Clueless In Tokyo: Explorer's Sketchbook Of Weird And Wonderful Things In Japan [Paperback]

Betty Reynolds (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997

This delightful sketchbook presents a uniquely insightful take on the bemusement and amusement that are the inevitable reactions of the Westerner confronting Japan for the first time. Still unwilling to allow Japan's mysteries to exclude her, the author-artist illustrates her further adventures into the true meaning of the unfamiliar happenings around her, and turns culture shock into humorous appreciation. The resulting sketchbook is an excellent, user-friendly primer for anyone contemplating travel to Japan or engaged in Japanese language studies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Weatherhill; 1st edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0834803860
• ISBN-13: 978-0834803862
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.2 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #171,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Travel > Asia > Japan

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic gift for someone who will visit Japan!, January 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Clueless In Tokyo: Explorer's Sketchbook Of Weird And Wonderful Things In Japan (Paperback)

As a newcomer to Japan from the U.S., I really thought this book was adorable. I kept turning the pages and exclaiming over everything I'd actually seen here. I've perused lots of books about Japan and its culture, and this one was by far the most entertaining and humorously factual one I've seen. Betty's funny illustrations and clever captions make this very light reading. I sent a copy to my in-laws for Christmas because they're visiting us in the Spring and they LOVE it!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly amusing and highly accurate!, July 19, 2000

By 

L.C. "l_conover" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clueless In Tokyo: Explorer's Sketchbook Of Weird And Wonderful Things In Japan (Paperback)

The artist of this book has summed up some of the strange things that Americans will discover when visiting Japan. With headings like "Toire : Terrifying Toilets " and " Venerable Vending Machines " you can't help but chuckle along with the artist as she sees some of the strange differences between East and West. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with a hearty interest in visiting Japan as it will serve as a 'cultural buffer' and ready them mentally for some of the strange sights they'll be treated to!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pictorial review of what to look for in Japan, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Clueless In Tokyo: Explorer's Sketchbook Of Weird And Wonderful Things In Japan (Paperback)

I purchased this book before traveling to Japan with my 12 year old son. The pictures in this book were humerous and helpful allowing both of us to understand more of the culture that we were seeing at every turn in Tokyo and indeed all over Japan. It also helped my 6 year old daughter, who did not travel to Japan with us, to imagine what we were seeing. When I speak of a Japanese toilet she can see exactly what I mean.