What do you think?
Rate this book
21 Years of Wisdom: One Man's Extraordinary Odyssey in Japan
Growing up in the crime-ridden streets of Los Angeles’ South Central, Darrell Gartrell could easily have become just another statistic. But a decision to travel abroad altered his fortunes forever. Following a backpacking journey across Europe, Darrell arrived in Osaka.
There, he became the first African-American to develop a language program centered on urban culture. His school, called Wisdom21, was an instant hit, with multiple branches and hundreds of clients across the country. But doing business in Japan was to come at a heavy price, and Darrell’s phenomenal success meant that he attracted, not only the upper echelons of polite Japanese society, but of the feared ‘yakuza’ (Japanese mafia) as well.
Darrell tells his story here, in 21 Years of Wisdom – One Man’s Extraordinary Odyssey in Japan, where he shares with readers the time-honored rituals, forbidden pleasures, and mystic customs that date back centuries, yet rarely experienced by a ‘Gaijin,’ or foreigner, in Japan.
21 Years of Wisdom is a poignant memoir, and a beautifully written African-American biography; chronicling a fight for survival in a strange land; paving the way for those in search of their own path to wisdom—in the 21st century.
There, he became the first African-American to develop a language program centered on urban culture. His school, called Wisdom21, was an instant hit, with multiple branches and hundreds of clients across the country. But doing business in Japan was to come at a heavy price, and Darrell’s phenomenal success meant that he attracted, not only the upper echelons of polite Japanese society, but of the feared ‘yakuza’ (Japanese mafia) as well.
Darrell tells his story here, in 21 Years of Wisdom – One Man’s Extraordinary Odyssey in Japan, where he shares with readers the time-honored rituals, forbidden pleasures, and mystic customs that date back centuries, yet rarely experienced by a ‘Gaijin,’ or foreigner, in Japan.
21 Years of Wisdom is a poignant memoir, and a beautifully written African-American biography; chronicling a fight for survival in a strange land; paving the way for those in search of their own path to wisdom—in the 21st century.
- GenresNonfiction
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2016
11 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 14, 2017
This memoir gives us a vivid account of the restless, tireless, and prolific life of Darrell Gartrell. His acutely perceptive overview of the world, and the creative style he uses to describe the atmosphere gives of a lens to immerse ourselves in his experiences.
These impressions and attention to detail played a crucial part in the reading experience. From the onset of this biography I am met with a strong narrative of suspense and the dynamic process of his personal growth, defined by the trials and hardships of his life.
The premise of this book is extraordinary, because we see him gradually evolve from humble beginnings to a very successful businessman; matched equally with an auspicious state of mind.
Explore a roller coaster ride that is Darrell Gartrell's life, as he is met with Love, Betrayal, Success, and trial by fire. He goes through many hardships, but rises from the ashes a better man.
The sum of this book to me is the most positive expression. It has inspired me to dream greater... Think Beyond... Reach higher... and to never give up.
But if I keep talking, I'll spoil too much. Its a bad habit of mine.
I highly recommend this book! Read Now!
These impressions and attention to detail played a crucial part in the reading experience. From the onset of this biography I am met with a strong narrative of suspense and the dynamic process of his personal growth, defined by the trials and hardships of his life.
The premise of this book is extraordinary, because we see him gradually evolve from humble beginnings to a very successful businessman; matched equally with an auspicious state of mind.
Explore a roller coaster ride that is Darrell Gartrell's life, as he is met with Love, Betrayal, Success, and trial by fire. He goes through many hardships, but rises from the ashes a better man.
The sum of this book to me is the most positive expression. It has inspired me to dream greater... Think Beyond... Reach higher... and to never give up.
But if I keep talking, I'll spoil too much. Its a bad habit of mine.
I highly recommend this book! Read Now!
April 11, 2018
I was born in Asia, lived there for 20 years, and practiced law in Tokyo and Osaka, but I still learned a lot from this book. Mr. Gartrell explains common pitfalls with an engaging and addictive writing style.
Nevertheless, I was struck by his criticism of sex tourists in other Asian countries because his business, as he readily admits in the book, was built in part by his Japanese harem.
A thoughtful look at the underside of the experience of many foreigners, Mr. Gartrell’s insights into the black entrepreneur’s experience in China, America and Japan is an eye opener.
Nevertheless, I was struck by his criticism of sex tourists in other Asian countries because his business, as he readily admits in the book, was built in part by his Japanese harem.
