Of Rice and Yen is a book on Japanese society, people, and culture with a refreshing difference. A truly honest and balanced account of the country, it covers not only the good aspects of Japanese society but, uniquely, provides a concise and critical account of the worst bits as well.
Forty carefully selected topics, twenty positive and twenty negative, paint a personalized and demystified account of the country in an entertaining, at times witty, and always revealing manner. From men with steel balls to waitresses with no pants, from electric baths to squirting toilets, and from golden turds to exquisite cuisine, this book has it all in a straight-punching account of Japan in all its naked splendour.
For the Japan-curious, this book provides an insight that will entertain and enchant. For the visitor or foreign resident, this book details the aspects of life that will be adored and abhorred; an account to bring the tired guidebook statistics to life.
