Japan has a way of thinking that is just . . . different. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Tokyo-born journalist Lisa Katayama's collection of urawaza (a Japanese word for secret lifestyle tricks and techniques). Want to turbocharge your sled? Spray the bottom with nonstick cooking spray. Can't find someone to water your plants while you're away? Place the plant on a water-soaked diaper, so it slowly absorbs water over time. The subject of popular TV shows and numerous books in Japan, these unusually clever solutions to everyday problems have never before been published in Englishuntil now! Urawaza collects more than 100 once-secret tricks, offering step-by-step directionsand explanations in an eye-catching package as unconventional as its contents.
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"Armed with urawaza like these, you'll never need a store-bought fix again." ReadyMade magazine
TOYKO ART BEAT
There is more to Urawaza, however, than these tricks exposed. The Tokyo-born and bred Katayama delves into the history of the craft and contributes anecdotes from her own experiences, meaning readers come out knowing that much more about life in the megalopolis. Her witty, down-to-earth style makes for a fun read while illustrator Joel Holland adds a comic book touch, and just a hint of irreverence.
About the Author
Lisa Katayama has written for Wired, Giant Robot, and Glamour, and is an editor at Planet magazine. She lives in San Francisco.
Joel Holland's illustrations have appeared in Holiday Hero as well as in Rolling Stone, Newsweek, and the New York Times. He lives in New York.
Joel Holland's illustrations have appeared in Holiday Hero as well as in Rolling Stone, Newsweek, and the New York Times. He lives in New York.
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More About the Author
Lisa Katayama is a San Francisco-based writer from Tokyo. She has a blog, TokyoMango.com, and has written for magazines such as Wired, Popular Science, The New York Times Magazine, and Gourmet. She is currently an editor at Boing Boing Gadgets.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Everyone knows how to cure the hic-ups, or to get wine stains out of white clothing right? There are all sorts of little household tricks and tips handed down via word of mouth, or from a helpful friend or parent in a time of need. The Japanese term for these is "urawaza", a word with a sly feel to it meaning a little secret that only you know about, something you discovered about a product that the producers didn't intend for you to know. Its main use is with videogames, referring to cheat codes left in by programmers who never intended them to become public knowledge.
This book is full of urawaza's, little "cheat codes" for common household objects like potatoes and old sales receipts, things that would normally never be used for more than their intended purposes. For example, magically clearing up a stuffy nose by shoving the white root section of a scallion in your nostrils, or rubbing a little egg white on your glasses to prevent them from fogging. Each tip is accompanied by a short explanation of why the process works, showing the molecules and process involved that accompany the magic.
The strange thing is, the tips actually work. I haven't tried all of them, but the ones I have given a shot work just as advertised. You might feel a bit strange at first rubbing a cut potato across your bathroom mirrors to make them fog-free, but you can't argue with the results. Want to know how to keep your bathwater from going cold using only orange peels, or how to make your dull hair glossy? "Urawaza" has what you need.
The only disappointment with this book is the lack of any real Japanese connection, aside from the title. There are a few little asides at the start of each chapter talking about the author's personal history or a few cultural notes, but that is about it. There was a good opportunity to include some Japanese vocabulary for each entry, just a few words here and there relating to the subject, and make this a language-learner along with its helpful and fun tips. Unfortunately they didn't go that route, but if you aren't studying Japanese and just want a cool and useful little book, then that isn't really an issue.
This book is full of urawaza's, little "cheat codes" for common household objects like potatoes and old sales receipts, things that would normally never be used for more than their intended purposes. For example, magically clearing up a stuffy nose by shoving the white root section of a scallion in your nostrils, or rubbing a little egg white on your glasses to prevent them from fogging. Each tip is accompanied by a short explanation of why the process works, showing the molecules and process involved that accompany the magic.
The strange thing is, the tips actually work. I haven't tried all of them, but the ones I have given a shot work just as advertised. You might feel a bit strange at first rubbing a cut potato across your bathroom mirrors to make them fog-free, but you can't argue with the results. Want to know how to keep your bathwater from going cold using only orange peels, or how to make your dull hair glossy? "Urawaza" has what you need.
