Detailed and very readable book with sections covering the history, geography and topography of Japan, as well as the religions, cuisine, cultural traditions, famous landmarks and more.

This book would be good background reading for anyone traveling to Japan, to help make the land, the people, and the customs easily understandable. Religious celebrations, festivals, holidays, are all included in easy to understand and fluid prose.

Outstanding to me were descriptions of Mt. Fuji and its importance, mountain walking and trekking that are popular for so many, onsens and hot spring resorts, the unique preparation of food as in sushi and more, the geisha tradition and history, pottery making in the Kyoto region and elsewhere, other arts and crafts, farming and fishing occupations, religious festivals and celebrations.

Those already familiar with Japan will recognize many of the sections' information, and see these from the author's, a Japanese American's point of view, I enjoyed reading about what was new to me and what I was somewhat familiar with.

A book that tells you everything you need to know about Japan: geography, food, culture, tea, concepts etc.
It tells you everything you need to know in a short and concise way and if you want to learn more about something you discover in this book, then you can do your own research.

I love the structure of this book and the pictures. Gorgeous pictures!

As an American living downtown in a big city, this book made me want to not only drink a lot more tea and go out and view nature but also travel to Japan to see it for myself.

A pretty book about various areas and culture of Japan. It was a perfect book to read prior to my own trip to Tokyo and nearby areas. As with most countries, one area is not quite like the other. But they all make up Japan. I do like reading about that country's culture.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book.

I struggled with this book, perhaps due to my expectations.

I assumed from the title and the cover that I'd read a book about the inner workings of Japan, and what it's like to be / live as a Japanese person. Personal stories, photos, how to deal with culture shock, that sort of thing.

Instead, this is what I'd consider more of a coffee table photo book, with encyclopedic details about the towns, food, history and culture in Japan.

I travel full time, and this isn't a book I would use as a resource with which to inform myself about Japan and it's inhabitants before going there. It was attractive, but, it didn't resonate with me at all.

I have been doing research on Japan for a trip I hope to take soon and I really enjoyed looking at the pictures and learning more about the culture. There is so much that is still mysterious to the outside world that is very important to Japanese culture like modern traditions and philosophy. This book really took a deep dive in to traditions and how things really are in Japan. The pictures were great and I felt like I learned a little something on each page.

What a lovely and well presented book this is, so full of wonderful photos, information on all components of Japanese life. Yutaka writes very well, with lots of information that is easy to read and extremely interesting.
I would really recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Japan, or who wishes to travel to the country. The book it is such a wealth of culture, history, everyday life and information, and it is very difficult to put down.

What a delight! I think of this book as a bit of a Cliff Notes guide to Japan. Although it is not a hefty history book it provides a solid overview of many of the topics about Japan that a traveler would be well informed to know in order to be an enlightened traveler. It's the sort of book I would recommend to my travelling aunts because the tone is light but without being flippant or censoring the existence of cultural tensions and touching on them in brief.

It is probably impossible to fully convey the essence of a country and its people in little over two hundred pages but certainly after reading Japanese writer Yutaka Yazawa insider’s guide to the country of Japan the reader will gain at least an insight and an increased level of understanding. Divided into readable chapters with photographs and illustrations the book covers a whole range of subjects which will be ideal for the first time visitor or just someone who wishes to enhance their knowledge. You will certainly become aware of some of the cultural differences and see how their society differs but at the same time has been influenced by the West. By living both in Japan and in the West the author is able to give both an insider's and outsider's perspective.

History, geography, religion, philosophy culture, sport and also day to day living are all covered. You get to learn how the Japanese live, work and play, its ancient but also its more modern traditions. The contrast between life in their huge cities with Tokyo overshadowing all else and life in the outlying areas is explored. The main difference between Japan and other comparable western societies it appears is the emphasis that is given by them to commonality rather than to the pursuit of individualism that predominates elsewhere in the world.

A really enjoyable read that will maybe inspire the reader to further explore this unique country.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beautifully done between illustrations and descriptions. I gave it 3 stars though simply because it felt pretty cut and dry for a topic that could garner lots of readers and fans if it was done in a more creative light - philosophies, cultural elements, etc. where it felt a bit more sociology/geography heavy.

This book is just BEAUTIFUL. Not just the pictures, but the insight, the peek into Japan and it's culture and people is just so interesting and fresh to me, it made me want to travel halfway around the world to visit this amazing place and people.

I mean, I want to do that anyway, but this book makes me feel like I wouldn't be TOO horribly "ugly American" if I went. I don't think this book has made me an expert or anything, but I feel like I would understand a little about Japan and the culture there. Not the language, unfortunately. I am rather poor when it comes to languages other than my own.

Though that wasn't the point of the book, some words and phrases with no direct translation were included, as well as the thought-process behind them. That was very interesting and I wish that section had been longer and that my memory was better!

4.5 stars, rounded up, because it was just so exactly what it claimed to be. A book about Japan and the culture and people, from one person's POV, but honest and so interesting. Highly recommended if you are into Japan and the culture and people, or if you travel via books. This one will take you there.

