Review 24: Tokyo On Foot

Here’s another book I received from Tuttle Books!
And, as always, they have agreed to give (gave) one free copy to a random visitor to my blog!

The book I’m reviewing today is titled “Tokyo On Foot” by Florent Chavouet.

“Tokyo On Foot” by Florent Chavouet

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

This is the first book by Mr. Chavouet in which he chronicled his adventures in Japan with his gorgeous hand-drawn pictures and in writing.
He has another book about his second trip to Japan titled “Manabeshima Island Japan“. (Click here to read my review that book, and enter the drawing for a chance to win a free copy!)

Mr. Chavouet is a French artist who stayed in Tokyo for six months while his girlfriend had an internship at a company here.  During the days, while his girlfriend was at work, Mr. Chavouet bicycled around the city and stopped at random places that he found interesting to sit and carefully draw what he saw.

Everything in Japan was new to him, so it was fun for me to read the book and see the city I live through the eyes of a visitor!

A small 八百屋 (fruit & vegetable shop) in Tokyo, as drawn by Mr. Chavouet.

This book can be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in Japan, especially Tokyo. As well as those who like quality drawings of people in their daily lives.

“Tokyo On Foot” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

***** Updated January 10th, 2016 *****

This special promo ended on 2016 January 10th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review 23: Manabeshima Island Japan

I have received more books from Tuttle Books!
And, as always, they have agreed to give (gave) one free copy of each book to a random visitor to my blog!

The book I’m reviewing today is titled “Manabeshima Island Japan” by Florent Chavouet.

“Manabeshima Island Japan” by Florent Chavouet

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Mr. Chavouet is an excellent artist!
This is the second time he spent time in Japan and chronicled his adventures in a book of his hand-drawn pictures and writing.
The first time, he stayed in Tokyo and documented his stay there in a similar book titled “Tokyo On Foot” (Click here to read my review of that book, and enter for a chance to win a free copy!).

This time, rather than a big city like Tokyo, Mr. Chavouet decided to spend two months on the small, sparsely populated, but beautiful island of Manabeshima.

Whether or not you’ve ever been to the island of Manabeshima, or even to Japan at all, anyone can enjoy this book!
The artwork is amazing and the book carefully and respectfully tells about the things and people Mr. Chavouet saw and interacted with on that island.

On the left shows the island’s small unique school, and on the right is Mr. Chavouet’s realistic drawing of it.

I enjoyed this book even though there were a few minor mistakes with the Japanese language in it. But those mistakes are minor and actually add to the appeal of the book because they show that the author isn’t real familiar with Japan and the language, so I could see it through his eyes as a “newcomer”.
On the subject of the Japanese language, though Mr. Chavouet couldn’t read Japanese, he was able to draw everything he saw perfectly…even the writing on signs!

“Manabeshima Island Japan” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

***** Updated January 10th, 2016 *****

This special promo ended on 2016 January 10th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review 22: Tokyo Secrets

I was recently given two e-books to review from the author.

They are: “Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea Secrets” and “7 Secrets to the Perfect Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival Vacation“.

“Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea Secrets”

“7 Secrets to the Perfect Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival Vacation”

The author has lived in Tokyo and still continues to visit often.  Both books are full of helpful tips and useful advice to see the 桜 (Cherry Blossoms) in Japan…which are beautiful but have a short life. If you’re planning a trip here to see them, it could be difficult to decide on which dates to come.
The book “7 Secrets to the Perfect Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival Vacation” helps with that and more.

The book “Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea Secrets” offers, as the title suggests, tips for visiting the Disney amusement parks near Tokyo.
Personally, I have never felt that it was particularly difficult to go to Tokyo Disneyland, but I suppose it could be stressful for first-time overseas visitors.
This e-book would be very helpful for them, I’m sure. One point where I would give contrary advice on is purchasing tickets…Japan has “discount ticket shops” all over the place. They sell all kinds of tickets…for movies, museums, concerts, sporting events, and amusement parks at discounted prices. I always buy tickets there.

