Books matching: contemporary japan
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- #1
Save:A quirky, ambitious mosaic of Tokyo life with a stray cat as its silent witness; inventive and atmospheric, but its fragmented style may not charm everyone.
Kentaro held the hot cup of coffee to his lips and blew at the rising steam. The back office of his tattoo parlour was dimly lit, and the light from his laptop screen gave his dirty white stubble a bl... - #2
Save:A stark, unforgettable look at Tokyo’s edgy underbelly - short, shocking, and sure to linger in your mind. If you want something daring and different, pick this one up!
'Dogs and Demons: Tales from the Dark Side of Modern Japan' by Alex Kerr is a scathing critique of modern Japan, highlighting the country's loss of identity, soul, and cultural heritage. Kerr delves into the issues plaguing Japan, such as the focus on form over content, the neglect of architectural and natural heritage, and the impact of political and economic systems on Japanese society. Through insightful analysis and real accounts, Kerr paints a vivid picture of a nation grappling with neophilia, environmental degradation, and a lack of self-awareness.
The book provides a comprehensive examination of Japan's struggles with modernity, covering topics like the erosion of history and culture, the culture of shortfalls and cover-ups in the nuclear power industry, and the consequences of bureaucratic construction projects and cronyism. Kerr's writing style is described as critical, objective, and unflinching, offering a compassionate yet unwavering look at the challenges facing Japanese society. Readers are drawn into a world where honesty and acknowledgment of problems are seen as essential for Japan's progress and development.
What I am about to communicate to you is the most astonishing thing, the most surprising, the most marvellous, the most miraculous, most triumphant, most baffling, most unheard of, most singular, most...Japan and the Shackles of the Past is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Japanese history, political economy, and society. The author, R. Taggart Murphy, weaves together various aspects of Japan's past and present, offering a passionate and coherent narrative that sheds light on the country's complexities. With a focus on Japan's postwar economy, business, social trends, and politics, the book provides a deep understanding of contemporary Japan, challenging conventional wisdom and offering unique perspectives.
The beginning of Japan’s modernization is usually dated to 1868. In that year, the last of the shoguns would formally “return power” to the Throne, ending Japan’s two-and-a-half century experiment in...- #5
Save:'Fruits Basket, Vol. 1' by Natsuki Takaya follows the story of Tohru Honda, a teenage girl who becomes an orphan and ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family. The family harbors a dark secret - when hugged by members of the opposite sex, they transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The book delves into Tohru's interactions with the Sohma family members, especially Yuki, Shigure, and Kyo Sohma, as she uncovers their secrets and navigates the complexities of their cursed lives. The plot is a mix of heartwarming moments, comedic situations, and mysterious elements, all wrapped in a captivating writing style that quickly draws readers in.
The first volume primarily focuses on introducing the characters and setting the stage for the series. Despite the light-hearted and humorous tone at the beginning, there are hints of deeper, darker undertones and foreshadowing that promise a more complex narrative as the series progresses. The artwork, while described as comic-like and simplistic by some, complements the story well and aids in bringing the characters to life, making it an enjoyable and engaging read for fans of the genre.
- #6
Save:A moving and quietly powerful tale about finding meaning and connection in unexpected places. If you like gentle, contemplative reads, this short novel is a sweet treat.
Sentaro stood over a hot griddle inside the Doraharu shop, as he did all day everyday, cooking pancakes for his dorayaki. Cherry Blossom Street was a run-down commercial strip in a depressed part of t... - #7
Save:A whimsical, often haunting, but occasionally uneven set of short stories. Dive in if you want a strong dose of Murakami’s signature mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary, but don’t expect every story to resonate the same way. Great for fans of surreal literary fiction or anyone looking for modern fairy tales with a melancholic twist.
I’M IN THE KITCHEN cooking spaghetti when the woman calls. Another moment until the spaghetti is done; there I am, whistling the prelude to Rossini’s La Gazza Ladra along with the FM radio. Perfect sp... - #8
Save:Sweet, philosophical, and quietly powerful - this is a quick but memorable read that lingers in the heart long after the last page. Perfect if you want something touching and beautifully written, with all the feels of nostalgia and childhood wonder.
TWO-HUNDRED-THIRTEEN to Florida, three-hundred-twenty to polite, three-hundred-eighty to church medicine, four-hundred-fifteen to choco skip, four-hundred-thirty to your forties, vegetable boots is al... - #9
Save:A gripping, deeply unsettling ride through Tokyo’s underbelly that blends shocking horror, social critique, and existential dread. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and not for everyone - but you won’t forget it.
As I pronounced these words in English I wondered why we have so many ways of saying the same thing in Japanese. Hard-boiled: Ore no na wa Kenji da. Polite: Watashi wa Kenji to moshimasu. Casual: Boku... - #10
Save:A melancholy, cerebral ride that explores the roots of darkness and redemption. Brilliant in its concept and haunting in execution, though its slow pace and ambiguity are not for everyone.
I was eleven, and my father had called me to his study. In his black suit he leaned back heavily on the leather sofa, perhaps because he was already an old man and standing tired him. A ray of the set...
