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Culture Shock!
Japan : a survival guide to customs and etiquette
Whether you're conducting business, traveling for pleasure, or even relocating abroad, one mistake with customs or etiquette can leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. International travelers, now more than ever, are not just individuals from the United States, but ambassadors and impression makers for the country as a whole. Newly updated, redesigned, and resized for maximum shelf appeal for travelers of all ages, Culture Shock! country and city guides make up the most complete reference series for customs and etiquette you can find. These are not just travel guides; these are guides for a way of life.
281 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
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139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 3, 2015
The non-opinionated and factual parts of this book were very good and accurate as to what I have observed in my own trip to Japan (I finished reading it after a week and a half in Okinawa and right before a two-day stay in Tokyo). It has been very helpful in learning how to manage myself and keep from being a bumbling Western tourist and self-entitled American.
But the author gives this air of overall disliking living in Japan and has very little good to say about the country overall. It feels highly disrespectful, very white-privileged, and fails to let the reader come up with their own conclusions of customs and culture of Japan in favor of belittling humor. Much of the wording is just flat out rude, and I found myself actually getting angry at how many things were described on more than one occasion.
If you can separate matters of personal opinion from facts of how things are done in Japan, this is a fascinating and accurate read that will undoubtedly help you during your travels. However, if you tend to let authors' opinions dictate your own, I very strongly implore you to not read this book, and instead spend your time with one much more open-minded and less saturated with personal jargon.
September 10, 2011
While I got some entertaining insight from this book, its more fit for people moving to Japan not visiting.
My biggest criticism is the derogatory remarks - its written from a Western point of view with not a small bit of smugness about Western values or ways of doing things over other culture's approaches or values. While those sorts of differences are helpful to point out, the tone was insulting, I felt. It's one thing for you to speak about your experiences and surprises, another to categorize a whole group or culture as
I experienced the same sort of frustrations reading a book written by westerner about thailand - I dub it the "why isn't every like me since white males are the best?" perspective.
If you can get over that though, there are some insightful tips and stories embedded.
Some examples of comments I found a bit insulting:
"Although the first time I used a futon I thought, 'Wow, just like camping!' in time I have grown to prefer them to Western style beds."
"I have been reassured that all this rubbish [household trash] is reliably taken care of once the proper authorities collect it; however, I can't help but feel that some of it is just being secretly dumped in the sea somewhere."
Those aren't the worst, just the ones I could find quickly. :)
My biggest criticism is the derogatory remarks - its written from a Western point of view with not a small bit of smugness about Western values or ways of doing things over other culture's approaches or values. While those sorts of differences are helpful to point out, the tone was insulting, I felt. It's one thing for you to speak about your experiences and surprises, another to categorize a whole group or culture as
I experienced the same sort of frustrations reading a book written by westerner about thailand - I dub it the "why isn't every like me since white males are the best?" perspective.
If you can get over that though, there are some insightful tips and stories embedded.
Some examples of comments I found a bit insulting:
"Although the first time I used a futon I thought, 'Wow, just like camping!' in time I have grown to prefer them to Western style beds."
"I have been reassured that all this rubbish [household trash] is reliably taken care of once the proper authorities collect it; however, I can't help but feel that some of it is just being secretly dumped in the sea somewhere."
Those aren't the worst, just the ones I could find quickly. :)
January 20, 2008
I read this book shortly before coming to Japan. Not one I'd recommend. Sure, it has plently of tips about survival in Japan, information about the country that can come in handy for helping you to settle into life in a new country. But there are other books out there that I believe would better serve that purpose.
The author's tone is annoying. He takes jabs at Japanese culture constantly. You really get the impression that the author didn't have a very good experience living in Japan. Why he was hired to write this book, I'm not sure. Either that, or he's just trying to be funny. But it doesn't really work. It just ends up being a little annoying and distracting.
--Jen
The author's tone is annoying. He takes jabs at Japanese culture constantly. You really get the impression that the author didn't have a very good experience living in Japan. Why he was hired to write this book, I'm not sure. Either that, or he's just trying to be funny. But it doesn't really work. It just ends up being a little annoying and distracting.
--Jen
February 10, 2018
This is something I seldom view: one person speaking their mind about a place. Which is blasphemy according to many long distance fans. Or racism for not seeing the Kurosawa Akira movie of the life in Japan.
