Ebook297 pages4 hours
How to Live Japanese
By Yutaka Yazawa
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
3/5
(1 rating)
About this ebook
A fascinating exploration of all things Japan, including the country’s history, culture, customs, and cuisine.
Whether it’s perfecting the art of forest-bathing—shinrin-yoku—or celebrating imperfections in kintsugi, Japanesse customs have been thriving for centuries alongside modern practices of well-being.
In How to Live Japanese, Yutaka Yazawa provides the ultimate insider’s guide to the country, full of inspiration and insight to help you experience the very best of Japanese design, cookery, philosophy, and culture. Not only is Tokyo the mother of all metropolises, making it a guiding light for how we can live together amicably in an ever-urbanizing world, but also, with two thirds of the country covered in forest, there is still much respect and celebration of the natural world.
From Miyazaki to mountains, sake to sparking joy, find your Zen, discover the joy of ikigai and make time to learn about the land of the rising sun. You’ll be all the better for some time spent with How to Live Japanese.
===
How to Live Japanese Hardcover – October 11, 2018
by Yutaka Yazawa (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 125 ratings 3.9 on Goodreads 804 ratings
Part of: How to Live. (2 books)
See all formats and editions
From Miyazaki to mountains, sake to sparking joy, find your Zen and make time to learn about how to live Japanese. Whether it’s the cutting edge of film-making, revolutionizing the whisky market or competing with parents on lunchboxes, you’ll be all the better for some time spent with How to Live Japanese.
With nearly 60 per cent of us living in cities, the mega-city of Tokyo, through centuries of raze and rebuild, is surely the guiding light for how we can live together amicably in an ever-urbanising world.
Not only is Japan the mother of all metropolis’ but with two thirds of the country covered in forest, there is still much respect and celebration of the natural world, with people perfectly placed to make the most of the green space around them. From the art of making tea, to going for a hike, or celebrating imperfections, there are ceremonies the Japanese have been honing for centuries that thrive alongside modern traditions and practices of well-being.
From Japanese writer, Yutaka Yazawa, this is the ultimate insider’s guide to the country of Japan, full of inspiration and insight to help you experience the very best of Japanese design, cookery, philosophy, and culture. So get outdoors, be gracious to your neighbour and start harmonizing your all too busy life.
From the How To Live... series of insightful guides to some of the most intriguing cultures and locations on the planet, other books available include How To Live Icelandic, How To Live Korean and How to Live Nort
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PublisherOpen Road Integrated Media
Release dateOct 11, 2018
ISBN9781781318478
Read now
PublisherOpen Road Integrated Media
Release dateOct 11, 2018
ISBN9781781318478
Read now
===
From the Publisher
How to Live Japanese
Areas Of Japan
Tokyo is an overwhelming place, even for the Japanese. The city itself – officially known as Tokyo Metropolis – contains over 13 million people. The commuter region immediately around it is home to almost 44 million. In the era of megacities, Tokyo is the biggest of all. When I come home to Tokyo from overseas, what always strikes me is that nearly all the people are Japanese.
What Makes The Japanese
One of the more striking features of Japanese society in what is called the early classical period between the 6th and 8th centuries is the ease with which a female ruler was accepted. In fact, during the 7th and 8th centuries, immediately prior to and following the coup of 645, Japan saw six empresses on the throne, reigning for more than 80 years in total. Even in the early historical era, Japan was known to have female rulers.
Culture, Art And Style
The birth of popular literature began towards the end of the Edo period. Hundreds of publishing houses competed for readers by engaging popular writers to create love stories, historical novels, comic stories, and so on. They all catered to popular tastes. However, with the Meiji Reformation in the mid-19th century, literature became somewhat highbrow. This arguably started with Natsume Sōseki .
At The Table
Tea is arguably China’s greatest gift to the world. The Chinese are quick to remind us about all the other things they have, and are supposed to have, invented – but while the jury may still be out on, say, the benefits of gunpowder, tea is universally liked. It was first introduced to Japan around the 9th century at the height of the glorious Tang dynasty, one of those many periods when all of Asia looked to China as the font of civilisation and culture.
Life Outside
If horse racing is the sport of British kings, then Japan’s royal sport must surely be hiking. Kunimi , literally meaning ‘looking at the kingdom’, was a tradition in ancient Japan. On certain auspicious days, rulers went to the highest points of their domains to look over the lands they ruled by way of giving blessings for good harvests, and so on. Naruhito, the Crown Prince of Japan who at the time of writing is due to become emperor on 1 May 2019, has taken kunimi to new heights.
