Nippon. Vivere e scoprire il Giappone

by Yutaka Yazawa, Taku Bannai (Illustrator), Federica Tuzzi (Translator)

Nel Giappone attuale le antiche tradizioni, come praticare l'arte del "bagno di foresta" - shinrin-yoku - o contemplare l'imperfezione attraverso l'estetica del wabi-sabi, convivono accanto a usanze ultramoderne e all'utilizzo delle tecnologie più avanzate. Yutaka Yazawa delinea il ritratto di un paese affascinante e ricco di contraddizioni, facendoci scoprire il meglio dell'arte, della cucina, della filosofia e dello stile di vita giapponesi. Da un lato Tokyo, la madre di tutte le megalopoli, un faro e un esempio di armoniosa convivenza nell'era dell'urbanizzazione, dall'altro un territorio montagnoso ricoperto per due terzi da foreste, a sottolineare come il rispetto e la celebrazione della natura siano ancora centrali nella cultura nipponica. Dai film di Miyazaki alla vita agreste, dalla cerimonia del tè allo shintoismo, andiamo alla ricerca del nostro equilibrio zen, scopriamo la gioia dell'ikigai e soffermiamoci a comprendere ciò che rende unico il paese del Sol Levante.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction, Travel, Cultural, Japanese Literature, Philosophy, Asia

221 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 2018

About the author

Having spent university and early career years in London, Yutaka Yazawa decided to return to his childhood home of Tokyo. After a long career travelling in law, he decided to make the switch to writer.

Reviews

[MischaS_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that after finishing this book, I think that the "scandi" one was way weaker compared with this one.

When I finished the last page, all I could think about was that I really want to visit Japan. There is not much to add.


***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been interested in the way the Japanese live and their seemingly unflappable exterior, so this book is right up my reading street! Nowhere else in the world can such Zen individuals be found living in super-metropolis' that would have most of us stressed and tearing our hair out. I also admire the respect that the Japanese have for the natural world, and the enjoyment they get from even the smallest, simplest things.

Japan is the destination right at the very top of my bucket list and somewhere I long to visit someday. This book not only talks about the fascinating culture, customs, products, food, design, holidays, spirituality and philosophy that each contribute to the mental well being of Japan's residents, it's actually useful too. East meets West, old traditions meets new advancements, this informative text is beautifully complemented by clear, full colour photographs which serve to make my yearning to visit even stronger, although I would've liked to have known where each of the photos were taken, so a caption would've been appreciated! A comprehensive guide to all things Japanese, ideal for Japanophiles and those planning to travel there soon. Written in an accessible tone that is easy to understand, you'll be one step closer to comprehending Japan and the Japanese having read this text. I plan to purchase a copy for my bookshelf as I can imagine a hard copy being far superior given that the photographs and the design of the book is a large part of the appeal.

Overall, this is an ideal introduction to the idiosyncracies of Japan which covers a wide variety of topics in sufficient depth. Should a particular part of the book tickle you, you can pick up another title that deals with it in greater detail should you so wish.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press/White Lion Publishing for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just BEAUTIFUL. Not just the pictures, but the insight, the peek into Japan and it's culture and people is just so interesting and fresh to me, it made me want to travel halfway around the world to visit this amazing place and people.

I mean, I want to do that anyway, but this book makes me feel like I wouldn't be TOO horribly "ugly American" if I went. I don't think this book has made me an expert or anything, but I feel like I would understand a little about Japan and the culture there. Not the language, unfortunately. I am rather poor when it comes to languages other than my own.

Though that wasn't the point of the book, some words and phrases with no direct translation were included, as well as the thought-process behind them. That was very interesting and I wish that section had been longer and that my memory was better!

4.5 stars, rounded up, because it was just so exactly what it claimed to be. A book about Japan and the culture and people, from one person's POV, but honest and so interesting. Highly recommended if you are into Japan and the culture and people, or if you travel via books. This one will take you there.

My thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press White Lion Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Víctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro muy introductorio sobre Japón narrado desde el punto de vista del autor. Está estructurado en varios capítulos un poco ‘aleatorios’ que mezclan varios temas, empezando por la situación geográfica hasta terminar hablando de festividades mensuales.

Lo que me ha chirriado del libro es que toca todo, pero abarca nada. Me explico: cada capítulo se compone varios pequeños artículos de no más de dos páginas de extensión, a lo que si sumamos las fotos que aparecen, se queda bastante corto de contenido.