Later edit: the drawings are mediocre. But the text is so wonderful! Finally someone who accepts the Japanese for what they are: human and individuals. It's precisely the insensitive reader who feels offended by this text that is racist for needing to have the people obey a certain stereotype. Which is ironic because these are the forces that shaped that ideal Japan into a rigid form. p. 31:
> As you have probably figured out by now, a lot of the pressure to maintain harmony comes from the fact that many others in one's group are determined to enforce harmony. Those who suppress their own individuality are free from abuse. Those who insist on thinking and doing as they like must constantly endure the petty tyrannies of the group.
Later edit: the drawings are mediocre. But the text is so wonderful! Finally someone who accepts the Japanese for what they are: human and individuals. It's precisely the insensitive reader who feels offended by this text that is racist for needing to have the people obey a certain stereotype. Which is ironic because these are the forces that shaped that ideal Japan into a rigid form. p. 31:
> As you have probably figured out by now, a lot of the pressure to maintain harmony comes from the fact that many others in one's group are determined to enforce harmony. Those who suppress their own individuality are free from abuse. Those who insist on thinking and doing as they like must constantly endure the petty tyrannies of the group.
May 13, 2008
Very thorough. Though it's meant for someone relocating, it's a good reference for anyone interested in modern Japanese culture.
The food and the anime rules, but I'd stick out like a sore thumb in Japan with my crass western features and manners. I'll visit, but for now I'll stick to reading Naruto and eating ramen.
The food and the anime rules, but I'd stick out like a sore thumb in Japan with my crass western features and manners. I'll visit, but for now I'll stick to reading Naruto and eating ramen.
January 9, 2008
This book accomplished one amazing feat: it single-handedly convinced me to write for profit. If this jackass can make up multiple conflicting untruths and sell books I want a piece of the action. What a horrible gift to receive.
June 21, 2020
I’m sure by this point, you all know about my obsession with Japan, and my desire to learn more about the culture. So when I got the chance to read this book, I couldn’t pass it up.
I was immediately thrown off by the less-than-clear image on the cover, and flipping through I saw that all the pictures were in black-and-white. I almost put the book back of the shelf, thinking that it must have been written in the 60s or 70s and that a good deal of the information would have changed and be out-of-date. Don’t let the lousy graphic quality throw you off, though; this book was only published in 2005.
Much like the last book I reviewed about Japan, this is not a travel guide. Unlike the last book, it isn’t really a memoir, either. The author drew upon his own experiences of living in Japan and told some amusing anecdotes, yes, but this wasn’t a book about him.
Unlike travel guides, which do a good job of teaching you how to properly order sushi or how to hail a cab, this book prepares a person for living in Japan, not merely visiting. It covers things that travel guides won’t, such as how to pay your bills, or how to get by at the office. As such, I learned a remarkable amount about daily life in Japan, from a westerner’s perspective, that travel guides and memoirs often don’t speak of. Travel guides assume you won’t be there long enough, and memoirs assume that some tidbits would be too boring for the reader.
Thankfully, I’m the kind of anthro-nut who appreciates all the scraps of information I can gather.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to everyone. It doesn’t have enough information in it to appeal to a very wide audience. But for those who are curious about day-to-day tasks in Japan, or for those who are planning to move there for work, I definitely recommend this one. It may not be a definite resource, but it’s certainly a big help, and will teach you things you probably never even thought to ask about.
I was immediately thrown off by the less-than-clear image on the cover, and flipping through I saw that all the pictures were in black-and-white. I almost put the book back of the shelf, thinking that it must have been written in the 60s or 70s and that a good deal of the information would have changed and be out-of-date. Don’t let the lousy graphic quality throw you off, though; this book was only published in 2005.
Much like the last book I reviewed about Japan, this is not a travel guide. Unlike the last book, it isn’t really a memoir, either. The author drew upon his own experiences of living in Japan and told some amusing anecdotes, yes, but this wasn’t a book about him.
Unlike travel guides, which do a good job of teaching you how to properly order sushi or how to hail a cab, this book prepares a person for living in Japan, not merely visiting. It covers things that travel guides won’t, such as how to pay your bills, or how to get by at the office. As such, I learned a remarkable amount about daily life in Japan, from a westerner’s perspective, that travel guides and memoirs often don’t speak of. Travel guides assume you won’t be there long enough, and memoirs assume that some tidbits would be too boring for the reader.
Thankfully, I’m the kind of anthro-nut who appreciates all the scraps of information I can gather.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to everyone. It doesn’t have enough information in it to appeal to a very wide audience. But for those who are curious about day-to-day tasks in Japan, or for those who are planning to move there for work, I definitely recommend this one. It may not be a definite resource, but it’s certainly a big help, and will teach you things you probably never even thought to ask about.
October 5, 2021
This book was helpful to understanding some of the cultural background of Japan, though it is a little outdated now (published in 2004, but the current year is 2021). My favorite sections were the ones about business etiquette and history.
