Japan Ai: A Tall Girl's Adventures In Japan (Paperback)

~ Aimee Major Steinberger (Author, Artist)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Aimee's a six-foot-tall cosplaying fangirl who visits Japan, land of her favorite hobbies. There, she visits historical Kyoto, shops, dresses as a geisha, visits a hot spring, goes to Tokyo and shops some more. The cute, cartoony sketches present a travelogue by an out-of-place but observant gaijin who is keen to absorb the intricacies of a new culture. Much of the story has a fairly straightforward went here, saw this, went there, saw that pace—few incidents are given any dramatic weight. When her luggage is lost, it's a two-page incident, with the problem magically solved with no involvement on her part. Similarly, the developments from one of Aimee's companions being mistaken for a yakuza and being revealed as a narcoleptic are swiftly passed by in a one-page sequence. However, the cute characters cannot help becoming sympathetic, and Aimee missing a chance to go to dinner at a factory that makes her favorite dolls has real disappointment. The book resembles an illustrated travel sketchbook more than a manga, but the otaku subject matter—and endless enthusiasm for the details of Japanese culture—is of built-in interest to readers of the latter. (Dec.)
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From Booklist

Accompanied by two friends, Steinberger, a professional animator and devotee of that special brand of cuteness that hails from contemporary Japan (think Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and similar artistic and commercial ventures), provides a charming recapitulation of their visit there. Steinberger’s height (she’s six feet tall), along with such things as the language barrier, immediately marked the trio as tourists, but their devotion to such Japanese-inspired pastimes as cosplay (dressing up as manga, anime, and fantasy characters) and Steinberger’s interest in Japanese Volks dolls gave them several avenues into popular culture, where they found considerable enjoyment. Steinberger tells their story largely in black-and-white, manga-style line drawings, with the occasional application of bright colors. Manga and anime fans will appreciate the gentle travelogue, and even readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture today will like Steinberger and her pals and be intrigued by their observations on what it can be like to be a tourist. Grades 9-12. --Francisca Goldsmith

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Go!Comi (December 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933617837
• ISBN-13: 978-1933617831
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #285,449 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost as good as being there..., December 18, 2007

By	ChibiNeko "Sooo many books, so little time!" (Whereever I go, here I am.) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

I picked up Japan Ai not really expecting much. I thought it'd be a cute read, but not something I'd really read twice, let alone buy. I was pleasantly surprised when I flipped through the pages. Steinberger's eye for details is amazing when it comes to describing her travels through Japan. Some people may be decieved by the seemingly simplistic artwork on the cover that the storytelling is just as simplistic, but they'd be amazed. The author's passion for travel, anime/manga, & hobbies comes through on every page. Fans of anime, manga, & cosplay will get into the journal because of the detailed information about those interests, but the average person will get drawn into the journal for the attention to details. It is easily accessible to most people. I would consider it a good guide to read before going overseas so one can plan out where to go, as well as knowing what to expect if you are a english speaking traveller.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming!, December 7, 2007

By	bacchae1999 "bacchae1999" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This is a half comedy/half travel book in cartoon form. The drawings are simple, sweet and very expressive, detailing the story of three American friends in Japan. Unlike most travel books that tend toward dry text and pretty pictures, this book spends most of the time delving into little known facts about Japanese subcultures. This book definitely does not trot out the tired and repetitive discussions of electronics and chopsticks.

I loved it! Not only was it unexpectedly funny and informative, it reminds us how much of travel can be a roller coaster between adventure, bewilderment and embarrassment! Definately a great stocking stuffer for any of your well-travelled friends!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweetness personified, December 13, 2007

By	KittyThePooka (Orchard Park, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This is an adorable little book, a charming story of a fangirl's adventure in visiting her favorite type of doll's birthplace. Who wouldn't want to go on an adventure like this! The artwork is clean and lovely, a unique style that made this book a delight to read. It really makes you want to go to Japan! It's cute, it's pleasant, it's a very much worth picking up.