Life Inside
Like any other variation of chess worldwide, Japan’s shōgi is believed to go all the way back to India’s ancient game of chaturanga. That game became xiangqi in China and janggi in Korea. It is not clear when these variations of chess arrived in Japan, but it is believed to have been around the same time as the game go. The chess-type games would have differed in complexity, as any form of chess involves complicated rules with different types of playing pieces.
Family Life And Life's Milestones
Compared to East Asian countries like China and Korea, Japan was not fanatical about education in the past. In China (and in Korea, in a similar way), Confucius’ teachings and the imperial examinations based on them have been the enshrined tradition for millennia. Power, fame and fortune were available to those who studied and memorised the philosopher’s Analects and other classical works. In Japan, a semi-literate meathead could become a feudal lord by scoring a lucky kill on the battlefield.
Holidays And Celebrations
In old Japanese, December was called shiwasu meaning that the masters (shi) were running about (su) being busy. Today December is also a busy month. The business world tries to get as much done as possible before the year-end, as little is achieved with the New Year holiday mood in January, and then you are only the short month of February away from the end of the fiscal year in March. December is not a good month for business trips to Japan.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Having spent university and early career years in London, Yutaka Yazawa decided to return to his childhood home of Tokyo. After a long career travelling in law, he decided to make the switch to writer. This will be his first book.
Product details
Publisher : White Lion Publishing (October 11, 2018)
Language : English
Hardcover : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 1781317615
ISBN-13 : 978-1781317617
Item Weight : 1.56 pounds
Dimensions : 7 x 0.88 x 9.38 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #1,750,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#2,360 in General Travel Reference
#2,393 in Japanese History (Books)
#2,437 in Human Geography (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 125 ratings
Kat
5.0 out of 5 stars Very pretty book, great sellerReviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
The book itself is really so so pretty, what a treat, very happy I found it. The seller was fast, the packaging was 100% perfect, will definitely buy from them again, very pleasant shopping experience!
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
R. Dodson
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, compelling, insightful glimpse into Japanese culture.Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. It's very readable, great photographs, but most importantly provides a very thoughtful and insightful glimpse into the Japanese way of life. It gives the reader an opportunity to better understand Japan, but also think about practices in one's own culture. Highly recommend this enjoyable, informative, and thought provoking read.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Harvee L.
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Background Info on Japan for TravelersReviewed in the United States on January 8, 2024
Detailed and very readable book with sections covering the history, geography and topography of Japan, as well as the religions, cuisine, cultural traditions, famous landmarks and more.
This book would be good background reading for anyone traveling to Japan, to help make the land, the people, and the customs easily understandable. Religious celebrations, festivals, holidays, are all included in easy to understand and fluid prose.
Outstanding to me were descriptions of Mt. Fuji and its importance, mountain walking and trekking that are popular for so many, onsens and hot spring resorts, the unique preparation of food as in sushi and more, the geisha tradition and history, pottery making in the Kyoto region and elsewhere, other arts and crafts, farming and fishing occupations, religious festivals and celebrations.
Those already familiar with Japan will recognize many of the sections' information, and see these from the author's, a Japanese American's point of view, I enjoyed reading about what was new to me and what I was somewhat familiar with.
HelpfulReport
Literary Redhead
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Intro to Japanese LifestyleReviewed in the United States on September 28, 2018
“How to Live Japanese” is a fabulous introduction to the Japanese lifestyle by writer Yutaka Yazawa, who has penned the ultimate insider’s guide. Replete with inspiration and insight into the very best of Japanese culture, design, cookery, and philosophy. Whether its making tea, going for a hike, celebrating imperfections, cutting- edge film-making, or revolutionizing the whisky market, “How to Live Japanese” reveals the heart and soul of a great culture. Highly recommended for the info-rich text and beautiful photos and design. 5/5
Pub Date 27 Sep 2018
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#HowToLiveJapanese #NetGalley
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Lindoula
3.0 out of 5 stars Nice coffee table book of factoids about JapanReviewed in the United States on November 4, 2018
This is a beautiful book but not really my cup of tea. It contains beautiful artwork and a lot of factoids about Japan, but the author never goes into detail about anything. For that reason, I think it would be a great coffee table or gift book for someone who's interested in learning more about Japan. I don't think the title really reflects the content of the book - it's not really about how to "live Japanese" in any sense of the phrase - but it is a nice volume.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews
5.0 out of 5 stars For those interested in JapanReviewed in the United States on September 27, 2018
What the author of this book has managed to do in just over 200 pages is amazing! This short volume is an excellent resource on Japanese life, culture, geography, history and customs. The author lived abroad for many years before returning to Japan. He openly acknowledges those areas where he has his own opinions, thereby engaging the reader.
