lWhile tourism has become the worlds largest earner of foreign exchange, famed author and Japan expert Alex Kerr argues that Japan has largely missed a great opportunity. Through extensive photographs, Kerr illustrates how poorly planned development has degraded much of Japans natural environment and destroyed many old towns and natural scenery key attractions for tourists.

However, Japan has recently discovered the power of tourism to revive depressed rural communities. This is bringing with it a new-found interest in preserving traditional buildings and protecting the natural environment. Using examples of successful historic renovation and new approaches to managing tourist sites in both rural and urban Japan, Kerr offers an innovative vision for the future of international tourism in Japan.   Moderated by Robert Fish, '93.
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