This book can be split into two halves, although I doubt that was the intention of the author. The first several chapters are about the authors experiences in Japan: the awkwardness of adjusting to a new culture, language barriers, different social philosophies, etc. I found this portion of the book to be fantastic. It was very funny in places, and always enlightening. Although everyones experiences are different, it basically lets you know that living abroad is an adventure, and not a smoothly paved road. While the second half still deals with a lot of these themes, it becomes a lot more philosophical and introspective. This is where the "Japan-ness" of the book doesnt really matter. It is about searching out ones place in life and feeling caught in between cultures (it could be anywhere, it just happens to be Japan and the United States in this case.) It is fascinating to see how other cultures deal with grief, loss, etc. The stories about Japanese funerals are so different from what one experiences in the west. This book provides a good, balanced view of living abroad and of living in Japan more specifically. She does a good job exploring and probing concepts that many others surely struggle with, but dont articulate as well. I breezed right through the book, I read it in two or three sittings and it never became tedious. The focus shifts in the book, but thats often what happens when one has major events in their life.
I had searched a long time for something readable--insightful but not academically dry-- about modern Japanese culture and found it with this memoir. The writing and storytelling are beautiful, honest, poignant, and funny. The author really takes you with her--from her fascination and even obsession with the Japanese culture to her ambivalence of ever feeling if shell fit in. You feel like you are travelling with her, experiencing all the funny, touching, wacky things that she sees, as well as all the emotional shifts, decisions, etc. of someone trying to balance her cultural interests, academic career, and family. Any other author could be awkward about this, but she really does it naturally and subtledly, so it feels as though you are part of both her external and internal journey. I dont know if Ive ever read another book that has touched me like this one. Ive tried looking for more books to learn about the Japanese culture and about personal experiences in Japan, but I doubt if I will find any more beautifully and sentimentally done.
This is a wonderful story that gives insight into Japanese culture. Cathy N. Davidson opens her heart and soul to share her experience of living in Japan in a University town. She leaves behind the stereotypes and misconceptions about who the Japanese people are and what the Japanese are about. The experience of being a gaijin, a foreigner, in Japan is a fascinating experience. She uses her own personal experiences and friendships as the backdrop to develop an understanding of the differences that exist culturally and how she copes with the misunderstandings and indulgences that come together to create interpersonal relationships. The interesting aspect in this situation is that each side has a different perspective and the rules of engagement are not clear. She handles the differences with understanding and an inquisitiveness that is open and honest in seeking out the similarities that are below the surface and the culturally ingrained realities that drive the Japanese. The overworked and driven businessmen, the stressful educational system, childhood indulgence phenomenon, along with a difficult language and a written language that takes years to comprehend are all a part of the tale. She also brings some deep personal insights into her own life into the story that make this book so much more than a travelogue!! This book was a treasure for me to read after just returning from another trip to Tokyo and having experienced many similar situation and discussions. Ms. Davidsons love and appreciation of a culture and country that is so different from her own shines through out her writing. Her delight in new experiences, different ideas and her open, honest heart make this book a discerning and perceptive narrative.
