Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japan cover
Good Books rating 4.33

Technical:
  • ID: 2012
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781529907278
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2023-08-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Abroad in Japan follows Englishman Chris Broad as he navigates life in a rural Japanese village, despite knowing no Japanese and having zero teaching experience. Over ten years, he explores all forty-seven prefectures, encountering everything from terrifying missile incidents to mortifying love hotel experiences. Packed with humor and fascinating cultural insights, this book unravels the complexities of Japan in a way that is both informative and entertaining. From the lush rice fields of the countryside to the frenetic energy of Tokyo, Broad's journey is an extraordinary exploration of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Reviews
Cafethinking · 2025-04-12
delightful 4.50

The reviewer praises the author's informative and witty style, appreciating how the book makes cultural differences accessible and enjoyable. They highlight the author's ability to make the reader feel enlightened and entertained.

This reviewer was impressed by the author's ability to explain cultural differences in a way that feels both educational and entertaining. They particularly enjoyed the witty and engaging writing style, which makes the book a pleasure to read. The reviewer also noted that the author doesn't make many demands on the reader, making the book accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. Overall, they found the book to be a delightful and informative journey through Japan's unique culture.


Quick quotes

    He's informative and witty and makes few demands of the reader.

    He explains cultural differences in a way that makes you feel faintly wise for understanding them.

    The book is a delightful and informative journey through Japan's unique culture.

SteveDRice.net · Stephen Rice · 2024-12-31
engaging 4.50

The reviewer found the book nearly perfect, highlighting its strengths while noting a few minor shortcomings. They appreciated the author's unique perspective and engaging storytelling.

Stephen Rice found 'Abroad in Japan' to be a nearly perfect memoir, praising the author's unique perspective and engaging storytelling. He appreciated the depth of the author's experiences and the way they were presented, making the book both informative and enjoyable. While he noted that the book is not quite flawless, the strengths far outweigh any minor shortcomings. Rice's overall impression is that this is a highly recommendable read for anyone interested in Japan or personal growth stories.


Quick quotes

    Nearly perfect, but not quite.

    The author's unique perspective and engaging storytelling make this a standout memoir.

    The book is both informative and enjoyable, with depth and insight into life in Japan.

Sam Still Reading · 2024-10-24
insightful 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the honesty and relatability in the author's journey, highlighting the challenges and growth experienced while living in Japan. They found the insights into Japanese culture and the author's personal struggles particularly engaging.

This reviewer really connected with the author's raw and honest storytelling. They loved how the book didn't shy away from the loneliness and difficulties of adapting to life in Japan, especially the nuances of learning the language and navigating the housing system. The reviewer found the cultural insights fascinating and felt that the author's personal growth throughout the book was both inspiring and relatable. It's clear that the reviewer values the authenticity and depth of the author's experiences shared in the memoir.


Quick quotes

    I really liked the honesty of Chris' story from being lonely to learning Japanese and navigating the housing system as a foreigner.

    He's honest about the struggles and the triumphs, making it a compelling read.

    The insights into Japanese culture are both informative and engaging.