It will likely come as no surprise to my friends and those who follow me that this trip to Japan I am very observant of stone works: paths, walls, and water features. Stone works in Japan, both ancient and modern, are masterful and well crafted. For example, every stone wall I’ve seen, no matter how massive the stones, follow the two over one, and one over two fundamental rock wall principle.

Having recently designed and commissioned our rear garden at home, with its substantial stone works and water feature, I have an interest ranging on the obsessive with things made of stone.