In addition to the informative text, the photographs and illustrations are appealing and often beautiful. Highly recommended for those who want to visit Japan, have visited Japan or want to learn more about the country.
HelpfulReport
Leyla
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book full of interesting informationReviewed in the United States on October 22, 2018
What a lovely and well presented book this is, so full of wonderful photos, information on all components of Japanese life. Yutaka writes very well, with lots of information that is easy to read and extremely interesting.
I would really recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Japan, or who wishes to travel to the country. The book it is such a wealth of culture, history, everyday life and information, and it is very difficult to put down.
HelpfulReport
Chris M
1.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book ruined by misprintReviewed in the United States on April 14, 2019
Verified Purchase
The spine of the book has a bad misprint. Really ruins its.
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Raquel Sousa
5.0 out of 5 stars Um livro lindoReviewed in Spain on August 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
Muito bonito. O seu formato, a forma como está organizado, as imagens que ilustram o conteúdo. Ficamos com muita vontade de ler mais e mais sobre o Japão.
Report
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Ciccio
5.0 out of 5 stars PerfettoReviewed in Italy on October 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
Arrivato in 24h e letto in ancora meno tempo!
Consigliato a chi, come me è appassionato di Giappone e la sua cultura!
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H B
5.0 out of 5 stars Genau wie beschriebenReviewed in Germany on July 21, 2020
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Genau wie beschrieben schnelle Lieferung
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L A
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2018
Verified Purchase
I love learning about different cultures and love Japan, so I thought I'd give this book a whirl.
Yazawa did an excellent job introducing Japanese customs and cultural heritage. It's a great first look at many of the beautiful intricacies of Japan and its people. Whether you're curious about Japan or consider yourself a shinnichi, I highly recommend it!
5 people found this helpfulReport
蒲田 俊
5.0 out of 5 stars A Highly Pleasurable ReadReviewed in Japan on October 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
The book is a real treat.
It follows a long yet rare tradition of Japanese scholars exposit Japanese culture in the English language, such as Nitobe’s “Bushido”, Okakura’s “The Book of Tea”, or Uchimura’s “Representative Men of Japan”.
150 years after the opening-up of the country, Japan today still remains largely a mystery, with its characteristic amalgam of millennia-old traditions, Ig Nobel-worthy technologies, and oft-pervert cosplay cultures. The book is “an attempt to explain these paradoxes, …to give you a sense of Japan in ’3-D’, as it were.” (p.4) The author succeeds in his attempt. With his prodigious knowledge of both the Orient and Occident under his belt, he covers (or uncovers) a wide variety of topics. You do not get bored with the selection. After a page about Cool Biz, you meet Ninja the next. With so many snippets of insight about Japanese culture, history, people’s ethos, after a read, one becomes confident to say something intelligent & sensible about just about any topic about Japan. My favorite chapters are about “Harajuku girls” (p.88), “Hiking” (p.131), and “February: Valentine’s Day (or how a chocolate company orchestrated a cultural coup)” (p.207).
The book goes beyond a mere collection of facts and stories. It’s sprinkled with delightful aphorisms across the pages. Here are some examples:
“I like the kimono…They are loose-fitting and do not presume that everyone has a narrow waist in the way designer-label clothes do.” (p.87)
“Nothing, it seems, makes for better alcohol than holy thoughts.” (p.110, referring to the historical fact that priests in temples made high quality sake)
“As the saying goes, ‘You do not go to mountains to be enlightened. Rather, you go to mountains because you are enlightened.’” (p.131)
“If horse racing is the sport of British kings, then Japan’s royal sport must surely be hiking.” (p.131)
“Love may be timeless and universal, but courtship follows fashion.” (p.180)
The pictures are also highly admirable to look at. An Instagram in paper form.
In short, this book catches the zeitgeist of today’s Japan as well as of eons past; and satisfies curiosities of both cursory passersby as well as those self-professed Japan aficionados. Highly recommended. I personally hope to see future installments of its ‘second revised edition’, ‘third’, ‘fourth’, etc., down the line.
