In love with all things Japan or looking to absorb a little Japanese wisdom into your daily life?
From the philosophies of ikigai and wabi sabi to kitsch karaoke nights and futuristic robot restaurants; traditional tea ceremonies and tranquil onsen dwellings to cosplay culture and J-Pop megastars; Japan is full of intriguing contradictions.
Though renowned for its ultramodern capital Tokyo - a sprawling neon-lit metropolis straight from the pages of a science fiction novel - Japan is still deeply rooted in ancient tradition. And while the country runs with clockwork precision, the cultural life of the inhabitants is transformed with the changing of the seasons, a testament to the enduring power of nature's rhythms.
With each page alive with facts, history and inspiration, Be More Japan unlocks the secrets behind modern Japanese living - whether you're eating sushi in London or enjoying the cherry blossoms in San Francisco. And if you're dreaming of a future trip to Japan, this book will get you closer to your destination before you've even departed.
Be More Japan is a 'bible' of all things Japanese - from the country's fascinating, ancient traditions to its unique and influential modern culture.
Be More Japan is a celebration of all things Japanese - from the country's fascinating, ancient traditions to its unique and influential modern culture. Blending both travel information and cultural insights into a single book, Be More Japan helps you understand and experience the best of Japan, both at home and abroad.
Beginning with an overview of the four seasons - a key theme in Japanese culture - you'll learn about the festivals, food, fashion and flowers that change throughout the year and make this country so full of fun and variety. Then dive into the captivating culture of Japan, with topics such as art, music, food, wellness and spirituality all split into separate sections to help you pinpoint the areas that interest you. Learn about the traditional skills of the tea ceremony and calligraphy, and where you can go to see and practise them yourself. Find out more about the country's most popular sports and where to catch a game of baseball or see a martial arts exposition. For pop culture fans, there are dedicated sections on J-Pop, anime, and video games, with plenty of information on the best places to enjoy them in Japan. And if you want to get a feel for modern Japanese lifestyle, you'll find enough details on topics such as transportation, karaoke, ikigai, shopping and hot springs to help you make the most of even a short trip to Japan.
You can pick and choose what interests you to plan your perfect trip, or explore a bit of everything to get a sense of the essentials of Japanese life and culture. And for those who can't make the trip to Japan, or who want to carry on the experience when they return, there are tips and suggestions for how to bring Japanese culture to you, and places where you can see its influence around the world."
