A Geek in Japan - Héctor García

With a rather plain cover that simbolizes the content but don’t really catches your attention (I read the portuguese version… the english cover looks better imo), I admit that wasn’t expecting several of my questions and curiosities about modern japanese society to be answered there.
Structure begins with several historical and socio-cultural aspects, building a base so that the reader understands better the modern current culture.
It’s a book filled with photos and pics – several of them taken by the author himself, a real talent when capturing unexpected scenarios – , organized in sections that is pleasing to read either straight or as a per topic guide.
It’s easy to read, has lots of humor, easy to understand and has lots of personal experiences from Héctor when he decided to move to Japan. This is the main interesting point of the book: It was written not by someone who went to Japan for a vacation and became dazzled by strange or bizarre stuff, but by someone that really went through the experience of moving there, had a daily life, and was interested in researching a lot to know better and adapt to a new life there.
The only complaint I might have is relative to the font size chosen for the book. But this also gives more room for the information and the subject, and is really not that bad, so…

Subjects such as religion and belief systems in Japan, the basis which compose the japanese way of life, how is daily life there, what people watch on TV, how they relate to each other and several other interesting themes needed to understand animes, mangas, movies and for those who are going to Japan are in the book.
While A Geek in Japan doesn’t get too deep into any of the themes, it covers several aspectos of the modersn culture better than any other book I’ve ever read. Ends up building the perfect link between light illustrated reading for those seeking information without the necessity of loosing hours on books with specific themes, or pages and pages from Wikipedia.
The final chapters which covers Tokyo wards and essencial japanese cities, like a tourist guide for people with specific needs (otakus, culture seekers, tech freaks, etc), only made me want even more to get my stuff and do just like the book author did… move to this different and fascinating country.

I recommend it to everyone. It’s been really common to hear comments about several things Japan made up by prejudice, superficial information and bullsh*t made up by mainstream media. Blogs and TV shows paints Japan with sensationalist colors.
Asian countries are marked as perverted, strange, bizarre and other stupidities, often excluding cultural aspects and the daily life in a city such as Tokyo. Books like Héctor’s are a rarity.
Now, I’m left waiting for the translation of his next book: Momentos

- For those who are interested in his blog, don’t forget to check the series of posts about japanese sleeping in public spaces!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwIIRW-gZmo

Lots of random cellphone straps or keychains with random sounds.

They are sold like small gifts and prizes… generic toys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf22X9w3XfM

Smells like office prank, don’t they?

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNAS0RwltoE

Can we call this one a patch or fix for alcoholics?

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otRCwth964o

Edamame from Bandai only makes sense for those who ate fresh natural boiled soybeans that are still in pods.

It’s stupid delicious! In this case though, it’s just a stress relief in keychain or cellphone strap form.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RITA14kERWM

mamemamemamemamemamemamemame

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nqMWzi-JHM

Believe it or not, this is a japanese keychain toy thing that emulates peeling off a banana.
And the best part? It emulates the supposed sound of peeling a banana with a voice saying “peel” in japanese… or english with a very heavy japanese accent.

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj_yL2WJvZk

Don’t let anyone call you a weakling or a wimp again with this Yubipoki keychain, a keychain that emits knuckle cracking sounds!

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i5lSloRR2I

This small train set on the Takara Tomy line of toys looks pretty interesting, with all the controls and possibility to compose a small RC world with other toys from the same line.

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFFm2iuB2FA

The Hex Bug is just a toy bug that goes walking around.

It also can detect walls and stuff blocking it’s way to turn around and keep walking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC2qyy8Og1U

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxDSRIDET4w

Looks like a toy but is probably very useful as a kitchen appliance… if works as advertised.

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfwMCEn3PoU

Choken-Bako is a dog that will eat your every penny!

Source: tomonaring YouTube Channel