My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press White Lion Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

I've always been fascinated by Japan and Japanese culture. While this book is less "How to Live Japanese" and more "How the Japanese Live", it is not disappointing. The reader is treated to all things Japanese, from learning about the differences of the various regions to many aspects of Japanese culture, food and customs. Anyone interested in Japan would surely learn something new from this book.

Thank you to Yutaka Yazawa, Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press, White Lion Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.

I have always been interested in the way the Japanese live and their seemingly unflappable exterior, so this book is right up my reading street! Nowhere else in the world can such Zen individuals be found living in super-metropolis' that would have most of us stressed and tearing our hair out. I also admire the respect that the Japanese have for the natural world, and the enjoyment they get from even the simplest, smallest things.

Japan is the destination right at the very top of my bucket list and somewhere I long to visit someday. This book not only talks about the fascinating culture, customs, products, food, design, holidays, spirituality and philosophy that each contribute to the mental well being of Japan's residents, it's actually useful too. East meets West, old traditions meets new advancements, this informative text is beautifully complemented by clear, full colour photographs which serve to make my yearning to visit even stronger, although I would've liked to have known where each of the photos were taken, so a caption would've been appreciated! A comprehensive guide to all things Japanese, ideal for Japanophiles and those planning to travel there soon. Written in an accessible tone that is easy to understand, you'll be one step closer to comprehending Japan and the Japanese having read this text. I plan to purchase a copy for my bookshelf as I can imagine a hard copy being far superior given that the photographs and the design of the book is a large part of the appeal.

Overall, this is an ideal introduction to the idiosyncracies of Japan which covers a wide variety of topics in sufficient depth. Should a particular part of the book tickle you, you can pick up another title that deals with it in greater detail should you so wish.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press/White Lion Publishing for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I have never been to Japan, even if I’d love to visit it and I found this book really interesting. It’s interesting if you don’t know a lot about Japan and want to read more, it’s interesting if you have some notions of the Japanese culture, and it’s interesting even if you have a lot of info about it. To be completely honest, I think it could be an interesting reading even if you are not so interested in Japan at all.

This book has two strong features: the writing and the contents. The writing is great because it’s not hard to follow, it’s not boring and it’s never complicated or over-academic and I loved it. This book is extremely easy to follow and that’s an appreciable thing. The other really good thing about it is its content. This book speaks about a ton of different thing: from geography to history, to traditional, or not so traditional, food to games. It’s a precious collection of different facts and notions, and I think that everyone can easily find something interesting between these pages. So, yeah, I think you can guess it now, but if I have to use just one word to describe this book it would be… interesting! I learned a ton of new things and I loved it!
3.5 stars

An overview of a country that is Japan. From its ancient history to Harajuku girls; just about everything there is to know! Written in a very accessible style. Nice armchair traveling to be done with this book.

One particular downside for me was that there wasn’t any captions accompanying the photographs!

I thought that this would be about Zen, minimalism and meditation. However, it seems to be more about how the Japanese actually live and the geography of the country. I didn't finish it because it wasn't what I was looking for, but I may try again.

I received a free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

What the author of this book has managed to do in just over 200 pages is amazing! This short volume is an excellent resource on Japanese life, culture, geography, history and customs. The author lived abroad for many years before returning to Japan. He openly acknowledges those areas where he has his own opinions, thereby engaging the reader.
In addition to the informative text, the photographs and illustrations are appealing and often beautiful. Highly recommended for those who want to visit Japan, have visited Japan or want to learn more about the country.

If anyone ever wanted to know what Japan is like from someone who used to live there, then look no further than Yutaka Yazawa's photographic book. "How to Live Japanese" moves away from the "tourist" and "pop-culture" aspects of Japan for a more realistic presentation of Japan. The photos are simple, yet breathtaking. It makes you admire Japan more for keeping their non-tourist attractions just as picturesque as the tourist ones.

In addition to the photos, Yazawa includes notes, references, and explanations to what non-Japanese residents are familiar with: samurai, ikigai, Eastern vs. Western culture, harajuku girls, food, music, etc. However, there are sections that describe how Western culture was just as influential in Japan than it was vice versa. Words and terminology you have heard of, you thought you knew, or never heard of are listed and explained throughout the pages.

The only issue I have with this book is the ebook edition, which is what I read. Many of the pages are spread for two-fold, but the one page view makes the picture obscure and ruins the photo (and yes, I tried to alter the settings, but it didn't work). The ebook edition sort of ruin the experience I was supposed to receive from those (split) photos.

The author did an excellent job presenting a simple, yet beautiful compilation of Japan as a country and as a culture. Anyone who has any interest in Japan and its culture should pick up this book. The pictures and the text are worth it. A perfect gift for someone who is interested in visiting "The Land of the Rising Sun."

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

This was fun! It reads like a book for potential tourists. Good one. Was sad Kimura Takuya did not get a mention! Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.