The Japanese: Strange But Not Strangers by Joe Joseph (31-Mar-1994) Paperback

by Joe Joseph

We can all reel of the names of Japanese companies. But who in the West can identify even a few of Japan's top politicians or celebrities? Japanese industry may have invaded our living rooms, but the Japanese themselves remain a far-away enigma.

Genres: Japan

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Arunima · Rating 1 out of 5]

Racist, sexist and incredibly disrespectful. I am so amazed that this guy was a Tokyo correspondent for The Times -- white English men can do anything they want it seems.

The only things I could stand to read without wincing every page were the chapters about barakumin (the Japanese 'untouchables') and 'aliens', the death of Emperor Hirohito and rise of Prince Akihito and related politics, and the yakuza. These were the only chapters where it felt like I was getting more information than his unfunny, very very biased and hypocritical insight (or rants). Or quite possibly, these were the only chapters where I wasn't that bothered by his biased show of Japanese side of things because these chapters were about the racism/casteism of Japan, shitty police officers, yakuza who have power and influence, and politicians: none of which/whom I have any sympathy for.

Anyway, I can't believe I actually read it. I can't believe it was published by Penguin Books and sold for $17 in any age. I can't believe someone actually bought this copy before it made its way to me (I got it for free, but I believe I should have been paid, or at the very least praised as a hero of society, to endure this and write this review even though no one really made me).

I am going to throw it in the recycling bin, so no one gets to read it, even by mistake.

[Azabu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is 20 years old and still fresh as a daisy, captures the essence of how non Japanese experience the country. I laughed out loud at parts.