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A Beginner's Guide to Japan

Observations and Provocations
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( 1,854 ratings, 259 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Beginner's Guide to Japan by Pico Iyer is a captivating collection of insights and reflections on Japanese culture. Through a series of vignettes, Iyer explores the nuances of everyday life in Japan, offering readers a unique perspective from someone who has lived there for decades. This book is perfect for anyone looking to understand the subtleties and charm of Japanese society.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by Japanese culture and enjoy insightful observations from a seasoned traveller. Pico Iyer provides a unique, personal perspective on the nuances and contradictions of life in Japan, making it an engaging read for anyone curious about this intriguing country.

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A Beginner's Guide to Japan

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Winner of the Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year 2020

In A Beginner's Guide to Japan, distinguished author Pico Iyer offers a captivating exploration of Japanese culture, delving into the subtle nuances and captivating contradictions that define this enigmatic country. Drawing from over three decades of intimate experience, Iyer takes readers on a journey from bustling urban centres to serene rural landscapes, uncovering the profound observations and playful insights that make Japan so beguiling.

Iyer guides us through a myriad of cultural landscapes, from the boisterous atmosphere of baseball games to the intimate spaces of quirky love-hotels. He wanders through the frenetic energy of shopping malls as well as the tranquillity of Zen temple gardens. Along the way, Iyer poses enlightening questions: How does a sushi bar explain a Japanese poem? Why do Japanese couples meticulously plan matching outfits for their honeymoons? And why do many aspects of Japanese life appear to be the opposite of Western expectations?

With his keen eye for detail and deep cultural understanding, Iyer brings to life the idiosyncrasies and traditions of his adopted home. His narrative strikes a perfect balance between the playful and the profound, offering a perspective on Japan that is as enlightening as it is entertaining. Through his prose, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of Japan, making A Beginner's Guide to Japan an indispensable companion for anyone intrigued by the Land of the Rising Sun.

'Rarely in any writing on Japan is provocation so elegantly and surgically performed' Financial Times

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A layered and thought-provoking exploration, A Beginner's Guide to Japan by Pico Iyer is praised for its depth, wit, and elegance. It uniquely provokes thought with its insightful and lyrical portrayals of Japanese culture, providing both familiarity and curiosity for readers. The guide succeeds by offering a poignant and understated reflection rather than an authoritative take.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526611512

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 April 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 166g

Pages: 240

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About the Author

Pico Iyer is the author of six works of nonfiction and two novels. He has covered the Tibetan question for Time, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, and many other publications for more than twenty years. He has been traveling in and around Tibetan communities and the Himalayas for more than thirty years.

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