Japan: Land of the Rising Sun – Photographs by Wayne Merritt

Now on display in the library: Photographs taken by Lee resident Wayne Merritt on his travels in Japan. From the iconic Mt. Fuji to Buddhist temples and the Seven Deities of Fortune, Mr. Merritt's photographs capture the beauty and mystery of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Mr. Merritt served two tours in Japan, from 1982 to 1995, working as a Japanese linguist for the US Armed Services. He has returned for extended visits many times over the last three decades. Most of the photographs on display were taken during visits in the previous three years.

His favorite place to travel in Japan is the Fuji-goko, the Mt. Fuji Five Lakes region in Yamanashi Prefecture. Just a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, it is renowned for its spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and numerous opportunities to experience the great outdoors of Japan, often referred to as the “soul of Japan.” Between 1982 and 1985, Mr. Merritt climbed the 12,388’ Mt. Fuji approximately 9 times!

Mr. Merritt admires many aspects of Japan and Japanese culture, including the pride that the Japanese take in their nation's land and culture, and the kindness and graciousness that its citizens show to visitors who express interest in learning and experiencing Japan, including an effort to communicate in spoken Japanese. Of course, he also loves the cuisine! 🍱