Traveller From Tokyo

by John Morris

The book, written in a charming and self-effacing style, gives fascinating insight into Japan and Japanese life on the eve of its fateful entry into the Second World War.

Genres: Japan, History

156 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1943

About the author

There is more than one author by this name on Goodreads

Major Charles John Morris, CBE (1895–1980), known as John, was a British mountaineer, anthropologist and journalist, and controller of BBC Radio's Third Programme.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may not be everyone's cup of tea (pun intended) but I was thrilled to find a copy and found it fascinating. I am interested in the pre-WWII era in Asia and also in what I call travel books - often journals and diaries written during this period. The British Morris lived in India for 15 years and after only a year at home, was invited to teach English literature in Tokyo, Japan. He arrived in 1938 and finally was evacuated in July 1942. The book was published in 1943 and was written after he left since he was afraid any journals or diaries would be taken and could be used as evidence against him. He comments briefly on many facets of Japanese life and although he is a bit stuffy I enjoyed these brief chapters. But the book comes totally to life after December 7, 1941. Morris becomes much more human as he describes living in a country with which his own country is at war. Essentially all other British and Americans are either arrested and jailed or put in internment camps - both of which he describes, especially detailing the legal process for those in jail.

Again, probably not a book most people would seek out, but a great find for me.

[Mike Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

randome book that sat on my shelves for ages - I really enjoyed it, full review here

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