A thoughtful look at the underside of the experience of many foreigners, Mr. Gartrell’s insights into the black entrepreneur’s experience in China, America and Japan is an eye opener.
January 12, 2017
Interestingly enough the author himself brought this book to my attention a few weeks back, as he had noticed the myriad of other Japan/Travel related books I'd previously read.
The book provides some fascinating insights into the author's life, and in particular focuses on his 20 years in Osaka, during which time he setup a successful branch of English language schools, before it all came crashing down by the end. I understand that story told is rooted in fact with perhaps some embellishment thrown in to make for a better read. I'd be fascinated to know what was what.
I loved the way the book opened up - a chapter about the frustrations of getting a drivers licence in Japan. Although mundane in nature it's expertly written and sets the scene for some of what's to come.
The book then switches to the authors early life in Los Angeles and relates some heartbreaking stories. I found this part especially interesting, and actually would have liked to have read more about this time in his life.
The book is well written and very easy to read. If anything I would have loved it was longer and was able to go into more detail, as the author seemed to have some great insight into how Japanese culture works - things which I haven't come across in other similar type books.
It's a personal story which you can tell has had a lot of love put into it. If you enjoy Japan you'll enjoy this. You'll enjoy it even if you don't. Highly recommended.
The book provides some fascinating insights into the author's life, and in particular focuses on his 20 years in Osaka, during which time he setup a successful branch of English language schools, before it all came crashing down by the end. I understand that story told is rooted in fact with perhaps some embellishment thrown in to make for a better read. I'd be fascinated to know what was what.
I loved the way the book opened up - a chapter about the frustrations of getting a drivers licence in Japan. Although mundane in nature it's expertly written and sets the scene for some of what's to come.
The book then switches to the authors early life in Los Angeles and relates some heartbreaking stories. I found this part especially interesting, and actually would have liked to have read more about this time in his life.
The book is well written and very easy to read. If anything I would have loved it was longer and was able to go into more detail, as the author seemed to have some great insight into how Japanese culture works - things which I haven't come across in other similar type books.
It's a personal story which you can tell has had a lot of love put into it. If you enjoy Japan you'll enjoy this. You'll enjoy it even if you don't. Highly recommended.
November 10, 2019
21 years of wisdom is a refreshing and enlightening read on how a young African American man from South Central Los Angeles, elevates himself from his surroundings of violence, poverty, and drugs to become a profitable businessman in a land half a world away. Darrell Gartrell gives a first-hand account of a story that is often unheard of and rarely told.
As a young woman of color, coming from a similar background of being surrounded by poverty and violence, who also aspires to make a life abroad. His story immediately captured my attention. The book is full of eye-opening information that is only obtained from living through it which Gartrell does, and with his creative writing style shares with those of us who are unlucky or lucky enough in some cases to not experience it ourselves. In the homogenous population of Japan, this tall black man stood out, attracting the attention of numerous Japanese women, which Gartrell certainly used to his advantage to fulfill his array of desires.
The greatest discrepancy I find with this book is that this is from one man's perspective and his experience. This is not a how-to guide on how to get rich in japan and/or how to conquer the Japanese woman to do so.
As a young woman of color, coming from a similar background of being surrounded by poverty and violence, who also aspires to make a life abroad. His story immediately captured my attention. The book is full of eye-opening information that is only obtained from living through it which Gartrell does, and with his creative writing style shares with those of us who are unlucky or lucky enough in some cases to not experience it ourselves. In the homogenous population of Japan, this tall black man stood out, attracting the attention of numerous Japanese women, which Gartrell certainly used to his advantage to fulfill his array of desires.
The greatest discrepancy I find with this book is that this is from one man's perspective and his experience. This is not a how-to guide on how to get rich in japan and/or how to conquer the Japanese woman to do so.
May 1, 2022
I met Darrell when I stayed as an AirBnB guest at his home in Savannah when on my way to the CPAC Conference in DC in early 2020 (just before Covid). I had shattered the screen on my cell phone and he kindly drove me all over town looking for a repair shop that might have a replacement screen in-stock. Since I’ve long practiced zazen (Zen Buddhist meditation) – albeit sporadically at times – my ears pricked up when he mentioned that he’d spent many years running a language school in Japan, and had written this book about it. It’s a bit uneven and – I would say – not all complimentary to himself. (Some of his behavior I found reprehensible, though I may have done similar if not worse myself. At least he’s honest.)
