made repeated visits, the result of which is this book. Peter Shaw now lives in Pirongia where he intermittently works on a memoir.
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Terms and conditions
- You must be a GrownUps member and receive our newsletter to be eligible to win.
- Competition closes on the 20th November 2024, winners will be notified via email by 21st November 2024.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you correctly enter a New Zealand postal address where the prize can be sent. GrownUps will not take responsibility for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
- Winners are drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
- GrownUps employees and family are not eligible to enter.
- By entering the giveaway, you approve for GrownUps to use your name on social media as winner of the competition.
- One entry per household.
- Prize in non transferrable.
- You must reside in New Zealand – the prize can only be redeemed within New Zealand.
- You must be over 50 years of age to enter, please check your details are correct in your membership dashboard.
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