Me ha llamado la atención que no se haga referencia a la cultura del anime ni del manga, cuando desde hace muchos años ha sido puente cultural entre Japón y otros muchos países y si se hable de algo quizás menos popular como el ‘jazz japonés’.

Como primera introducción al país nipón para alguien que tenga curiosidad y no sepa nada quizás sería una lectura interesante, porque al hacer una visión muy general de temas nuevos y antiguos no se hará tedioso.

[Bloodorange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars - for its category, of course; informative, up to date and pleasantly written.

[Marián Tabakovič · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Wakarimasu ka? Hai, Andžin-san, domo arigato, wakarimasu!” Keď som kedysi dočítal Clavellovho Šóguna, myslel som si, že viem trochu po japonsky a bola to blbosť :) Ale odvtedy mi zostala slabosť pre túto krajinu, aj keď som skoro úplne zameraný na Európu.

Japonci sú vlastne takí Škandinávci východnej pologule. Krásu vidia v jednoduchosti, v drobnej nedokonalosti, cesta je cieľom, namiesto fiky majú čajový rituál a tiež občas sami sebe uveria, že sú etnicky nadradení. Kniha je pekná, až prekvapivo na to, že ju vydal Ikar a aj keď nie je príliš obsažná, napísal ju rodený Japonec so zmyslom pre národnú sebakritiku. Môže byť.

[Емил Антонов · Rating 4 out of 5]

Написана от гледната точка на японец, който живее в Япония. Интересно е, защото има много за историята и разделението на страната, навиците им, недостатъците им. Не много подробно, но достатъчно за човек, който не знае толкова много. И е поднесено по достъпен начин и със страхотни снимки.

[Piotr Wiśniewski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Przepięknie wydana, jednak razi niezbyt filtrowany subiektywizm/lokalny patriotyzm (Tokio pany) autora (niby ostrzegał, że tak będzie, ale człowiek się łudził).

Mimo wszystko polecam! W szczególności do przeglądania.

[George1st · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is probably impossible to fully convey the essence of a country and its people in little over two hundred pages but certainly after reading Japanese writer Yutaka Yazawa insider’s guide to the country of Japan, the reader will gain at least an insight and an increased level of understanding. Divided into readable chapters with photographs and illustrations the book covers a whole range of subjects which will be ideal for the first time visitor or just someone who wishes to enhance their knowledge. You will certainly become aware of some of the cultural differences and see how their society differs but at the same time has been influenced by the West. By living both in Japan and in the West the author is able to give both an insider's and outsider's perspective.

History, geography, religion, philosophy culture, sport and also day to day living are all covered. You get to learn how the Japanese live, work and play, its ancient but also its more modern traditions. The contrast between life in their huge cities with Tokyo overshadowing all else and life in the outlying areas is explored. The main difference between Japan and other comparable western societies it appears is the emphasis that is given by them to commonality rather than to the pursuit of individualism that predominates elsewhere in the world.

A really enjoyable read that will maybe inspire the reader to further explore this unique country.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though compact, as the title suggests, The Little Book of Japanese Living contains a wealth of information that encompasses history, culture and language. As someone currently learning Japanese, I appreciated the inclusion of kanji/kana alongside the romanised rendering of any Japanese terms and names. This was a quick read, but one I feel I would like to return to. Therefore, I do plan to buy a copy for my shelf once the book releases next year. Recommended for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture who is looking for a simple place to start.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[xxmoonagestardustxxx · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Job Borggreve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helemaal into Japan nu, wel soms matig vertaald. Nu gaan er naar toe om het gebruik momijigari (‘jagen op herfstkleuren’) 🍁

[East West Notes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleasantly surprised by this guide to Japan by Japanese writer Yutaka Yazawa. I expected a glowing how-to guide similar to French Women Don’t Get Fat. Instead, this book was incredibly well balanced in its examination of Japan’s values and sensibilities.

The introduction offers something of an apology from the author for criticising certain aspects of his country. However, this is what sets this book apart from other guides to Japan. Reading this book is like meeting a friend for a drink and getting their honest opinion on the Japanese regions, culture and lifestyles.

Each area of Japan is described in just one page, but you will feel like you’ve heard insider knowledge. For example, it includes commentary about what different regions think about each other or a note on how Kyoto people are the masters of condescension. Of course the section on food outlines their admirable approaches to health and lifestyle, but it also mentions the dangers of Japan’s high sodium intake. Helpfully the author includes the kanji for low sodium products, as well many other vocabulary words throughout this book. The pages are also beautifully filled with large photographs and illustrations.