The title refers to the fact that – inspired by his experiences with various wisdom-teachings – he named the language school he eventually founded Wisdom21, and that he spent 21 years in Japan.
A few excerpts:
p. 56: After spending much of 1989 and 1990 exploring Europe, my return to the United States was first met with excitement and jubilation. I had embraced not only a whole new world, but a new way of looking at the old one. I felt like the Black Paul Revere, bringing a message of encouragement to my fellow citizens of color.
I was now beginning to question America’s claim to be the greatest country on Earth. “Greatest for who?” I wondered. Not for my friends William Morris, David Adams, or even Sophia – all murdered – their only crime being born “free” in America.
In Spain, for example, I didn’t have to worry about getting jumped by the Crips or the Bloods, or for being caught unaware in the wrong part of town. In countries such as Holland, Hungary, and Denmark, I strolled freely throughout the town without fear of the police, whose record shooting of unarmed Blacks in Los Angeles alone rival the glory years of the KKK. In fact, in Europe, the odds of getting shot or attacked by police remains practically nil, just as it is in almost every modern country in the world – except America – the world’s so-called bastion of liberty and freedom.
p. 86: The day to start my first teaching job in Japan had finally arrived. Since I flew in on a tourist visa, it was necessary for me to exit the country and re-enter on a working visa. Doing so meant taking my first trip to Seoul, South Korea.
Only one hour away by airplane, my maiden trip to Seoul was like a voyage to hell. Not only was the city crippled with lung-choking smog and unbearable congestion, traffic lights and road signs served no practical purpose, making the streets of Kabul seem tame by comparison. And that was the better part of the experience. In those days especially, Koreans were not so shy about expressing their disdain toward Blacks, as I got chased out of every small hotel I tried to check into. The hotel staff would wave me away a hundred feet from the entrance.
When Koreans weren’t growling at me outright, they were ignoring me all together, most particularly at convenience stores and cafes. My only safe haven – a pricey one at that – was the Marriott Hotel, perched atop a leafy hilltop summit with a stunning view of the glittering city below.
pp. 110-1: As my private lessons continued to blossom, a few of my loyal students would take me into their confidence seeking advice:
“Sensei [Teacher], I met this American guy and he really likes me. What do you think?”
Let’s see. Here’s a loyal client who pays me faithfully every week. I have met her parents, who not only sent her to the big city to get an education, but also seem pretty anxious about her well-being. After all, she is a college freshman. On the other hand, here is an American dude – just like me, a Black man – just like me, whose primary interest in young Japanese women, I am fairly certain, is to get laid – just like me.
I had witnessed countless young [Japanese] women lured into the trap of false romances with my fellow ex-patriots. Most of these women ended up bitter, scarred, or worse – with a broken heart. When they happened, they often foreign men forever, but I did not want this to happen to one of my naïve and gullible students. No angel myself, I was often in direct conflict between my profound spiritual insights vs. the daily demands of a weakened flesh. Back in the U.S., I led a fairly typical life and tended to shy away from romances not suitably cultivated, wholesome, or clean. In Japan, however, the rules of engagement were radically different. In many respects, there were no rules at all. Nevertheless, as an aspiring businessman, community leader, and person of conscience, I felt it my duty to address her concerns as appropriately as I could – though tact was never my strong suit.
“Stay away from that nigga!” I told her – or words to that effect. Of course, word got back to Mr. Casanova, who promptly called me on the phone and berated me for “sticking my nose into his business” (even though he met the young lady at a student-party that I hosted). It was the first time I had ever been cussed out by a Black man in White English. Not that it mattered, but I have always been perplexed by Black people who are unable to speak Black English.
The title refers to the fact that – inspired by his experiences with various wisdom-teachings – he named the language school he eventually founded Wisdom21, and that he spent 21 years in Japan.
A few excerpts:
p. 56: After spending much of 1989 and 1990 exploring Europe, my return to the United States was first met with excitement and jubilation. I had embraced not only a whole new world, but a new way of looking at the old one. I felt like the Black Paul Revere, bringing a message of encouragement to my fellow citizens of color.
I was now beginning to question America’s claim to be the greatest country on Earth. “Greatest for who?” I wondered. Not for my friends William Morris, David Adams, or even Sophia – all murdered – their only crime being born “free” in America.