Read less
10 people found this helpfulReport
From the Publisher
How to Live Japanese
Areas Of Japan
Tokyo is an overwhelming place, even for the Japanese. The city itself – officially known as Tokyo Metropolis – contains over 13 million people. The commuter region immediately around it is home to almost 44 million. In the era of megacities, Tokyo is the biggest of all. When I come home to Tokyo from overseas, what always strikes me is that nearly all the people are Japanese.
What Makes The Japanese
One of the more striking features of Japanese society in what is called the early classical period between the 6th and 8th centuries is the ease with which a female ruler was accepted. In fact, during the 7th and 8th centuries, immediately prior to and following the coup of 645, Japan saw six empresses on the throne, reigning for more than 80 years in total. Even in the early historical era, Japan was known to have female rulers.
Culture, Art And Style
The birth of popular literature began towards the end of the Edo period. Hundreds of publishing houses competed for readers by engaging popular writers to create love stories, historical novels, comic stories, and so on. They all catered to popular tastes. However, with the Meiji Reformation in the mid-19th century, literature became somewhat highbrow. This arguably started with Natsume Sōseki .
At The Table
Tea is arguably China’s greatest gift to the world. The Chinese are quick to remind us about all the other things they have, and are supposed to have, invented – but while the jury may still be out on, say, the benefits of gunpowder, tea is universally liked. It was first introduced to Japan around the 9th century at the height of the glorious Tang dynasty, one of those many periods when all of Asia looked to China as the font of civilisation and culture.
Life Outside
If horse racing is the sport of British kings, then Japan’s royal sport must surely be hiking. Kunimi , literally meaning ‘looking at the kingdom’, was a tradition in ancient Japan. On certain auspicious days, rulers went to the highest points of their domains to look over the lands they ruled by way of giving blessings for good harvests, and so on. Naruhito, the Crown Prince of Japan who at the time of writing is due to become emperor on 1 May 2019, has taken kunimi to new heights.
Life Inside
Like any other variation of chess worldwide, Japan’s shōgi is believed to go all the way back to India’s ancient game of chaturanga. That game became xiangqi in China and janggi in Korea. It is not clear when these variations of chess arrived in Japan, but it is believed to have been around the same time as the game go. The chess-type games would have differed in complexity, as any form of chess involves complicated rules with different types of playing pieces.
Family Life And Life's Milestones
Compared to East Asian countries like China and Korea, Japan was not fanatical about education in the past. In China (and in Korea, in a similar way), Confucius’ teachings and the imperial examinations based on them have been the enshrined tradition for millennia. Power, fame and fortune were available to those who studied and memorised the philosopher’s Analects and other classical works. In Japan, a semi-literate meathead could become a feudal lord by scoring a lucky kill on the battlefield.
Holidays And Celebrations
In old Japanese, December was called shiwasu meaning that the masters (shi) were running about (su) being busy. Today December is also a busy month. The business world tries to get as much done as possible before the year-end, as little is achieved with the New Year holiday mood in January, and then you are only the short month of February away from the end of the fiscal year in March. December is not a good month for business trips to Japan.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Having spent university and early career years in London, Yutaka Yazawa decided to return to his childhood home of Tokyo. After a long career travelling in law, he decided to make the switch to writer. This will be his first book.
Product details
Publisher : White Lion Publishing (October 11, 2018)
Language : English
Hardcover : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 1781317615
ISBN-13 : 978-1781317617
Item Weight : 1.56 pounds
Dimensions : 7 x 0.88 x 9.38 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #1,750,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#2,360 in General Travel Reference
#2,393 in Japanese History (Books)
#2,437 in Human Geography (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 125 ratings
Kat
5.0 out of 5 stars Very pretty book, great sellerReviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
The book itself is really so so pretty, what a treat, very happy I found it. The seller was fast, the packaging was 100% perfect, will definitely buy from them again, very pleasant shopping experience!
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
R. Dodson
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, compelling, insightful glimpse into Japanese culture.Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. It's very readable, great photographs, but most importantly provides a very thoughtful and insightful glimpse into the Japanese way of life. It gives the reader an opportunity to better understand Japan, but also think about practices in one's own culture. Highly recommend this enjoyable, informative, and thought provoking read.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Harvee L.