Concepts such as wabi sabi , ikigai and fuzei are well explained in their own sections or in the guide for “Words with no Direct Translation.” It’s an impressive summary of ambiguous Japanese aesthetic senses. I especially enjoyed the comparison of Western to Japanese film plots to illustrate the Japanese concept of ikigai. This idea of allegiance to and dependence on a community and how it ties into your own sense of self-worth is a fascinating subject.

Although these complex artistic and sociological concepts are discussed, this book would still be a wonderful choice for a first time visitor to Japan. This small guide would help you understand and appreciate the interiors of a ryokan, traditional meals and the significance of famous sightseeing locations. This book doesn’t just explain different Japanese foods, it also explains the economic and cultural factors which have led to Japan having so many Michelin stars. It’s because of these unique perspectives and well considered observations that this book would be a smashing choice for the first time tourist or the Japanophile.

An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review. I am concerned that the cover seems to have the author's name spelled incorrectly?

[John Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anything that is truly Japanese will look good, for beauty in attention to detail are hallmarks of the Japanese way. And publishers Quarto Editions are equally dedicated to visual quality. So it is no surprise that this insider's guide to Japanese people, places and culture looks very good indeed. And it reads well also, in a quirky, fairly irregular sort of way which is quite endearing. As a regular visitor to Japan (to see family there) I'm grateful to Yutaka Yazawa for his honest approach: "I freely admit that my expositions are not free from subjective prejudice, borne out of my upbringing and experiences."

This plays out in the Tokyo writer's gently disparaging comments about other Japanese cities and talking-up of his own ("Tokyo will always be Japan and it will always lead, wherever Japan is heading"), and speculations on Western culture ("Though they may have been the head of a Korean invading horde at some point beyond the mists of ancient history, the imperial household is not descended from some parvenu Normans of questionable parentage, or arriviste provincial German noblemen – that we know for sure!")

The book offers a fairly straightforward guidebook introduction to the different areas of Japan, then engages with the question 'What makes the Japanese?' before looking in details at most aspects of Japanese culture, art, style and daily life - indoors and outdoors, including honest and contemporary essays on family life, 'life's milestones', holidays and celebrations. There's plenty of interesting details to satisfy the reader curious to deepen their knowledge of Japan (I didn't know before that the Tokyo Tower was built from the scrap steel of US tanks left behind after the Korean War), and plenty of Yutaka Yazawa's personal opinions expressed to illuminate aspects of the contemporary life of the place (“Japan’s modern constructions are scrap-and-build affairs…. landlords tend to build for a quick cash return rather than creating something that will last.")

It's lovely to look at and a lively read. It's by no means the final word on modern Japan (and doesn't pretend to be) but it's a pleasing contribution to the genre.

[Lois Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone ever wanted to know what Japan is like from someone who used to live there, then look no further than Yutaka Yazawa's photographic book. "How to Live Japanese" moves away from the "tourist" and "pop-culture" aspects of Japan for a more realistic presentation of Japan. The photos are simple, yet breathtaking. It makes you admire Japan more for keeping their non-tourist attractions just as picturesque as the tourist ones.

In addition to the photos, Yazawa includes notes, references, and explanations to what non-Japanese residents are familiar with: samurai, ikigai, Eastern vs. Western culture, harajuku girls, food, music, etc. However, there are sections that describe how Western culture was just as influential in Japan than it was vice versa. Words and terminology you have heard of, you thought you knew, or never heard of are listed and explained throughout the pages.

The only issue I have with this book is the ebook edition, which is what I read. Many of the pages are spread for two-fold, but the one page view makes the picture obscure and ruins the photo (and yes, I tried to alter the settings, but it didn't work). The ebook edition sort of ruin the experience I was supposed to receive from those (split) photos.

The author did an excellent job presenting a simple, yet beautiful compilation of Japan as a country and as a culture. Anyone who has any interest in Japan and its culture should pick up this book. The pictures and the text are worth it. A perfect gift for someone who is interested in visiting "The Land of the Rising Sun."

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

[OjoAusana · Rating 5 out of 5]

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a really fascinating book! I learned a lot of things I didn't know that were really interesting. For how short this book is it has so much information! some amazing photos as well.

