Because Japan

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Because Japan.

Japan has been in my top 3 on my list of travel destinations since I was a young girl. It has since moved up to #1.

Ash Watson has loved Japan ever since he visited the country when he was 15. When he's given an opportunity to work there years later, he jumps at the chance.

Ash Watson details in his Journal of Firsts how he adapted and acclimated to Japan; the culture shock, the sights and sounds, understanding the local customs and values, their expectations and attitude toward foreigners (not positive), visiting tourist attractions and finding beauty right in his neighborhood.

The author experiences what any one of us would experience living and working in a new country; strange, interesting new foods, being treated as other even though he spoke fluent Japanese, learning how to use mass transit, renting a new apartment and furnishing it.

My favorite story is when he encounters a member of the Yakuza, though he didn't know it at the time. What an incredible anecdote to tell at parties!

I loved how the author wrapped up his three year stint in Japan by climbing Mount Fuji. I can only imagine what an incredible experience that was.

Because Japan was honest, heartfelt and sincere and it only made me want to go to Japan even more.

"Arcades in Japan were like nothing else on Earth. They were an amalgamation of lights, sounds, shininess and all things cute and fluffy. They were a safe haven that rejected judgment, and visitors could happily and comfortably embrace their guilty pleasures at will."

Anyone who has ever lived abroad for an extended period of time will recognize the rollercoaster of joy and angst that Ash goes through when moving to Japan. Seeing as I both love Japan, as it is a country of such complete opposites (modern tech vs age old tradition, respect vs a complete lack of personal space or general awareness of what is happening around oneself), and have the experience moving to a country quite different from my own, I was excited to pick this one up.

Ash takes us through his 'Book of Firsts', and describes many an intriguing encounter with Japanese rules, people, food, tradition and living with grace and humor. Nevertheless, the title of this memoir just makes perfect sense as for this book, as sometimes there simply is no way to explain any of it any better than... Because Japan.

Becuse Japan is a hilariously vibrant story that explores the Japanese culture with easy, reflective and witty prose. From train rides with spiders to walking through a city filled with umbrellas, Ash Watson took me on a fascinating journey through a land full of food, culture and social interactions that had me longing to buy a flight ticket whilst simultaniously keeling over with laughter.

"Queen Elizabeth! She is suspicious..."

The events are both charmingly chaotic and atmospheric. Page to page, I devoured every word. And the concept of embracing one's inner child holds firmly throughout this memoir: that is as much a foreigners-guide-to as it is a coming of age story. Every sentence is a building block in a heartfelt love letter to Japan.

I've only had the opportunity to stop in Tokyo a couple of times but learned so much more about the country and people from reading Because Japan. Watson's many stories of his train adventures reminded me of when we took the train in Tokyo with two toddlers, diaper bags, and strollers in tow. You can only imagine how that went. The author handles the occasional rudeness of the Japanese, their staring faces, and continuous lines with aplomb, finding humor where he can. He ended his two years completing his Japan-bucket list while also realizing how much he'd learned about himself and his resilience.

I get a great deal of enjoyment from reading about other people’s experiences living or spending some time in Japan. Japan is a country unlike any other; culturally unique, indifferent to foreigners in a way; seemingly safe. In the case of “Because Japan” by Ash Watson, he writes from the perspective of being a student in a foreign exchange program in high school at one time to returning every two years or so to visit friends, then finally moving to Japan to teach English in a high school about 10+ years after his first visit. Watson minces no words as he tells about his experiences riding the trains, interpreting (misinterpreting) Japanese phrases, expectations in social engagements and finding a place to live. What I found out about Watson by the time I finished the book was that he had a great deal of patience. He dealt with misunderstandings and pondered instances that he didn’t understand. These are qualities one must have when dealing with cultures unlike your own. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And don’t let it bother you. That’s why Watson can now tell you…”Because…Japan.”

Refreshing, honest view of Japan through a Western’s eyes. I got to experience what it would be like to live and teach in Japan without having to go there. A truly wonderful source for those considering teaching English in the East.

If you’ve ever experienced living abroad, have a love for all things Japan or if you’re looking for a great book to pull you in and provide an escape from everyday life, Because Japan is the book for you.

Ash Watsons’ funny and engaging stories make this book incredibly easy to pick up again. (Though I admit I couldn’t put it down once. In the end, I read it all in one sitting!).

Through his essays, Ash analyses the good and the not so good of living in Tokyo as a gaijin (foreigner) and never fails to make you feel like you are always by his side, living those same experiences with him. Although a memoir, the book takes you on a journey that almost feels like fiction and the numerous train chronicles scattered throughout the book are a great hook that always leave you looking forward to the next one.

The lighthearted tone of this book makes it perfect to read anytime and anywhere, whether on your daily commute, on a beach or before bed. It’ll leave you smiling, curious, fascinated and entertained. I’m already looking forward to reading it again!