Discussion with Craig Mod
Craig Mod's Latest Walk Along the Nakasendo Highway
American writer, photographer, designer, and publisher Craig Mod has embarked on another extensive walking journey in Japan, this time along the historic Nakasendo Highway. Compared to his previous walk on the Kumano Kodo, the Nakasendo Highway was more solitary due to fewer people undertaking long, historical walks in Japan.
Preparing for a long walk requires careful consideration of infrastructure, such as whether one will be hiking and camping. For most of the year in Japan, a simple set of layered clothing is enough. Mod, who has been living in Tokyo since 2014, carries a 13" laptop, full-frame camera, Garmin watch for GPS tracking, and an iPhone, allowing him to work from anywhere indefinitely.
Mod's latest book, "Kissa by Kissa", documents a 1000 km walk along the Nakasendo highway in search of old-fashioned coffee shops (kissaten) in Japan. His love for kissaten and the classic kissa snack of "pizza toast" shaped his walk along the highway.
The Nakasendo Highway walk was characterized by a mix of big cities, highways, small towns, and a need to tune the eye to the details of life. Mod values "edges" and defined boundaries in his work, citing the value of having a physical object that allows for moments of pause and reflection.
Kissaten will not fully disappear but will likely transform as some will disappear and others will carry forward the kissa tradition in new ways. Mod discovered that a person can do a lot of walking without getting sick of it, and that the body is more resilient than one might think.
Mod's walking journeys are deeply connected to Japan’s cultural and spiritual history, reflecting a reverence for traditional travel and pilgrimage practices. He has published books about his walking journeys in Japan, such as "Koya Bound: Eight Days on the Kumano Kodo" and "Kissa by Kissa".
Mod finds inspiration in walks, especially in his local area near mountains and the sea south of Tokyo. He started taking long walks in Japan in 2014, inspired by a friend's invitation to walk the Kumano Kodo. Mod has been influenced by traditional Japanese book culture, appreciating the simplicity and rationality of book sizes in Japan.
Mod's latest book, "Kissa by Kissa", provides a fascinating insight into how his love for old-fashioned coffee shops intersects with his walking journeys in Japan. For Mod, a "long walk" can range from a day to years, depending on the distance and duration. The Ise-ji route was described as ideal due to its mix of small towns, farming villages, spirituality, and mountain passes.
In summary, Craig Mod’s walking journeys in Japan are extensive explorations of historic and spiritual routes that illuminate Japan’s disappearing traditional culture, while his creative work is deeply influenced by the contemplative, rooted nature of Japanese pilgrimage and travel traditions.
- Craig Mod's latest book, "Kissa by Kissa", showcases his love for traditional coffee shops (kissaten) in Japan, a tradition that may undergo transformation.
- Mod's walking journeys, such as his recent trek along the Nakasendo Highway, are influenced by Japanese art, craft, and culture.
- The historic Nakasendo Highway, which Mod recently walked, provides a unique blend of big cities, small towns, and details of life, reflecting the lifestyle of Japan.
- Mod's creative work, including books about his walking journeys, is deeply rooted in the spiritual history of travel and pilgrimage in Japan.
- His latest book, "Kissa by Kissa", offers a glimpse into how his passion for kissaten intersects with his walking journeys, illustrating the connection between art, food-and-drink, and travel.
- Mod values the physicality of objects in his work, appreciating the technology that allows him to work from anywhere indefinitely, yet cherishes the traditional books he encounters on his walks.
- Mod's love for exploration extends beyond Japan; his walking journeys have inspired him to write about travel, books, entertainment, and fashion-and-beauty, offering insights into various aspects of culture and lifestyle.