[Ioana Lily Balas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always had a fascination for the Far East, and travelling to that part of the world has only made the fascination stronger. Generally, whatever book, film, or any material you throw at me about it, I will devour it. In recent years there has been a tendency to publish books that look at the essence of how a nation achieves happiness, and sure, this is one of these. When better to read an optimistic book than during the pandemic?

A couple of years ago I read Japan: Its History and Culture and I would say the two go very well together. One is more about the history - less about the culture, the one one is more about the culture - less about the history. They complement each other very well. 'How to Live Japanese' is not as fluffy as you might think from the title, nor is it a self-help book. It's more about how past experiences, myths, beliefs and the backdrop of natural disasters have shaped the Japanese, from the way they speak, to how they come together as a community. It's more storytelling and opening your eyes to the life of this society rather than telling you how to live like them.

The author is Japanese himself, and has lived in both Japan and the Western world. Form the get go he expresses what sort of perspectives we can expect from him and how to interpret his words, which is pretty refreshing, you don't sit there questioning the writing.

The book is divided in sections that take you through geographical areas of Japan, life outdoors, life indoors, celebrations, relationships and family and education, culture and art and food. Beyond these chapters, it's quite a brain dump, here's what you need to know, way of writing, self-explanatory, clear, and with lots of interesting facts.

So let's go through some of the things I found out (apart from I really need to get to The Tale of Genji...):
- After cremation, the family picks up the remaining (very white) bones with a sort of chopsticks to put them in an urn;
- TV is considered to be of very low quality and has been for a long while;
- Okinawa is still used as a major US military base, making for tense relations;
- Between polygamy being prevalent in history, female goddesses and strong female rulers, as well as a lenient prostitution culture, there is a difficulty in navigating sex;
- Japan celebrates the transition between seasons (oh how I envy them!) with festivals year round;
- Ninjas' black costumes are purely fictional;
- Murahachibu literally means to divide a village by 80%, so for someone to be ostracised by their community.

[Konstantin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alustuseks võiks ütelda, et selle raamatu inglise keelse trüki pealkiri on "How to live Japanese", mis oleks midagi nagu "Kuidas elada jaapanipäraselt" vm. See oleks aga minu arvates paar kraadi täpsem kirjeldus sellele, mida peaks lugeja raamatult ootama.

Mõned lugupeetud arvustajad on siin juba kenasti ära maininud, et seda raamatut lõpetades jaapanlaseks kindlasti ei saa, küll aga saab põgusa ülevaate sellest ülimalt keerulisest, sadade muutujatega võrrandist nimega jaapani psüühe. Ning ehk on pärast selle võrrandi hetkelist seiramist selgem, et tegelikult ei ole üldse mitte midagi selge.

Yukio Mishima mainis oma kuulsas inglise keelses intervjuus, et jaapani psüühes kombineeruvad kaks väga vastuolulist omadust: elegantsus ning brutaalsus. Ning et need kaks on tihedalt üksteisega põimunud nagu maod oma kevadise pulmatantsu ajal. Jaapanlaste brutaalsus tuleneb nende emotsioonidest, mis on manifestatsioon kollektiivse alateadvuse feminiinsest aspektist. Jaapanlaste elegantsus aga ilmneb nende neurootilisuse tõttu, mis on tihedalt seotud jaapanlaste sooviga mitte kogu aeg olla lahterdatud ning defineeritud. Nende kahe aspekti koosmõju viib sagedale vajadusele teatud "vaimse lõhkemise" järele, mis vabastaks inimest nende omaduste tihti üsna häirivast taagast. Näituseks oli jaapanlaste brutaalsus pärast Teist Maailmasõda tugevalt represseeritud, mis ei tähenda ometi, et see oleks kuskile kadunud.

Selliseid asju on aga mõistagi raske sellisest raamatust välja lugeda ning tegelikult peaksid kõik antud teemast huvituvad isikud lihtsalt järjest hakkama jaapani ilukirjandust läbi töötama, sealsetes inimlugudes ilmneb palju seda, mis silmale on tavaliselt märkamatu.

Kuid pildid olid raamatus oivalised!

Done.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more a book on "how the Japanese live", not exactly "how to live Japanese". On that premise, this book excels. The book is a primer on Japanese idiosyncracies that extends beyond culture and history -- it also talks about different regions in Japan, commonly celebrated holidays, and spirituality.

