Customer Reviews

A Look into Japan (Japan in Your Pocket) (No. 1)

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This book is one of a series of books that I first saw in an English-language bookstore in Tokyo at the end of a long vacation in Japan. I bought one of each to bring home, and now I see they are available from Amazon.com. These are far and away the best guidebooks to life in Japan. Great illustrations, very fun to read. Do not leave home without them!

This book provides excellent information on the many cultural aspects of Japan. It is easy to understand, wonderfully illustrated, easy to carry with, and extremely valuable to anyone interested in the Japanese culture. It is a must before a Japanese visit.

After p. 1-7 (Title page through Table of Contents), are 166 pages filled with illustrations & facts. p. 174-183: "Supplement" with chronological table of eras in Japan's history and additional info on Tradition & Culture and Japanese Life & Traditions. Entries over one page noted in brackets[]. What's Inside: TRADITIONAL CULTURE: Architecture [6], Gardens [3], Castle [3], Shinto Shrine [4], Buddhist Temple [6], Tea Ceremony [3], Jizo statues & Dosojin icons, Floral Art [2], Bonsai [2], Pottery [2], Lacquerware [2], Calligraphy, India-ink Paintings, Folk Objects & Curios [4], Wood-Block Prints [4], Dolls [2], Musical Instruments [2], Traditional Costume [3], Footgear, Crests [2], Color & Patterns [2], Classic Dance, Tanka & Haiku Poetry, Zen & Zazen [2], Kabuki [4], Noh Theater & Kyogen Comedy [3], Puppet Theater [3], Variety Theater [2]. LIFE & CUSTOMS: National Holidays, New Year's Day & Other Annual Events [10], Festival [3], Noren "Shop Sign," Festival Day & Fair [2], Festival Folk Dance [2], Zodiac [2], Seven Deities of Good Fortune [2], Good Luck Talisman [2], Animals in Fables [2], Fortune-Telling [2], Public Bath [2], Greeting & Gesture [2], Wedding Ceremony [3], "Rock, Paper, Scissors," Students [2], "Salaryman" [2], Personal Seal, Policeman & Police Box, Sumo [4], Judo, Karate, Kendo, Aikido, Children's Games [2], Playing Cards [2], Pachinko, Mahjong, Shogi, Go, Japanese Letters [2]. FOOD: Rice, Miso & Soy Sauce [2], Raw Fish, Sushi [2], Tempura, Sukiyaki & Shabu-shabu, Robata-yaki, Soba & Udon Noodles [2], Broiled Eels & Loaches [2], Yakitori, Oden, Kaiseki Ryori [2], Sake, Confectionery, Chopsticks & Eating Utensils [2]. TRAVEL: Japanese Inn [6], Hot Spring [2], Box Lunches [2], "Bullet Train" [3], Signs & Signals. Index [8]. Book #1 of 15 (Of 17 titles, #11-12 are in French).