This book is a unprecedented doorway into the contemporary Japanese creative scene: the staff of the hyper-connected Japanese magazine QUOTATION introduces the creme de la creme of that nation's creative producers from an array of media to the rest of the world. Editor-in-chief Toru Hachiga says it doesn't matter if the person, place or product is famous, just that it's worthy. Examples include JAN, a "creative unit" in the fixed-gear bike and skateboard scene; limArt, a Tokyo shop specializing in used visual books and vintage furniture; and Earthscape, which aims to change society through public sculpture. All entries are listed here by category, and described in short essays in English and Japanese. A must for anyone who's looking for the cutting edge.