It covers unique Japanese customs, traditions, products -- such as kintsugi, or the art of ceramic repair with gold. It covers special Japanese words with no equivalent English translation, such as itadakimasu. It talks about the Japanese philosophies of wabi-sabi and ikigai. There's a mention on sports, craftsmanship, food, robots... I think this book covers all the bases.

This book is a great introductory read if you're a Japanophile or if you're preparing for a trip to Japan. The only thing I didn't like about the book were the illustrations -- I hope they're just stand-ins, because the artwork seems plain (in the style of paper cut-outs if I'm not mistaken).

I received a digital Advance Reader Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

[Matt Crane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright this was fun just because I’m naturally into Japanese stuff but this book is non-fiction… and the author intentionally left his own bias in for like 0 reason. There’s this section at the end about the holidays that happen in each month in the culture. In March, Japan celebrates girl’s day. 75% of the blurb about girls day was about what he and most other boys like to do on girls day because they find the traditional festivities boring. But then the boy’s day blurb was like twice as long and nothing to do about what the girls are doing to keep themselves occupied. I feel like most of this could have been avoided had the man done a little more research in order to give a more balanced perspective on some things, but it’s an infrequent enough issue that it doesn’t hinder the book all that much. The pictures are gorgeous btw and I want to go to Japan way more than I already did.

[Maksim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Книга по ощущениям напомнила погружение головы в холодную воду, и обратно. Я очень мало знаю о Японии, впрочем, как и о культуре, но книга помогла пролить свет на их образ мысли и объяснить некоторые моменты.
Есть глава посвященная их тяге к разным извращениям. Понравилось, что в конце кратко описывается их календарный год, в рамках главных праздников, которые они любят и ценят. Описывается много разных и интересных мелочей из жизни рядового японца. К примеру, в Японии, на день святого Валентина девушки дарят мужчинам шоколадки, а не наоборот. А скучающие мамы соревнуются между собой, в креативности сборки коробочек бенто (еда с собой, например обед школьника).

Для себя открыл, что во многих аспектах японская культура и образ жизни мне показались близки.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, accessible and refreshingly critical (out of love) book by a Japanese who’s spent half of his life overseas in the UK and HK.

The most interesting insight I gained (that I’d never heard of before) was how because of the Buddhist inclination to shun meat, Japanese people in the 19th century were in physical stature the shortest and smallest to date. It was only with the Western influence (and the intimidating reality of the bigger stature of Westerners) that meat became more common—though this took a while; dishes like 肉じゃが and すき焼き with its thinly-cut beef was doused in various condiments to get rid of its 肉臭さ, before steak entered the gastronomic scene—that the average height of both Japanese men and women increased 20 cm!

[Nicki Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have previously read the more recent, pocket version of this book, but it was great to finally read the full text. This book creates a perfect balance between history and cultural information, with something both for those interested in travelling to Japan and those who would simply like to learn more about the country and its people. Nicely presented and formatted with some lovely accompanying images, How to Live Japanese is a book that will look wonderful on any coffee table.

[Kristien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read, insightful, lovely pictures just makes you dream of a trip to the land of the rising sun.

[Frederike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een mooi boek dat inzicht geeft in Japan, dat ik in stukjes en beetjes heb gelezen

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational beautifully photographed look at Japan at the beautiful country rituals life.A lovely eye enriching tour of this gorgeous country,Thanks #netgalley #quatrobooks.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro bellissimo per continuare a scoprire il Giappone. Curiosità, usanze e storia. Con bellissimi scatti

[emanumela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Marion van Wijk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leest een beetje als een aardrijkskunde boek. Maar wel hele leuke mooie plaatjes 🤩🤩🤩

[Sibil · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and to the editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have never been to Japan, even if I’d love to visit it and I found this book really interesting. It’s interesting if you don’t know a lot about Japan and want to read more, it’s interesting if you have some notions of the Japanese culture, and it’s interesting even if you have a lot of info about it. To be completely honest, I think it could be an interesting reading even if you are not so interested in Japan at all.

This book has two strong features: the writing and the contents. The writing is great because it’s not hard to follow, it’s not boring and it’s never complicated or over-academic and I loved it. This book is extremely easy to follow and that’s an appreciable thing. The other really good thing about it is its content. This book speaks about a ton of different thing: from geography to history, to traditional, or not so traditional, food to games. It’s a precious collection of different facts and notions, and I think that everyone can easily find something interesting between these pages. So, yeah, I think you can guess it now, but if I have to use just one word to describe this book it would be… interesting! I learned a ton of new things and I loved it!