Not many people know much about their own traditional culture, and fewer have in-depth knowledge about it. That is why it is shocking and even grateful when a foreigner is so into your culture.

Watanabe Tsuneko, a Japanese artist, has more interest in Korean traditional culture than most Koreans. She studied the culture for years and recently published the book "Enduring Traditional Art and Crafts of Japan and Korea."

Her 240-page book is filled with photos and explanations about the two cultures. The first half contains Korean culture in step with the changes of the seasons. The other half is on Japanese culture, talking about Hakata dolls, kabuki and Japanese traditional plays.

It was in the late 1980s when Watanabe first set her foot on Korean soil with her husband. She was fascinated by Korea's cultural assets in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Insa-dong, Seoul.

Watanabe was also relived to see that tradition still remained here -- even though it was tucked away in deep corners. She decided to write about Korean culture.
During the last two years, Watanabe visited Korea often to study and collect items to include in the book. Korean staffs helped with the collection.

"I am very happy to have made this book through the cooperation between two countries," she said. "The work done by the Korean staff was introduced in one of Japan's major magazines and gained a great reputation."

From traditional food and clothing to musical instruments and "Hahoetal," Korean mask, her collection holds practically every cultural asset in Korea.

She added explanations on the history and origin of each item to help Japanese readers better understand.

"Japanese readers are shocked to realize that Korean metal craft started in 7 B.C. and that Hahoetal was first made in the 12th century –- during the Goryeo dynasty," Watanabe says.

The book contains huge photos and specific details about each cultural asset, including human beings themselves.

Watanabe says that she covered both cultures in the book to help both Koreans and Japanese better understand each others' culture.

"I found out that the cornerstone of Japanese traditional culture was influenced by Korea," says Watanabe. "The Japanese should be thankful for this. Korean traditional culture has left a deep echo in the hearts of the Japanese."