Nature, People, Life – 24 Perspectives of the Riches of Life in Ama Town, Oki Islands

My work with this island began time three years ago. Every time I visited the island, I was struck by a curious feeling, as if I were on a distant planet, and yet also dozing off in the sun at my childhood home. On this mysterious island, I came to realise it holds three kinds of richness: nature, people, and everyday life.

We are proud to announce the release of a new book :
“Nature, People, Life – 24 Perspectives of the Riches of Life in Ama Town, Oki Islands.”

What does richness mean to us today?

Inspired by the question, this book features 24 interviews with people connected to Ama Town. Through their perspectives, we reflect on the richness found in nature, in people, and in the everyday.

Over 100 years ago, writer Lafcadio Hearn wrote of Oki:
"A place where one escapes civilization and discovers oneself."
This book invites us to revisit that sentiment, now in a modern context.

This is an anthropological book about a small island in Japan. I’d love to hold a book event in London too, please let me know if you know of any good venues. I’ll be selling individually in the UK and Europe as well, so feel free to contact me if you’re interested. Join us as we expand conversations on "richness" across Japan and beyond.

Title: Nature, People, Livelihoods — 24 Stories of Abundance from Ama Town, Oki Islands
Publisher: Ama Inc.
Book Design: HARKEN Rie Kimoto, Hiroto Oda
Editor: Takahiro Tsunoda
Translation: Heather McDonough, Maia Lee
Format: Modified A5 / approx. 570 pages / Japanese–English bilingual edition