Sado: Japan's Island in Exile

Given the choice, no-one ever went to Sado. For more than a thousand years, this island in the Sea of Japan was a place of exile for the deposed, disgraced or just plain distrusted — ex-emperors, aristocrats, poets, priests and convicted criminals alike. This book rediscovers the exiles’ island, explores the truth about its notorious gold mine, tracks down a vanishing badger cult, and drops in on the home of super-drummer band Kodo. Along the way, it paints a vivid picture of one of Japan’s most intriguing backwaters, now emerging from a long exile of its own."An account of truly literary quality" Japan Times"Nobody has written more lucidly about Sado" Stephen Mansfield, Japan Times“The author knows what to look for and describes it accurately” Donald Richie“observant, perceptive and funny…will become the definitive English guide.” Asahi Evening News"a sharp eye...charming...the author has done his homework." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"affectionate and informative" Japan: The Rough Guide Read more