In these writings, available here in English for the first time, the distinguished Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu reflects on his contemporaries, including John Cage, Olivier Messiaen, and Merce Cunningham; on nature, which has profoundly influenced his composition; on film and painting; on relationships between East and West; on traditional Japanese music; and on his own compositions.

"This fine book...is an excellent introduction to the original and provacative thinking of one of today's most important composers. The translation preserves the color and elegance of his prose." - American Music Teacher