Magazine is a key part in media, a tool for communicating modern culture. The earliest form of publication is Le Journal des Savants in 1665, published by French man Denys de Sallo. Recently, many voices their opinion on e-books replacing print publications, but the texture and three-dimensional presentation of a physical print form is clearly yet to be completely replaced. In this age of information overload, the role of editors has become even more significant. Keita Fukasawa, former editor of renowned Japanese magazines Numero Tokyo and Casa Brutus, has just published the Chinese edition of Books Kinokuniya. He has also engaged with nine elites from Japanese publishing industry, to share their views and experience.

First and foremost is ‘book director’ Yoshitaka Haba, who curates book collections for book stores and school libraries alike. He makes careful arrangement so that each user can easily find what they are looking for, as well as discover new favourites. Brutus deputy editor Yoshio Suzuki challenges the current operation and mode of Japanese publishing. He is extremely responsive and produced the Inoue Takehiko special feature in next to no time; and went on to make magazine sales record. Numero Tokyo Editor-in-Chief Ako Tanaka started her career as a fashion stylist, later dedicated herself to publishing; she is now amongst the best of international magazine editors. Photographer Yasumasa Yonehara and other few are also interviewed in this book, offering valuable thoughts on publishing and media of our time.

Text : Vincent Lau
 | Translation: dilettante
Photo : Chan Kin Wai
Update: 2 Aug 2011

‘BOOK AND MAGAZINE: NINE ELITES IN JAPANESE PUBLISHING’


HKD$122



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