Haikyo: The Modern Ruins of Japan Hardcover – 20 July 2017

Really lovely book and high quality photos. It also arrived early :)

Le livre est juste sublime ! Je collectionne les livres sur l'Urbex, et celui-ci est un de mes préférés ! Ne vous attendez pas à du texte, mais à des photos magnifiques et franchement la sensation de traverser un autre monde, où les humains auraient disparus de la surface de la terre. C'est un très beau cadeau à tous ceux qui adorent les lieux insolites ou abandonnés.

The photos in this book feel like the photographer has a real sensitivity and understanding of the places he documents. It lends a real magical feel to the book. The text gives the reader brief histories of the locations and stories surrounding both the places themselves and the photographer's experience in them. It's easy to imagine being there with him. The book is divided into themes based on functions of the locations such as hospitals, schools and mines and various locations shot within these themes give a real insight into Japanese life of times past. I found it intriguing that many everyday items as well as bizarre ones were left within the spaces when they were abandoned (and have not been pillaged since) and there is endless detail in the images to explore.The book itself is a square format with a heavy weight and solid feel. It has a luxurious cover with heavy paper stock - it feel likes a substantial book!

I am thrilled with the purchase of this book. Shane Thoms' work is exceptional. He certainly has an incredible eye for photography. Absolutely stunning, haunting and beautiful images that keep you staring at every page at length absorbing more and more each time. Each picture transports you to the incredible places presented. The quality of the book is amazing. From the hardcover to the quality feel of the pages. Very proud to have this in my house and it has already been highly commented on by visitors. I highly recommend this to any one with an interest in photography and art. Would make a lovely gift or present.

Haikyo is a collection of haunting pictures beautifully and thoughtfully put together. Shane Thoms does a great job of capturing these derelict places and forgotten worlds. The focus on Japan makes this book even more interesting (as an American who has only visited the very populated areas of the country). Its a wonderful glimpse into another side of modern excess and "progress" left behind. I have been a fan of abandon space photography for a while and had even seen some of Shane's work on blogs and websites, it was nice to get a complete collection of very high quality prints in an overall great book.

I bought this book because of my love for photography and abandoned buildings. Shane Thoms has captured the haunting abandoned buildings beautifully and with lots of talent. You get transported to the locations with his photos and descriptions. It is refreshing to see an abandoned building book that doesn’t rely on over processed HDR photos to convey their story like other books in this genre. I highly recommend this book.