Visit Tokyo-top-guide.com to purchase these books and for other helpful tips.

Review & giveaway 14: Ultimate Origami

Tuttle Publishers has given me an excellent sets of origami set for beginners to review.

(You can read all of the reviews on my blog by going to my ““Reviews & Giveaways” page).

The publishers have kindly agreed to give (given) a set of free to two random visitors to my blog (one set each)!

This set, called “Ultimate Origami for Beginners Kit: The Perfect Kit for Beginners“ by origami masters Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander, includes an instruction book, a step-by-step instruction DVD, and 62 origami papers.

“Ultimate Origami for Beginners Kit: The Perfect Kit for Beginners”

This set is perfect for anyone interested in Japanese art in general…but especially in learning Japanese origami (art of paper folding).

I’m not very good at origami…but I was able to fold many things by following the steps on the DVD and in the book!

You can buy “Ultimate Origami for Beginners Kit: The Perfect Kit for Beginners” through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Publishers is going to give (given) one free set of each of these origami papers to two random visitors to my blog (one set for each winner)!

To enter the drawing for the free book, submit this form by 2015 April 5th:

***** Updated April 5th, 2015 *****

This special promo ended on 2015 April 5th. Two random winners were selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free sets.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winners were contacted.
*****

Review & giveaway 11: Comic Japan

Here is another review of a book and giveaway from Tuttle Books!

(There is still time to enter in the drawing for a free copy of “Japanese Design: Art, Aesthetics & Culture“.)

The next book that I’m am reviewing is titled “Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life” by Roger Dahl.

Roger Dahl’s Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Mr. Dahl is an American cartoonist who taught English and draws a comic strip for the English-language newspaper “The Japan Times” titled “Zero Gravity“.

This book is a collection of some of his best strips from the Zero Gravity comic.

If you are, have been or are interested in becoming an expat (especially one in Japan), this book will interest you.
Actually, you will like this book if you’re interested in life in Japan at all…even if you never even visited here.

“Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life” is about the life of an American couple who are in Tokyo to teach English and how they interact with Japanese neighbors, co-workers and customs.

“Comic Japan: Best of Zero Gravity Cartoons from The Japan Times-The Lighter Side of Tokyo Life” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

To enter the drawing for the free book, submit this form by 2015 March 22nd:

***** Updated March 22nd, 2015 *****

This special promo ended on 2015 March 22nd. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Review & giveaway 7: Clueless In Tokyo

I have another book to review from Tuttle Books and, once again, they have kindly agreed to give (given) one free copy of this book to a random visitor to my blog!

(Before that though…have you entered in the drawing for the free sets of lovely Japanese origami? There’s still time!
Click here and here and enter both drawings!
Click here to read all of my reviews and giveaways.)

The book that I’m reviewing here is titled “Clueless in Tokyo: An Explorer’s Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan” by Betty Reynolds.

I will put the details of the free drawing for this book at the end of this post.

Ms. Reynolds lived in Tokyo for seven years with her husband. They are both Americans so, of course, everything in Japan was new and strange to them when they first arrived here.

I can relate to that!

This book is perfect for anyone who has ever visited Japan or plans to visit here, anyone interested in Japan (whether they’ve been here or not), and anyone in learning about a very unique culture!
It would even be interesting to someone who, like me, has lived in Japan for a long time and are no longer shocked or confused by the everyday aspects of Japanese life found in the pages of this book…but, even after many years, still loves Japanese culture.

Ms. Reynolds drew the pictures in this book of the things that are commonly seen in Japan but that are “very Japanese”. Having lived in Japan for most of my life now, I’ve become “used to” life here and often don’t even notice these things anymore…they’ve become commonplace to me now. So, it was fun to see them with “fresh eyes” again through this book.

“Clueless in Tokyo: An Explorer’s Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan” shows “mysterious” Japanese things including scenes found at shrines and temples, Japanese food, Japanese holidays, decorations, traditions, seasonal customs, Tokyo architecture, youth culture, and more.