One criticism I had of the book is: I felt that the author was pretty judgmental and critical of some aspects of Japanese culture and Japanese people. He seemed to be talking down about Japanese people and Japanese culture at times, which I didn't appreciate.
If a modern person wants to learn about Japanese culture, I would suggest getting a more current book.
One criticism I had of the book is: I felt that the author was pretty judgmental and critical of some aspects of Japanese culture and Japanese people. He seemed to be talking down about Japanese people and Japanese culture at times, which I didn't appreciate.
If a modern person wants to learn about Japanese culture, I would suggest getting a more current book.
January 8, 2025
I read this while living in Japan, my first Eastern country to live in, although I'd already travelled there. It's on the right track and very informative in explaining and clarifying details expats may otherwise not understand or find surprising or confusing. As another reviewer mentioned, it may not be suitable for those only travelling there as these things are generally not as apparent for those not living in the country. I've not used books like this when living anywhere else including other parts of Asia.
June 5, 2017
I am not rating this book 5 stars because I agree with everything the author has to be. Some remarks are overly critical to the point of obnoxious. But, this book led me on a journey of introspection when I discovered how close the culture and society of Japan are to that of my country, India and in what poor light some of the practices can be perceived by foreign eyes. The author's view is not entirely partial and gives due credit to the Japanese when they deserve so.
November 6, 2017
This guide provides an thorough look at Japanese culture and how to get along in it. The author having lived there for many years, has a lot of insight into the sort of thing Westerners find confusing about life and society in Japan. He also has useful advice about how to get by.
Definitely recommend reading it if you plan on going to Japan. :O)
Definitely recommend reading it if you plan on going to Japan. :O)
March 18, 2020
I just finished this book I have been reading for weeks whenever I had a few minutes.
And my book had a different author: Raina Ong
But it was a great way to learn about the customs and day to day living in Japan.
Made me all the more intrigued by Japan and all the more deeply saddened at the cancellation of my trip. But still glad I read this.
Thanks Min!
And my book had a different author: Raina Ong
But it was a great way to learn about the customs and day to day living in Japan.
Made me all the more intrigued by Japan and all the more deeply saddened at the cancellation of my trip. But still glad I read this.
Thanks Min!
March 3, 2026
Ten years since I read this and now twenty years out of date. This book has reached it's expiration date and I would seek out a more recent book.
Many of the tips in here are vague because Bramble tries to spread himself across every possible outcome, which isn't useful for either tourists or immigrants. I'd get a more specialised book in either case to help you cope.
A lot of stuff in here is true, to an extent, but you can tell Bramble didn't like living in Japan for whatever reason. There definitely is a honeymoon period with living in Japan, but I personally find if you make the effort to be polite, Japanese people are endlessly patient to help you.
If you ever do need tips from someone in Japan, don't be afraid to ask - but try to ask someone in uniform, like a police officer or traffic warden or other not-engaged worker than a random passerby. They're also more likely to know English if you have to fall back on it.
Many of the tips in here are vague because Bramble tries to spread himself across every possible outcome, which isn't useful for either tourists or immigrants. I'd get a more specialised book in either case to help you cope.
A lot of stuff in here is true, to an extent, but you can tell Bramble didn't like living in Japan for whatever reason. There definitely is a honeymoon period with living in Japan, but I personally find if you make the effort to be polite, Japanese people are endlessly patient to help you.
If you ever do need tips from someone in Japan, don't be afraid to ask - but try to ask someone in uniform, like a police officer or traffic warden or other not-engaged worker than a random passerby. They're also more likely to know English if you have to fall back on it.
January 15, 2009
This is definitely an informative and entertaining read. Even though I'd already been living in the country for a couple months when I picked up the book, it still taught me a lot; and even the stuff I already knew was presented in an interesting manner.
Nevertheless, I found myself frustrated with Bramble's incessant negativity. From a gaijin (foreigner) standpoint, it's all too easy to have a cynical attitude toward Japanese culture. Unfortunately, this attitude seems to constitute the trend within most of the foreign-authored literature on Japan. From a Western perspective, Japanese culture is easily perceived as weird, rude, and just plain irrational. What I'd really like to see is a Western author who can discuss his personal exposure to Japanese thought, practices, and traditions without becoming entrenched in negative criticism.
...If that's possible.
Nevertheless, I found myself frustrated with Bramble's incessant negativity. From a gaijin (foreigner) standpoint, it's all too easy to have a cynical attitude toward Japanese culture. Unfortunately, this attitude seems to constitute the trend within most of the foreign-authored literature on Japan. From a Western perspective, Japanese culture is easily perceived as weird, rude, and just plain irrational. What I'd really like to see is a Western author who can discuss his personal exposure to Japanese thought, practices, and traditions without becoming entrenched in negative criticism.
...If that's possible.
November 4, 2008
I checked this out to research a Japanese-culture workshop I'm doing for teens. It's enlightening about contemporary Japanese culture, to say the least. Just a few examples:
In general, married Japanese women are expected to be "June Cleaver" types (expected to be housewives only, always in skirts and make-up, no help around the house from husband), but hold the purse strings to the point of doling out an "allowance" to their spouses.
Cleanliness is a national obsession: to the point of scrubbing suitcases after taking a trip.
The business-world hierarchy is even more oppressive than I thought it was based on reading previous books.
Fascinating, entertainingly written, well-organized for browsing, and eye-opening.
In general, married Japanese women are expected to be "June Cleaver" types (expected to be housewives only, always in skirts and make-up, no help around the house from husband), but hold the purse strings to the point of doling out an "allowance" to their spouses.
Cleanliness is a national obsession: to the point of scrubbing suitcases after taking a trip.
The business-world hierarchy is even more oppressive than I thought it was based on reading previous books.
Fascinating, entertainingly written, well-organized for browsing, and eye-opening.
January 8, 2014
A short and entertaining read that give you a potted example of what living in Japan is like for someone coming from the US. The author lives in Japan with is wife and children and documents elements that would be particularly useful to know to prevent, well, culture shock. I'm not sure which book the other readers had, but it seemed clear he was documenting his experience adjusting to life there with a tongue firmly in cheek and didn't shy away from describing things he felt were unsavoury or hard to grasp. Not an academic book at all but it was worth the purchase cost just for the information in the 'Doing Business in Japan' chapter, which I have not found from a first-person POV in any other type of literature.
August 24, 2019
I mostly enjoyed this book. I read it before, during and after a trip to Japan last month and found it a helpful introduction. It helped to demystify and to raise awareness of where I was, and what I was experiencing. It's a practical book, rather than a deep analysis - useful for a business traveller as well as a tourist, and with lots of information helpful to anyone staying longer term in the country. It's clearly written by an 'outsider', however, which is sometimes evident in the tone of some shallower critical observations.
December 2, 2014
very easy read though not what I expected - I thought the author put a bit too much of his own biases and rants as a gaijin n thought this was a bit annoying even though I get he is trying to be humorous! It's a good book to get the juices flowing and starts out really well with a good mini-history lesson. Be sure to check out more academic ramblings on Japanese culture to help balance your perspective!
September 29, 2014
I've been on a binge when it comes to books regarding modern Japanese culture. This is by far one of the most xenophobic pieces of trash I've read. Although it contains some useful tips for someone wanting to relocate (bank info, childcare, etc.). It's grossly intolerant regarding nuances of the Japanese people and society. Strictly for the arrogant, white, business type that's pissed they've ended up working there.
October 17, 2014
This book is written in the eyes of a White guy who does not appreciate other culture than his. I find many Japanese traditions he has described awful as something really profound and beautiful. He does not write bad, though - at least for that I add one star, which now makes a 2-star rating. But a 2-star for a condescending foreginer loathing 95% of the time throughout the book is a tad too high. I'd give 1.3 as a precise (and generous) rating.
Read
October 21, 2008A nice pre-visit to Japan book. Chock full of useful information, but presented sometimes in an obscure manner. I wouldn't go without reading it, by any means, but it's not going to be something you read on the flight over and it's going have you on all cylinders when you touch down.
August 28, 2012
Amusing, though sometimes felt too much like the writer was trying to pick on every little thing. Also you can tell it's written by an American; a European person would find certain aspects of culture less shocking and others more. Still I'd recommend people to read it.
November 5, 2008
This a great series to read for preparing for traveling to foreign countries with cultures that are different from our own. I've learned a lot from these books and felt well prepared for my trips.
Read
July 23, 2011If you take it for what it is - one person's perspective on japanese culture - then it is an interesting and informative read. And I think the author managed to be witty sometimes.
Read
August 2, 2011good summary of areas of cultural differences. some good suggestions and recommendations
October 14, 2013
While not perfect, this book is by far the most compelling literature on how life in Japan, notably for foreigners who will have prolonged stay.
April 4, 2014
Unbelievably racist.
July 2, 2016
Very funny and helpful for someone who wants to live in japan.
December 1, 2016
Very interesting and informative for when I lived there almost twenty years ago.
July 4, 2008
Humorous and lots of insights into the Japanese world
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews