A review by scheu
Dogs and Demons: Tales from the Dark Side of Modern Japan by Alex Kerr

4.0

Kerr is perfect for people who want a realistic look at Japan, as opposed to the majority of available books which paint a rosy yet idealized picture. Thank goodness I read this before I made it to Japan expecting wall-to-wall shrines and stands of bamboo. This is not to say that I won't still seek them out, but I'll understand why the bamboo stands are cedar and the shrine is surrounded by concrete on all sides.