In Spain, for example, I didn’t have to worry about getting jumped by the Crips or the Bloods, or for being caught unaware in the wrong part of town. In countries such as Holland, Hungary, and Denmark, I strolled freely throughout the town without fear of the police, whose record shooting of unarmed Blacks in Los Angeles alone rival the glory years of the KKK. In fact, in Europe, the odds of getting shot or attacked by police remains practically nil, just as it is in almost every modern country in the world – except America – the world’s so-called bastion of liberty and freedom.
p. 86: The day to start my first teaching job in Japan had finally arrived. Since I flew in on a tourist visa, it was necessary for me to exit the country and re-enter on a working visa. Doing so meant taking my first trip to Seoul, South Korea.
Only one hour away by airplane, my maiden trip to Seoul was like a voyage to hell. Not only was the city crippled with lung-choking smog and unbearable congestion, traffic lights and road signs served no practical purpose, making the streets of Kabul seem tame by comparison. And that was the better part of the experience. In those days especially, Koreans were not so shy about expressing their disdain toward Blacks, as I got chased out of every small hotel I tried to check into. The hotel staff would wave me away a hundred feet from the entrance.
When Koreans weren’t growling at me outright, they were ignoring me all together, most particularly at convenience stores and cafes. My only safe haven – a pricey one at that – was the Marriott Hotel, perched atop a leafy hilltop summit with a stunning view of the glittering city below.
pp. 110-1: As my private lessons continued to blossom, a few of my loyal students would take me into their confidence seeking advice:
“Sensei [Teacher], I met this American guy and he really likes me. What do you think?”
Let’s see. Here’s a loyal client who pays me faithfully every week. I have met her parents, who not only sent her to the big city to get an education, but also seem pretty anxious about her well-being. After all, she is a college freshman. On the other hand, here is an American dude – just like me, a Black man – just like me, whose primary interest in young Japanese women, I am fairly certain, is to get laid – just like me.
I had witnessed countless young [Japanese] women lured into the trap of false romances with my fellow ex-patriots. Most of these women ended up bitter, scarred, or worse – with a broken heart. When they happened, they often foreign men forever, but I did not want this to happen to one of my naïve and gullible students. No angel myself, I was often in direct conflict between my profound spiritual insights vs. the daily demands of a weakened flesh. Back in the U.S., I led a fairly typical life and tended to shy away from romances not suitably cultivated, wholesome, or clean. In Japan, however, the rules of engagement were radically different. In many respects, there were no rules at all. Nevertheless, as an aspiring businessman, community leader, and person of conscience, I felt it my duty to address her concerns as appropriately as I could – though tact was never my strong suit.
“Stay away from that nigga!” I told her – or words to that effect. Of course, word got back to Mr. Casanova, who promptly called me on the phone and berated me for “sticking my nose into his business” (even though he met the young lady at a student-party that I hosted). It was the first time I had ever been cussed out by a Black man in White English. Not that it mattered, but I have always been perplexed by Black people who are unable to speak Black English.
April 1, 2022
If 21 YEARS OF WISDOM was a work of fiction, I might have given it a rating of 3 or 4 because of different questions that came up as I read it. Because it is a memoir, I feel it more deserving of 5 stars due to such factors as the author’s soul-baring candor (whether or not one argues with him on certain points), the well-defined cultural analyses presented in the book, and a command of language which might have put a smile on the face of someone like Toni Morrison. There’s also the fact that after reading Darrell Gartrell’s amazing real-life “odyssey” in Japan, I found myself compelled to write a 2-part essay too lengthy to share in full here. So below is what I concluded are some of the book’s most valuable teachable take-aways followed by a link to the full article:
1) Harmonious interaction between members of converging cultures is as dependent upon those entering a host country as it is upon indigenous communities accommodating them.
2) The literature of the African-American expatriate experience is one deserving of greater study within the contexts of both American academia and world literary forums.
3) The potential for mutually life-enriching experiences shared by immigrants and native residents on various shores is an extensively well-documented one, the study of which could serve America well as the country continues to evolve from one of a majority-White rule to one of a minority-majority population.
4) Alongside any strategies for raking in maximum profits, effective organizational leadership requires ethical practices which safeguard the integrity of an organization’s products, its image, and its personnel.
5) The mindful practice of cultural literacy provides an effective deterrent to mind-less violence between people of different nationalities, religious background, and other social distinctions.
To read the full review please visit:
https://www.author-poet-aberjhani.inf...
