Customer Reviews

Living Abroad in Japan

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Ruthy Kanagy has produced a comprehensive and useful guide for those thinking of taking the plunge across the Pacific and moving to Japan. Living Abroad in Japan joins many other well-done titles put out by the publishers Living Abroad In. Kanagy, herself born and raised in Tokyo, approaches her subject as only an insider could. The book assumes the reader knows nothing but does not speak down to her-and is well written and full of detail. It is neatly broken into chapters on Japan (history, government, economy, people, culture), daily life (moving, language, health, employment, finance, communications, travel, and housing), and "prime living locations" (Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kansai, Nagano, and Hiroshima).
The back of the book too is filled with useful indices: contacts, a phrasebook, suggested reading/films, clothing sizes, and an index. Having lived in Japan-Tokyo and Kyoto-for 15 years, I thought this would be a guide for someone just off the boat (i.e., not for me). It most certainly is for those new to or thinking of coming to Japan; however, it is much more than that. Even for the long-term resident of Japan, this is an invaluable guide.

An interesting enough book, that it's a great read not only for to-be-visitors of Japan, but for Japanese readers as well. Unlike other travel books which cover only the sightseeing aspect of Japan putting weight on traditional Japanese culture, this book is well balanced in describing everyday life, the real Japan today, The Japanese mind (important in getting acquainted with Japan), as well as the tradition. The book is also good at pointing out the interesting mixture of the past and present (for example, kimono-clad woman talking on a cell-phone). The facts and advice are all practical, up to date and accurate based on the author's actual experience living in Japan. As a Japanese citizen, I recommend reading this book whether you plan to visit/live in Japan or not, to find out what Japan is all about now. (which is not just Geisha, samurai, Toyota and Sony. :-))

I have lived 27 years as an American in Japan and I find Ruthy Kanagy's book to be accurate and complete. This book covers a wide breadth of important material succinctly without even one boring or pedantic line in the whole book. It contains interesting informatation ranging from Japanese history and geography to how to open a bank account or how to make conversation with a Japanese. It is written eloquently and intelligently with insight and information to benefit the experienced traveler or the first time traveler to Japan. The original photographs and descriptions are refreshingly fair and true to the experience of living in Japan today. A must read for anyone planning a trip to Japan.

Kanagy's "Living Abroad in Japan" covers just about everything you need to know to do just that and is generally geared towards those interested in staying for a longer period than just a week's vacation.

Kanagy covers a brief introduction to the country before laying out such topics as VISA explanations, taxes, finding a place to live, transportation, and what to expect in daily life. It also includes several sections devoted to specific regions and an extensive list of contact information for everything from real estate offices to healthcare providers to internet service providers.

While the book was published in 2004, much of the information is still accurate and applicable. For example, Kanagy uses 1 dollar = 110 yen to estimate costs and, as of writing this review, her estimate is not far from the present 1:120.

Length:: 1:51 Mins

I read this book before a 3 week first-time trip to Japan for work/pleasure. It actually fills that elusive gap between a thick, traditional travel guidebook, a no-nonsense factual expat resource and an evocative travel narrative. I like its clear, unaffected yet personal voice that can only come from a writer who, uniquely, grew up in Japan yet is outwardly a 'gaijin' American - and has probably had to process the cultural conundrums of both at various points in her life. The result is a really insightful information resource that is a curiously incisive, yet calming read.
Ruthy and I work for Bike Friday, the travel bicycle company, and you can read more about the time we both spent - though with separate itineraries - here:
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This book met and exceeded my expectations. It had some interesting facts that I didn't know, and I loved the personal stories she put in that made it more "real". I wished the pictures were in color, but they were a nice addition, nonetheless. It included so much, including kanji symbols for important things like different train and housing terms, it also included romaji terms throughout the book. If you want to know a little about getting a visa, opening a bank or paying bills, having your child go to school in Japan, when the holidays are, or what type of vendors you might see in Tokyo, this is the book for you. If you want to know about finding housing and learning it region by region including: nearby schools, housing prices, what problems you might face, local dialect, weather and nature of the area, and so much more, most of what you could want to find is packed in this book. It's a cultural guide, a reference book, and easy to read and find what you're looking for. It has a bit about working as a teacher in Japan, incorporating, and starting a small business. I'm glad I bought this book and I'll definitely be keeping it around! :) This is a good starting book for anyone looking to live, work, travel, study, or visit Japan for whatever reason.