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Background Info on Japan for TravelersReviewed in the United States on January 8, 2024
Detailed and very readable book with sections covering the history, geography and topography of Japan, as well as the religions, cuisine, cultural traditions, famous landmarks and more.
This book would be good background reading for anyone traveling to Japan, to help make the land, the people, and the customs easily understandable. Religious celebrations, festivals, holidays, are all included in easy to understand and fluid prose.
Outstanding to me were descriptions of Mt. Fuji and its importance, mountain walking and trekking that are popular for so many, onsens and hot spring resorts, the unique preparation of food as in sushi and more, the geisha tradition and history, pottery making in the Kyoto region and elsewhere, other arts and crafts, farming and fishing occupations, religious festivals and celebrations.
Those already familiar with Japan will recognize many of the sections' information, and see these from the author's, a Japanese American's point of view, I enjoyed reading about what was new to me and what I was somewhat familiar with.
HelpfulReport
Literary Redhead
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Intro to Japanese LifestyleReviewed in the United States on September 28, 2018
“How to Live Japanese” is a fabulous introduction to the Japanese lifestyle by writer Yutaka Yazawa, who has penned the ultimate insider’s guide. Replete with inspiration and insight into the very best of Japanese culture, design, cookery, and philosophy. Whether its making tea, going for a hike, celebrating imperfections, cutting- edge film-making, or revolutionizing the whisky market, “How to Live Japanese” reveals the heart and soul of a great culture. Highly recommended for the info-rich text and beautiful photos and design. 5/5
Pub Date 27 Sep 2018
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#HowToLiveJapanese #NetGalley
One person found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Lindoula
3.0 out of 5 stars Nice coffee table book of factoids about JapanReviewed in the United States on November 4, 2018
This is a beautiful book but not really my cup of tea. It contains beautiful artwork and a lot of factoids about Japan, but the author never goes into detail about anything. For that reason, I think it would be a great coffee table or gift book for someone who's interested in learning more about Japan. I don't think the title really reflects the content of the book - it's not really about how to "live Japanese" in any sense of the phrase - but it is a nice volume.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews
5.0 out of 5 stars For those interested in JapanReviewed in the United States on September 27, 2018
What the author of this book has managed to do in just over 200 pages is amazing! This short volume is an excellent resource on Japanese life, culture, geography, history and customs. The author lived abroad for many years before returning to Japan. He openly acknowledges those areas where he has his own opinions, thereby engaging the reader.
In addition to the informative text, the photographs and illustrations are appealing and often beautiful. Highly recommended for those who want to visit Japan, have visited Japan or want to learn more about the country.
HelpfulReport
Leyla
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book full of interesting informationReviewed in the United States on October 22, 2018
What a lovely and well presented book this is, so full of wonderful photos, information on all components of Japanese life. Yutaka writes very well, with lots of information that is easy to read and extremely interesting.
I would really recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Japan, or who wishes to travel to the country. The book it is such a wealth of culture, history, everyday life and information, and it is very difficult to put down.
HelpfulReport
Chris M
1.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book ruined by misprintReviewed in the United States on April 14, 2019
Verified Purchase
The spine of the book has a bad misprint. Really ruins its.
HelpfulReport
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Translate all reviews to English
Raquel Sousa
5.0 out of 5 stars Um livro lindoReviewed in Spain on August 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
Muito bonito. O seu formato, a forma como está organizado, as imagens que ilustram o conteúdo. Ficamos com muita vontade de ler mais e mais sobre o Japão.
Report
Translate review to English
Ciccio
5.0 out of 5 stars PerfettoReviewed in Italy on October 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
Arrivato in 24h e letto in ancora meno tempo!
Consigliato a chi, come me è appassionato di Giappone e la sua cultura!
Report
Translate review to English
H B
5.0 out of 5 stars Genau wie beschriebenReviewed in Germany on July 21, 2020
Verified Purchase
Genau wie beschrieben schnelle Lieferung
Report
Translate review to English
L A
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2018
Verified Purchase
I love learning about different cultures and love Japan, so I thought I'd give this book a whirl.
Yazawa did an excellent job introducing Japanese customs and cultural heritage. It's a great first look at many of the beautiful intricacies of Japan and its people. Whether you're curious about Japan or consider yourself a shinnichi, I highly recommend it!
5 people found this helpfulReport
蒲田 俊
5.0 out of 5 stars A Highly Pleasurable ReadReviewed in Japan on October 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
The book is a real treat.