Aberjhani
May 29, 2017
The problem with this book, and the reason for the one star rating, is that the author clearly thinks he is painting a picture of himself as a debonaire international businessman with a highly developed, urbane, inspirational perspective of the world. However, he actually unwittingly paints a picture of himself as a usurious, narcissistic garbage fire of a human being who essentially developed and used a de facto harem of Japanese women for his own personal profit and lacks the self-awareness to realize that in his own words, he comes across as mean, selfish, unethical and fairly foolish. This is a huge disappointment, given that I was familiar with his businesses long before I came across the book and was expecting a story of business savvy and cultural immersion, not a strung together, horrifying mess of self-centered dismissals of women who paid out cash, took on immense debts, and worked hard to create successful businesses that the author took the credit for.
Also, he can't really write.
Don't spend money on this, y'all.
Also, he can't really write.
Don't spend money on this, y'all.
August 7, 2018
I finished 21 Years of Wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was written well especially in a way I can understand and even relate to when it came to dealings with hisown family. One part that stuck out to me when he returned to Japan the first time and he wanted to share his experience with the family in L.A. and they kind of shunned him off. Very unfortunate black americans don't open their eyes to a whole new world, especially coming from their own...but I digress. I enjoyed reading about his upbringing in Los Angeles and how the times were at the time throughout the high school years Even to the part time gig after school before he was influenced to backpack through Europe. I love the details on painting the picture of that experience in France
Darrell really knocked it out the park especially with his time in Osaka. From the teaching at his apartment to starting Wisdom 21 (multiple branches) and even into Tokyo before the teaching business took
Darrell really knocked it out the park especially with his time in Osaka. From the teaching at his apartment to starting Wisdom 21 (multiple branches) and even into Tokyo before the teaching business took
June 16, 2019
Darrell Gartrell's book discusses his life growing up in the poor section of Los Angeles and how his mother raised 5 little kids on welfare after his father passed away.
The Watts Riots, Martin Luther King Assassination, and constant gang killings were all major influences (besides the neighborhood rent parties).
After finishing night school, Darrell traveled 3rd class through Europe and discovered many things before his arrival in Japan. His twenty year
Osaka journey was surprising as well as shocking in some ways. For anyone interested in how an entrepreneur grows
a business in a foreign country, this book is an interesting and entertaining read.
The Watts Riots, Martin Luther King Assassination, and constant gang killings were all major influences (besides the neighborhood rent parties).
After finishing night school, Darrell traveled 3rd class through Europe and discovered many things before his arrival in Japan. His twenty year
Osaka journey was surprising as well as shocking in some ways. For anyone interested in how an entrepreneur grows
a business in a foreign country, this book is an interesting and entertaining read.
November 24, 2022
Very awesome read
Very awesome read and definitely inspiring. There was so much that the author could have directed, but also some aspects that were outside of his control. I hope he is able to find continued success in other ventures.
Very awesome read and definitely inspiring. There was so much that the author could have directed, but also some aspects that were outside of his control. I hope he is able to find continued success in other ventures.
June 6, 2024
It's A Okay Read.
This book is supposed to be about a guy's time in Japan but it's more focused on his business and his personal deal is with Japanese business people and personal citizens of Japan.
This book is supposed to be about a guy's time in Japan but it's more focused on his business and his personal deal is with Japanese business people and personal citizens of Japan.
March 30, 2024
Boring.DNF
July 4, 2021
This was probably a 2.5-Star book, which I rounded up to 3 stars. I didn't think it was a great book and I found that I did not like the writer as a person for how he appeared to use women, but that may be the American woman in me, as what is accepted in Japan regarding relationships is different than it is in the US (at least according to the author). I'm not disappointed that I read it since it did give insight into the Japanese culture - especially around the subject of sex and relationships. I would probably not choose to read this book again, but it has its merits if you are interested in Japanese culture.
September 16, 2018
Get ready for an amazing ride! I could not put it down! This book gives so much raw and candid insight into the Japanese culture. As an African American female who enjoys traveling, I wanted an honest perspective of what life was like in Japan and what I could expect if i decided to travel there. The author definitely walks you through the various cultural expectations and doesn't hold back on what it's REALLY like to live in Japan. The honesty of the author's words will grab you and keep you reading. It's literally a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. This is what I call a rock star story of what it feels like to be high up and then suddenly so low you're sinking like the Titanic!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews