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A review by travellingcari
Lost Japan by Alex Kerr
4.0
2005 read while in Japan
Lost or non-existent, I'm really not sure which. So long has passed since Alex Kerr wrote this book that I'm not sure even his Japan exists anymore, but the book is still a great read. Loved the Osaka chapters and the acknowledgemnent that you can be a Japan-o-phile without worshipping the place.
The Japanese have always tended to treat foreigners like creatures from another universe.
100% agreed, a lot of Alex Kerr's 'existing Japan' thoughts are less relevant now but that, still entirely true. It's part of what I love about the country though, it really is. As is the Law of Palaver. I think if someone were ever to just stand up and make a decision, the others around would faint from surprise, it's just not how things are done.
And as I said earlier, I agree entirely with his thoughts on Osaka. The trip to Kyushu taught me that really, Japan isn't all that ugly. But you know what, I wouldn't live anywhere else. I love it here. Bumps and all. "It is the last bastion against the sea of ordinariness sweeping over Japan, and when it goes there will be many who miss it. In the words of Tamasaburo, 'The decline of Kyoto I can live with. But please, please, Osaka never change!'" One of the things I missed when I was gone was the unique culture, the dancers outside work, the goths at Osaka Castle Park on Sundays, the fun that is Osaka.
Love this country I really do.
Lost or non-existent, I'm really not sure which. So long has passed since Alex Kerr wrote this book that I'm not sure even his Japan exists anymore, but the book is still a great read. Loved the Osaka chapters and the acknowledgemnent that you can be a Japan-o-phile without worshipping the place.
The Japanese have always tended to treat foreigners like creatures from another universe.
100% agreed, a lot of Alex Kerr's 'existing Japan' thoughts are less relevant now but that, still entirely true. It's part of what I love about the country though, it really is. As is the Law of Palaver. I think if someone were ever to just stand up and make a decision, the others around would faint from surprise, it's just not how things are done.
And as I said earlier, I agree entirely with his thoughts on Osaka. The trip to Kyushu taught me that really, Japan isn't all that ugly. But you know what, I wouldn't live anywhere else. I love it here. Bumps and all. "It is the last bastion against the sea of ordinariness sweeping over Japan, and when it goes there will be many who miss it. In the words of Tamasaburo, 'The decline of Kyoto I can live with. But please, please, Osaka never change!'" One of the things I missed when I was gone was the unique culture, the dancers outside work, the goths at Osaka Castle Park on Sundays, the fun that is Osaka.
Love this country I really do.