It follows a long yet rare tradition of Japanese scholars exposit Japanese culture in the English language, such as Nitobe’s “Bushido”, Okakura’s “The Book of Tea”, or Uchimura’s “Representative Men of Japan”.
150 years after the opening-up of the country, Japan today still remains largely a mystery, with its characteristic amalgam of millennia-old traditions, Ig Nobel-worthy technologies, and oft-pervert cosplay cultures. The book is “an attempt to explain these paradoxes, …to give you a sense of Japan in ’3-D’, as it were.” (p.4) The author succeeds in his attempt. With his prodigious knowledge of both the Orient and Occident under his belt, he covers (or uncovers) a wide variety of topics. You do not get bored with the selection. After a page about Cool Biz, you meet Ninja the next. With so many snippets of insight about Japanese culture, history, people’s ethos, after a read, one becomes confident to say something intelligent & sensible about just about any topic about Japan. My favorite chapters are about “Harajuku girls” (p.88), “Hiking” (p.131), and “February: Valentine’s Day (or how a chocolate company orchestrated a cultural coup)” (p.207).
The book goes beyond a mere collection of facts and stories. It’s sprinkled with delightful aphorisms across the pages. Here are some examples:
“I like the kimono…They are loose-fitting and do not presume that everyone has a narrow waist in the way designer-label clothes do.” (p.87)
“Nothing, it seems, makes for better alcohol than holy thoughts.” (p.110, referring to the historical fact that priests in temples made high quality sake)
“As the saying goes, ‘You do not go to mountains to be enlightened. Rather, you go to mountains because you are enlightened.’” (p.131)
“If horse racing is the sport of British kings, then Japan’s royal sport must surely be hiking.” (p.131)
“Love may be timeless and universal, but courtship follows fashion.” (p.180)
The pictures are also highly admirable to look at. An Instagram in paper form.
In short, this book catches the zeitgeist of today’s Japan as well as of eons past; and satisfies curiosities of both cursory passersby as well as those self-professed Japan aficionados. Highly recommended. I personally hope to see future installments of its ‘second revised edition’, ‘third’, ‘fourth’, etc., down the line.
Read less
10 people found this helpfulReport
===
Displaying 1 - 10 of 138 reviews
Profile Image for MischaS_.
MischaS_
785 reviews
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February 9, 2020
I have to say that after finishing this book, I think that the "scandi" one was way weaker compared with this one.
When I finished the last page, all I could think about was that I really want to visit Japan. There is not much to add.
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
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8stitches 9lives
2,856 reviews
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September 27, 2018
I have always been interested in the way the Japanese live and their seemingly unflappable exterior, so this book is right up my reading street! Nowhere else in the world can such Zen individuals be found living in super-metropolis' that would have most of us stressed and tearing our hair out. I also admire the respect that the Japanese have for the natural world, and the enjoyment they get from even the smallest, simplest things.
Japan is the destination right at the very top of my bucket list and somewhere I long to visit someday. This book not only talks about the fascinating culture, customs, products, food, design, holidays, spirituality and philosophy that each contribute to the mental well being of Japan's residents, it's actually useful too. East meets West, old traditions meets new advancements, this informative text is beautifully complemented by clear, full colour photographs which serve to make my yearning to visit even stronger, although I would've liked to have known where each of the photos were taken, so a caption would've been appreciated! A comprehensive guide to all things Japanese, ideal for Japanophiles and those planning to travel there soon. Written in an accessible tone that is easy to understand, you'll be one step closer to comprehending Japan and the Japanese having read this text. I plan to purchase a copy for my bookshelf as I can imagine a hard copy being far superior given that the photographs and the design of the book is a large part of the appeal.
Overall, this is an ideal introduction to the idiosyncracies of Japan which covers a wide variety of topics in sufficient depth. Should a particular part of the book tickle you, you can pick up another title that deals with it in greater detail should you so wish.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press/White Lion Publishing for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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Profile Image for Jen (Finally changed her GR pic).
Jen (Finally changed her GR pic)
2,862 reviews
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October 1, 2018
This book is just BEAUTIFUL. Not just the pictures, but the insight, the peek into Japan and it's culture and people is just so interesting and fresh to me, it made me want to travel halfway around the world to visit this amazing place and people.
