Miyazu crowdfunding — frequently asked questions

What is the book about?

In 1908 Karl Walser travelled to Japan with Bernhard Kellermann and drew in Miyazu on the west coast. His drawings carried no place names. Noriko Matsuda has matched them to real places, Dominique Uldry photographed those places in 2026, and Osamu Okuda, co-editor of the book, contributes the foreword. The book sets the pairs side by side: the drawing of 1908, the photograph of today.

When will it be published?

In spring 2027, the year of Karl Walser’s 150th birthday.

What will it look like?

Flat landscape format, 240 × 190 mm, 480 × 190 mm across a spread. About 160 pages, some 60 illustrations, hardcover with a sewn binding that opens flat. Offset printing, one print run, one paper.

In which language?

Fully in English and Japanese. Captions and short texts appear in both languages beside each image; the longer essays run in two separate language sections. A German edition is not planned.

Where will it be printed?

The place of printing will be decided once the quotes are in.

How does the crowdfunding work?

You make a contribution towards the production of the book — printing, paper, binding and translation. It is not the price of the book. As a thank-you you receive the book and, depending on the tier, further gifts. Foundations, bookshop sales and the publisher’s own contribution cover part of the cost; the contributions of supporters cover the rest.

Why does supporting cost more than the book in a bookshop?

Your contribution helps to pay for producing the book; the book and the other gifts are our thank-you. The book will later also be available in bookshops. The signed supporters’ edition is available only here.

Why not use a crowdfunding platform?

The book is made by the publisher, and the publisher stands behind it: production, gifts, shipping and accounting come from one hand. Platforms usually keep around ten per cent; here that fee does not apply, and your contribution goes into production without any deduction for a platform. Instead of a platform’s safeguard we give a binding commitment: your contribution is not used until the book is passed for press. Should the book not appear, you receive the full amount back.

What tiers are there?

Five. CHF 120 brings the signed book, with signature and ex libris by Osamu Okuda, and your name in the list of supporters. CHF 250 adds a porcelain mug. CHF 500 adds a cliché print, 40 × 30 cm. CHF 1200 brings two copies, one with a dedication, mug, T-shirt and a large print, 70 × 50 cm. CHF 3500 brings your name as benefactor in the book, three copies, mug, T-shirt, two large prints and a conversation with the editors; the first contribution in this tier also receives the two original volumes by Kellermann / Walser, “Ein Spaziergang in Japan” in the 1912 edition and “Sassa yo Yassa” in the third edition of 1920, both designed and illustrated by Karl Walser. All prints show Dominique Uldry’s garden of the Mikami House. In euros the tiers are €130, €270, €530, €1280 and €3700.

Until when can I contribute?

Until 31 January 2027; after that the book goes to press. Those who contribute by 31 October 2026 come first in the list of supporters and receive the low edition numbers of the cliché prints.

Is the contribution tax-deductible?

No. Digiboo Verlag is a publisher, not a charitable organisation; in return for your contribution you receive the book and thank-you gifts.

When is payment due?

In full, with your contribution.

What happens to my money until publication?

Contributions are not used until the book is passed for press. Only then do they go into paper, printing and binding.

Can I withdraw?

Yes. Until the book goes to press you may withdraw your contribution at any time and receive the full amount back. After that the amount is committed and we deliver. In addition, you may withdraw within fourteen days of contributing without giving reasons.

And if the book does not appear at all?

Then your contribution is refunded in full.

How can I pay?

In Swiss francs or euros, depending on the country of delivery, by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), in Switzerland also by TWINT. Your contribution goes directly to the publisher, not through a platform.

What do the mug and T-shirt show?

The porcelain mug carries Karl Walser’s kokyu player, a plate from “Sassa yo Yassa. Japanische Tänze” (1920); the T-shirt his geisha in a kimono with shishi pattern of 1908.

What does the print show?

The garden of the Mikami House in Miyazu, photographed by Dominique Uldry — the same garden Karl Walser drew in 1908. The image is shown on the project page. It is printed in landscape format on fine-art paper with a white margin. Dominique Uldry signs and numbers every print by hand and sends it himself. The print transfers ownership of the object, not reproduction rights.

When do the gifts arrive?

Mug, T-shirt and print are sent once payment has been received, i.e. before the book. The book follows after publication in spring 2027.

What does shipping cost?

Nothing; it is included in the amount. For deliveries to Japan import charges may apply; these are borne by the recipient.

What is the supporters’ page?

A non-public page with an advance selection of images, a workshop report and the schedule. You receive the address in your order confirmation.