The only disappointment with this book is the lack of any real Japanese connection, aside from the title. There are a few little asides at the start of each chapter talking about the author's personal history or a few cultural notes, but that is about it. There was a good opportunity to include some Japanese vocabulary for each entry, just a few words here and there relating to the subject, and make this a language-learner along with its helpful and fun tips. Unfortunately they didn't go that route, but if you aren't studying Japanese and just want a cool and useful little book, then that isn't really an issue.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Urawaza contains dozens of cool tricks, everyday inspirations and ways to impress your friends and family by cleverly doing things better.
I have tried several of the tips. My faves are using a piece of bread to pick up glass (pg. 70)--works like a charm! This weekend I made potato salad and used the super-cool egg-peeling technique (p. 96) and impressed my BBQ guests!
Urawaza is a fun guide that appeals to that part within us all that likes to simultaneously be clever & practical. The book also couples simple scientific explanations that help us understand more about our environment through. It will be a hit with Japanese culture fans, DIY enthusiasts, those who appreciate Everyman wisdom and especially young folks who enjoy exploring our world in new ways.
I have tried several of the tips. My faves are using a piece of bread to pick up glass (pg. 70)--works like a charm! This weekend I made potato salad and used the super-cool egg-peeling technique (p. 96) and impressed my BBQ guests!
Urawaza is a fun guide that appeals to that part within us all that likes to simultaneously be clever & practical. The book also couples simple scientific explanations that help us understand more about our environment through. It will be a hit with Japanese culture fans, DIY enthusiasts, those who appreciate Everyman wisdom and especially young folks who enjoy exploring our world in new ways.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By S. Farnum
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is like a fun version of Hints from Heloise...little tricks that you're surprised work, that make your every day life a little smoother. I like skimming the book, and I've gotten some good ideas from it already. Another nice thing is the explanation of why each tip works...I picked up some lite science while reading. That said, the book is a little layout heavy, with only one tip per page. If it was more packed, I think I would've given it 5 stars. Even so, it's a fun book to have around when you just wanna thumb through.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun Tips from Japan
Urawaza are Japanese hints, tips and secrets of cleaning, cooking, and well, just about everything. Think Hints from Heloise from the Land of the Rising Sun. Read more
Published 4 months ago by A. Silverstone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tips and Whatnot
I couldn't be happier with this book. It is probably one of the most useful books I've ever purchased, and has a ridiculous amount of tips for everyday things.
Published 5 months ago by vince
4.0 out of 5 stars
Japanese secrets
Pretty good. Not too long. Knew most of them. Wish it had more entries.Good little book for short reading.Glad it didn't cost much more than I paid.
Published 8 months ago by K. Kelly
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting book...
I really, really, REALLY love books like this- jam-packed with tidbits that you can read in a minute, or sit down and read several in a row. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Mark Adkins
3.0 out of 5 stars
Cool Book
Great concept. Not as substantive as I had hoped. Some very clever and unexpected tips. But a lot of predictable content as well.
Published 13 months ago by LisaCebes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unusual ways to fix everyday problems...
You know how your grandmother always seemed to have some home remedy for curing a cold or fixing something around the house? Read more
Published 23 months ago by Thomas Duff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing little book
I was very drawn to the graphic design of this little gem, but the tips and tricks were just as appealing! You can't avoid a clean smile when you read it! Well done, Lisa Katayama! Read more
Published on May 1, 2011 by Cristina Branco
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lifehack tips~
I gave this as a housewarming kind of gift for my sister. She is recently married and renovated her home with her husband. Read more
Published on January 22, 2011 by T. Duong
4.0 out of 5 stars
Useful, I think..
To be honest, I have not tried any of the tricks mentioned in the book, but I do like the part where she describes how or why the trick works. Read more
Published on December 6, 2010 by Aririn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful!
Though I haven't actually tried out the solutions myself, they are very interesting to read about how they work and the book format is very appealing. Read more
Published on February 27, 2010 by F. Tan
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