A Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony (Geek In...guides) Paperback – June 10, 2011

I have a number of travel guides and books on Japan, I have several language books as well. I've gotten interested in Japanese culture through manga and anime, which while it may be fiction, it often tells things about a culture I find fascinating. Most of the travel books are more from a tourists perspective on what to see, where to eat, with a few cultural references thrown in on the given areas visited. This book is more of a culture book which explains or at least tries to demystify the what and who is Japan and Japanese. From the origins of some of the more quirky customs to the influence of past history and the modernization of Japan.Along the way you learn a few words and terms and what they stand for. Some interesting cultural behaviors like Honne and Tatemae, which don't translate very well in Western terms but in general explain a lot about the people. of Japan. Other cultural topics explored include Bushido, the Real Geisha, Martial Arts, Zen, and the use of the Swastika called the Manji symbol in Japan. It explained the use of wearing masks, which I though was just not to spread germs, but is mainly used as a filter for all the pollen released in cherry blossom season. Food and other pastimes are explained as well, each in a nice concise little story fashion conducive to easy reading.They also explore the culture I like the manga, and the anime, and the craziness of it all. The festivals, the shrines and what the different beliefs represent. It does this all is such a way, it's like reading a good book you can't put down. The book does a nice job of weaving its tales through a historical perspective of Japanese history and without being boring doing so. Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn more about Japan or just someone who likes other cultures. Be forewarned if you know nothing about Japan and you read this book, you can be their will likely be a trip to Japan in your future.

We are traveling to Japan for the first time in a couple of months and I have done a lot of reading to prepare for the trip. This book, by a European expatriate living in Japan, is by far the most helpful and entertaining thing I’ve read. The author really lays out the ethos and cultural habits, customs and differences between the Japanese and Western people. Strongly recommended!

As a self confessed gamer, anime freak and Japanophile, I think I overestimated the specificity of the content within.I suppose I was looking for more Geek related information such as anime studios you could visit or the best video game theme parks in Japan. My misconceptions however should in no way hinder you from purchasing this book. It is full of intersting content which briefly touches on several fun and well presented topics in short brief paragraphs.The photography is visually stimulating and overall I don't regret buying it at all.However, I believe this book is greared to those who are just beginning to take an interest in geeky Japanese culture and not those who are way passed saving. Ie: There is a brief paragraph introducing you to "Naruto".

The book is like new and such a great price!! I would order from them again. Highly recommended!

I bought this book back in June after I kept seeing it appear in YouTube videos that I watch about Japan. I just finished reading it and I paln on doing a book review of it for a small YouTube channel that I have - Unboxing Japan. This channel is more of a hobby for me right now and I like having fun with it. Back to the book. The book was a great read, but there were sometings that were either incorrect or left out altogether in m thoughts. There are a lot of usefull chapters in this book about Japanese society, daily life, work and music.I credit Mr. Garcia for taking the time to write this book and then to update it it as well, but in the current age of the internet, this book is a stepping stone for what can be found online, especially with YouTube channels like Abroad in Japan, Only in Japan * Go and Tokyo Lens. I'm not in anyway bashing this book and Mr Garcia. As someone who has done my own trip planning for Japan, this book had more pros then cons, but that will be in my upcoming video.I'm also going to get the first edition of this book to see what differences there are between the two and add that to my video as well.

When I picked up "A Geek in Japan" I didn't know what to expect, nor did I particularly expect to find a book I'd enjoy or find useful, but I was wrong. I was preparing for a three week trek across Japan and was reading all I could get my hands on. Despite not being into manga, anime, or (especially) J-Pop, I found this book to be interesting and topical. García is a brilliant young writer (he has a MS in Software Engineering and worked for CERN…) and is great at breaking ties with stiflingly stodgy travel guide sensibilities and writing about contemporary subjects in a contemporary way. The photographs and illustrations are excellent, and his viewpoints are intriguing; most of all his advice is sage and worth paying attention to. I found Chapter 11, "Visiting Tokyo" to be among the most useful and relevant things I read in preparation for my time spent there. I actually carried this book with me to Japan (and home) but I got the most use out of it preparing for the trip.If you are looking for a traditional guidebook to Japan, Fodor's has an excellent offering (I have theirs too,) but if you want a more youthful guide to contemporary Japan that is entertaining while still being useful, "A Geek in Japan" will be certain to pique your interest.

I like this better than a traditional travel guide book. My son went to Japan and I bought this book after his trip and the things in the book were the same things he was telling me about from first hand experience. The book will answer a lot of questions about Japanese culture but also give you great ideas for places to visit and when. Check out his newer book “The Magic of Japan”. Equally great!!

Muy útil y entretenido.

This is a really great quick overview of Japan. It packs lots of useful information and is perfect for someone visiting for the first time. It is so interesting and easy to read.

Ich habe das Buch verschenkt & die Freude war groß. :)

The book is really carry "A Must Read" tag for all those who are passionate about Japan.

Muy recomendado. Una lectura muy amena e informativa, perfecta para todo aquel que tenga algún interés en japón y su cultura y para aportar una visión más amplia a Otakus y fans de lo japonés