It explains things that are “regular” life to the people of Japan but a “mystery” to visitors in a way that is easy to understand.

I did notice a couple of small mistakes in it though. But these errors were minor “spelling” mistakes of the Japanese kanji terms…but most of the kanji is correct and all of the English-alphabet (roma-ji) of the Japanese words are.
So, those kanji mistakes aren’t a big deal or don’t diminish the value of this book, I believe.

I recommend this book. It’s charming, interesting and fun to read!

“Clueless in Tokyo: An Explorer’s Sketchbook of Weird and Wonderful Things in Japan” can be purchased through Amazon here.

But, as I said above, Tuttle Books has agreed to give (given) one random visitor to my blog a free copy of this book.

To enter the drawing for the free book, submit this form by 2014 October 11th:

***** Updated October 11th, 2014 *****

This special promo ended on 2014 October 11th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****

Book review & giveaway 3: Ukiyo-e; The Art of the Japanese Print

I have reviewed some books from Tuttle Publishing (One about Japanese Architecture and another was a Japanese language study tool) and they gave a free copy of each book to random visitors to my blog.

Now, Tuttle Publishing has given me two more books to review on my blog here…and, once again, they will be giving (gave) one free copy of each book to a random visitor of my blog!

The next book that I will be reviewing is titled “Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print” by Frederick Harris.

The details of the book giveaway will be at the end of this review.

The author, Mr. Harris, is an expert on ukiyoe. He has been living in Tokyo for over fifty years and has an art studio here.

This book will appeal to anyone who’s interested in traditional Japanese culture (even if you don’t know about Japanese woodblock prints), interested in ukiyoe (whether you don’t know much about the art or you’re very knowledgeable on the subject), or interested in art in general.

As for me, I’m interested in ukiyoe (I’ve written a few “ukiyoe-related” posts, including this one).

I especially like ukiyoe pictures of Japanese monsters. So, I was a bit disappointed that this book doesn’t have more information and photos of this particular type of ukiyoe.
But, I guess that’s to be expected since woodblock paintings of monsters aren’t nearly as popular as other subjects.

That’s a minor issue anyways, because this is an excellent and comprehensive book.

It is a large, hardcover book full of beautiful photos of all types and styles of ukiyoe prints. It also explains the meaning of the details in the artwork. The hairstyles, types of kimono worn, etc all have meanings!
The book also explains the incredible work and effort that is required to make a ukiyoe painting.
As well as, how to care for a print if you decide to start your own collection.

It’s a wonderful book.

I must mention one thing that could potentially make you rethink adding this book to your collection:
It contains one 10-page chapter of very explicit ukiyoe prints.

Just like artists in any culture or era, many ukiyoe artist often freelanced to earn a living.
They would often design posters and flyers to be used as advertisements for upcoming kabuki shows or sumo matches, as well as do private portraits…and sometimes p○rn0gr@phy (intentionally misspelled by me to avoid attracting spam).

To tell the truth, I was a bit taken aback by the inclusion of this chapter. I knew this type of ukiyoe existed, but I’ve never seen them included in a ukiyoe book or exhibit.

Because these photos are included, I don’t recommend this book where children would access it…such as a school art class and such. But, for adults who don’t mind explicit artwork, I do recommend this book.

Outside of that one chapter, the rest of the photos are the more “common” ukiyoe subjects: geisha, sumo, kabuki, nature, etc.

“Ukiyo-e: The Art of the Japanese Print” can be purchased through Amazon here.

As I mentioned above though, the publisher has kindly agreed to give (given) away one free copy of this book to a random visitor to my blog!

To enter the drawing for a chance to win the free book, simply submit the following form by Saturday, 2014 September 27th:

***** Updated September 28th, 2014 *****

This special promo ended on 2014 September 27th. One random winner was selected and contacted directly by Tuttle Publishers (via email) with the details about the free book.

Thank you to all who entered, but only the winner was contacted.
*****