Tree Man: A Collection of Works by Masamitsu Takiguchi

This large-format book brings together the works of woodcarver Masamitsu Takiguchi (1941-2017), who was based in the Ainu Kotan on the shores of Lake Akan in Hokkaido. Approximately 130 of his works, from his unique world of Japanese sculptures that resonate with the Ainu, including animals such as Blakiston's fish owls and statues of girls conversing with the wind, are presented alongside the landscapes of Akan. A list at the end of the book includes photographs of all 294 works. Photographs were taken by Sapporo photographer Koji Sakai.

His eldest daughter, Yumi Takiguchi, known as the author of "Ainu Who Didn't Wear Traditional Costume" (published by the editorial group SURE), writes about her memories of her father and highlights of his works. Author Hajime Kurokawa has written a critical biography, and Satomi Igarashi, a curator at the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art and an expert on Ainu art, has contributed an explanatory text.

Table of Contents Akan...Living Rooted in the Local Culture Traveler...There Are People Who Arrive Here Kamui...Living Under the Protection of the Gods Prayer...Thoughts with Eyes Closed Family...The Path Remains

Essay...Yumi Takiguchi Wind/Shapes Visible in the Trees/Kamui in North America/About Christ Statues

Biography About Masamitsu Takiguchi...Hajime Kurokawa

Commentary Wind, Light, and Prayer...Satomi Igarashi

Chronology List of Works

Conclusion As the Pride of Akan...Masayuki Onishi (President and CEO of Tsuruga Holdings)