6 Fascinating Books About Japan to Read

This last week, I had the pleasure of reading a book by Michael Booth called, Super Sushi Ramen Express. Not really knowing how this book would be as far as reading interest, I was quickly absorbed into the cultural differences of particular areas of Japan. Which areas are bustling huge concrete jungles and which are the wooded scenic areas. As well as a unique view of classic Japanese icons: sushi, sashimi, soy sauce, sake, tofu, and not least sumo wrestling. All have highlights that I have never heard of. This book ended up being a delight with adventures in food I am not sure I would be brave enough to try. Kudos to his two young sons!

I am revisiting this favorite of mine from a few years back. This crosses over from Japan into China and the Japanese attacks. Having read the above book, I dusted off this one to re-read. An Irish Christian woman in the trenches of back-alley Tokyo and Spanish influenza. Starting a rescue home for little girls destined for the life of a geisha, she adopted girls and ran a home of peace and a beacon of light. One of the most inspiring stories right up there in the feel of Gladys Aylward, Sensei will stay in my home library.

This book by Michelle Dominique Leigh is absolutely fascinating! A full book of everyday as well as seasonal beauty routines for the Japanese woman. From teas for internal beautifying, facial tonics, and rubs this is a book that I enjoy referring to. In January, I now look for fir tree needles to make a cleansing mid-winter facial tonic for circulation as well as enjoying a bag of rice bran for a soft facial skin shower cleanse instead of soap and a washcloth (when I can find rice bran!).

This beautiful app follows the traditional Japanese year divided into little week units. Each unit follows the seasonal weather, animals, plants, poetry, and art drawings that suit the time. A very beautiful, interesting, and gentle app to check into. You can get it at the Apple store.

These 2 books by Peter Menzel have been the spine for geography studies for many a homeschooler. Yet, these books are not written for the young child, they are very suitable for the adult. Facts, recipes, food and belongings of families all over the world. In the Japanese world, he follows several families and has them lay out all their belongings or in Hungry Planet– all the food they will eat in a week. Interviewing them and giving the relational information to draw you into their world. These are must have books.