To anyone interested in Japan in general.

[Mattaru]

So I'm an International Affairs student, my area of study being SE Asia, so I'm fairly interested in Japan among other Asian countries. I decided to pick up a book to read while visiting relatives for a few days over break. I picked up a book called Dogs and Demons: Stories from the Dark Side of Japan. And no its not folk tales. Its about Japan's sociopolitical, cultural and economic crisis since the early 20th century (and its not a Western blame game book). It was a very large eye opener concerning what actually happens in Japan despite people's popular conceptions.

Just some examples: The obsession with construction: dams, river enbankments, erosion stopping methods (that cause more erosion in areas with very little), "cultural halls" and other useless public buildings. Complete disregard for the environment in the name of industrialization: hardly any environmental policies concerning....anything. School systems that are more about obedience and endurance than learning, out of date colleges. Immovable beuracracy, denial of reality in economic practices and hiding its effects.

Its by Alex Kerr who lives in Kyoto and is a must read for anyone who is interested in Japan, and dispels many popular myths.

 

[Rones]

I'm not sure, but if you haven't read about the black American teacher in Japan, its worth checking out some of his funny stories. He discusses how Japan exports an image very different from reality. However, what you are talking about could be exaimened more by visiting the forums that go with that website. They have many members who live in Japan and discuss those dirty little secrets. You might want to check that out for another source.

 

[Brin]

Oh yea, i've read all of the teacher's articles. Great stuff!! Makes me want to go to Japan even more, XDDDDDD

 

[Langly]

Some good stories found at www.Sushicam.com along with nice Photography. A lot of his older posts contain some great cultural notes.

Also check out the forums section I administrate. Editorials contain some great stories from the Community.