Kevin Short leads two quite distinct lives. In California, he is a husband and father, with a home, a dog and three cars. In Japan -- based in Chiba -- he is a natural history writer and environmental consultant, involved with fieldwork, writing, botanical illustration and lectures, and leading secret nature hikes.

"I spend several months a year with my family, and in fact leave Monday to spend Christmas and New Year's in San Diego," he explained (outdoors naturally) sitting in front of a Starbucks near Tokyo Station. We were meeting to talk about his latest book, "Nature in Tokyo: A Guide to Plants and Animals in and Around Tokyo," which is as wonderful to read as to explore. The only thing that confounds is that it has taken so long for such a title to be made available.

But as he explained, most nature writers concentrate on national park-type nature, whereas he is more interested in observing the wildlife in his own backyard. "To me, an insect is as interesting as a crocodile, and to see crocodiles in their natural habitats you have to go to Africa or Florida. Insects are all around us, and as any Japanese child will tell you, they're fascinating."