You could say I’ve been on a Pico Iyer kick as of late. Yes, that is an accurate statement. It helps that Iyer has spent several decades living in Japan, and I’m about to make my first trip, but I also enjoy his writing. This might be my favorite Iyer book about Japan. “A Beginner’s Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations,” is just as it sounds. This is a small book one can read in a matter of hours, but the points and observations he brings up take a lot more time to fully ponder.
This book gives insight to clues.
Things to look for, listen for and a more than superficial understanding of the nuance one might encounter but not understand. I made plenty of notes during the time I has this in my hand. And not just notes for Japan but elsewhere. What I find interesting is that quite a few of my friends have been to Japan, and to hear them talk of it, you would think they have things summed up. But a few pages into this book and you realized they might not have ever broken the surface. I never put grand expectations on myself when I travel to another country. To think I will understand Japan after two weeks, is like saying I would understand Peru, or Albania or China. Impossible. But it’s fun to chip away, one thought at a time. Get it, read it.
Comments 14
First trip to a new country. That too Japan. Photography workshop. Journals, book making, both rural and city environment. Get a room man.
Gonna try sake?
Author
I’ve not had alcohol in roughly four months. Was in so much pain from neck and back it felt like it was making things worse. But, most likely, will have sake and whisky at some point.
Oh I think I’d enjoy this one, never been to Japan (yet) but I have a deep fascination for that culture. You should have a blast getting to learn all about it on your trip!
Author
Should be fun. And lots of pics.
My sister-in-law is Japanese. She says that no matter how long you live there as a foreigner, even generations, you will be treated politely, but never as anyone but someone who doesn’t belong. They have a word for it (I can’t remember), but it means (roughly) outsider. Pre WW2 it was impermeable, but it is starting to change with the younger folks now. It’s a place of real fascination for me, possibly because despite how modern it is, I’ve never been lost so much in my life.
Author
Yes, true from everything I’ve read. Fine with me. I’m an outsider at home too.
外人 gaijin is what you are thinking of. It’s pretty rude if people say that to you. The polite way to say it is Gaigokujin (jin) means person.
Author
I’ll take it…
Thanks for posting these books about Japan! The wife and I are gearing up for our trip there next summer and the more research we can do, the better. Guide books are helpful, but something like this is more meaningful.
Paul
Author
Oh ya..
I’m gonna try this book on your recco. Daydreaming about Japan is a great pastime. It’s a finicky place to visit as it has so many weather zones…. and is tropically hot at times with little respite. My brother will only visit Tokyo in the Winter, but Sapporo in the summer.
I’ve also never been to Hawaii, and apparently it’s considered an “exotic” vacay spot for the Japanese people.
I’m sure you’ve seen plenty, but I think Japan touched Bourdain the most of all places, including Vietnam. There was a video floating around of the most legendary Sushi master in Japan talking about the loss of Bourdain. It just about broke my heart. I’m sure impossible to find now, but speaks of his understanding of the place.
Author
Hawaii is in real trouble. Unsustainable. At a tipping point. No way I will decipher Japan on this trip. We are just along for the ride.
Just finished this book today. Loved it! Never would have found this on my own. Thanks again.
Author
Sure. Glad you enjoyed.