I mean, I want to do that anyway, but this book makes me feel like I wouldn't be TOO horribly "ugly American" if I went. I don't think this book has made me an expert or anything, but I feel like I would understand a little about Japan and the culture there. Not the language, unfortunately. I am rather poor when it comes to languages other than my own.
Though that wasn't the point of the book, some words and phrases with no direct translation were included, as well as the thought-process behind them. That was very interesting and I wish that section had been longer and that my memory was better!
4.5 stars, rounded up, because it was just so exactly what it claimed to be. A book about Japan and the culture and people, from one person's POV, but honest and so interesting. Highly recommended if you are into Japan and the culture and people, or if you travel via books. This one will take you there.
My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press White Lion Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
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Victor
257 reviews
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February 19, 2022
A very introductory book about Japan told from the author's point of view. It is structured into several somewhat 'random' chapters that mix various topics, starting with the geographical location until ending with monthly festivities.
What bothered me about the book is that it touches on everything, but covers nothing. Let me explain: each chapter is made up of several small articles of no more than two pages in length, to which if we add the photos that appear, it is quite short on content.
It has caught my attention that there is no reference to the culture of anime or manga, when for many years it has been a cultural bridge between Japan and many other countries and if there is talk of something perhaps less popular like 'Japanese jazz'.
As a first introduction to the Japanese country for someone who is curious and doesn't know anything, it would perhaps be an interesting read, because by giving a very general overview of new and old topics it will not become tedious.
japan
nonfiction
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Bloodorange
760 reviews
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February 25, 2022
Four stars - for its category, of course; informative, up to date and pleasantly written.
how-to-do-everything-better
japan
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Marián Tabakovič
154 reviews
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January 6, 2024
“Wakarimasu ka? Hai, Anjin-san, domo arigato, wakarimasu!” Once I finished reading Clavell's Shogun, I thought I knew a bit of Japanese and it was bullshit :) But since then I've been left with a soft spot for the country, even though I'm pretty much focused on Europe.
The Japanese are actually the Scandinavians of the Eastern Hemisphere. They see beauty in simplicity, in small imperfections, the journey is the goal, they have a tea ritual instead of a fika, and they also sometimes believe themselves to be ethnically superior. The book is nice, surprisingly given that it was published by Ikar, and even if it is not very extensive, it was written by a native Japanese with a sense of national self-criticism. Can be.
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Emil Antonov
108 reviews
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August 12, 2020
Written from the perspective of a Japanese person living in Japan. It is interesting because there is a lot about the history and division of the country, their habits, their flaws. Not very detailed, but enough for someone who doesn't know that much. And it's presented in an accessible way and with great photos.
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Piotr Wiśniewski
56 reviews
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February 9, 2023
Beautifully published, but it offends the author's unfiltered subjectivity/local patriotism (Tokyo lords) (he supposedly warned that this would be the case, but one was deceived).
Nevertheless, I recommend it! Especially for browsing.
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George1st
298 reviews
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October 16, 2018
It is probably impossible to fully convey the essence of a country and its people in little over two hundred pages but certainly after reading Japanese writer Yutaka Yazawa insider’s guide to the country of Japan, the reader will gain at least an insight and an increased level of understanding. Divided into readable chapters with photographs and illustrations the book covers a whole range of subjects which will be ideal for the first time visitor or just someone who wishes to enhance their knowledge. You will certainly become aware of some of the cultural differences and see how their society differs but at the same time has been influenced by the West. By living both in Japan and in the West the author is able to give both an insider's and outsider's perspective.
History, geography, religion, philosophy culture, sport and also day to day living are all covered. You get to learn how the Japanese live, work and play, its ancient but also its more modern traditions. The contrast between life in their huge cities with Tokyo overshadowing all else and life in the outlying areas is explored. The main difference between Japan and other comparable western societies it appears is the emphasis that is given by them to commonality rather than to the pursuit of individualism that predominates elsewhere in the world.
A really enjoyable read that will maybe inspire the reader to further explore this unique country.
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Nicki Markus
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53 books
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December 7, 2019
Though compact, as the title suggests, The Little Book of Japanese Living contains a wealth of information that encompasses history, culture and language. As someone currently learning Japanese, I appreciated the inclusion of kanji/kana alongside the romanised rendering of any Japanese terms and names. This was a quick read, but one I feel I would like to return to. Therefore, I do plan to buy a copy for my shelf once the book releases next year. Recommended for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture who is looking for a simple place to start.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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