Clueless in Tokyo: An Explorer's Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan

(Paperback)

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Description

A perfect introduction to Japan and Japanese culture, this illustrated culture and travel guide contains loads of original drawings as well as the Japanese script for key words and phrases.

Some people take photos, but artist Betty Reynolds captures memories with her paintbrush and watercolors. Clueless in Tokyo provides an outsider's take on everyday life in Japan's capital city--a place where vending machines talk, toilets can be terrifying, and centuries-old festivals unfold against a backdrop of space-age architecture. During the seven years Reynolds lived in Japan, she filled thirty sketchbooks with everything that caught her eye. Whether it's fashion, food, sport, transport, seasonal rituals, or Japanese pastimes, each vibrant sketch is a delight, and Reynolds' witty hand-lettered captions in both Japanese and English provide an entertaining resource for beginning learners of the Japanese language.

Adult students and travelers alike will find this Japan travel guide to be a charming and insightful addition to their trip.

Reviews

"A cool, clever and captivating look at modern Japan. A one of a kind approach to explaining Japanese culture. Buy two copies and give one to a friend." --Robert Whiting, author of You Gotta Have Wa
"Feel lost in Tokyo Don't know what's going on You need Clueless in Tokyo. This colorful guide will, ahem, clue you in to the city's sights and sounds." --Brian Ashcraft, author of Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential
"Drawn in charming watercolor sketches with accompanying Japanese termsthis is a must-read!" --I Am Aileen blog

Author Bio

Betty Reynolds worked as a creative consultant and art director in Philadelphia before accompanying her husband first to Singapore and then Tokyo, where they made their home and traveled extensively for many years. Her fascination with Asian culture led her to fill thirty sketchbooks with the colorful art that inspired this book. She has published three other books on Japanese culture--Squeamish about Sushi, Japanese Celebrations, and Tokyo Friends. Betty and her husband now live on a small island in America's Pacific Northwest where she paints local scenes. Betty and Frank return to Asia every chance they get.