A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations

Published Aug. 8, 2019 by Knopf Publishing Group.

ISBN:: 978-0-451-49395-8

(1 review)

“Arguably the greatest living travel writer” (Outside magazine), Pico Iyer has called Japan home for more than three decades. But, as he is the first to admit, the country remains an enigma even to its long-term residents. In A Beginner’s Guide to Japan, Iyer draws on his years of experience—his travels, conversations, readings, and reflections—to craft a playful and profound book of surprising, brief, incisive glimpses into Japanese culture. He recounts his adventures and observations as he travels from a meditation hall to a love hotel, from West Point to Kyoto Station, and from dinner with Meryl Streep to an ill-fated call to the Apple service center in a series of provocations guaranteed to pique the interest and curiosity of those who don’t know Japan—and to remind those who do of its myriad fascinations.

1 edition

Sean Bala reviewed A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations by Pico Iyer

Review of "A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations" on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

"A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations" is a short, thought provoking volume that is a prefect companion to Iyer's other Japanese books "The Monk an the Lady" and "Autumn Light." The author, who has lived half the year in Japan for the past 30 years, has a keen eye for details and pointed reflections. The book is a collection of short passages that create a composite image of a highly fascinating nation.

I do think that the title is worth reflecting on. It is not "the" beginner's guide to Japan. This is the unique view of one person. Iyer has an unique take on Japan and, after having read other books about Japan, I have come to enjoy his take. One of my favorite aspects of travel literature is getting to know the author. Even after 30 years in Japan, Iyer still sees himself as a "beginner," and …

"A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations" is a short, thought provoking volume that is a prefect companion to Iyer's other Japanese books "The Monk an the Lady" and "Autumn Light." The author, who has lived half the year in Japan for the past 30 years, has a keen eye for details and pointed reflections. The book is a collection of short passages that create a composite image of a highly fascinating nation.

I do think that the title is worth reflecting on. It is not "the" beginner's guide to Japan. This is the unique view of one person. Iyer has an unique take on Japan and, after having read other books about Japan, I have come to enjoy his take. One of my favorite aspects of travel literature is getting to know the author. Even after 30 years in Japan, Iyer still sees himself as a "beginner," and I find his openness to the world is deeply refreshing.

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