Only Gaijin in the Village

Iain Maloney, a Scottish writer, and his Japanese wife, Minori, moved to a rural Japanese village in 2016. Despite living in Japan for over a decade and learning the language, life in the countryside was a culture shock. With fewer rural residents under the retirement age, Iain's attempts at amateur farming, basic gardening, and DIY are conducted under the watchful eye of his neighbors and wife. However, he faces more challenges than just curtain twitching, such as venomous snakes, terrifying centipedes, and bees the size of small birds that stalk his garden. This memoir, told with self-deprecating humor, provides a fascinating insight into a side of Japan rarely seen and affirms the positive benefits of immigration for the individual and the community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Birlinn General

In 2016, Scottish writer Iain Maloney and his Japanese wife, Minori, relocated to a remote village in rural Japan. This is the story of his journey to assimilate, be accepted, and fulfill his responsibilities as a community member, despite being the sole foreigner in the village.

Despite living in Japan for over a decade and mastering the language, life in the countryside was a cultural shock. Due to the influx of young people migrating to cities for work, the number of rural residents aged 65 and above has decreased, leaving them with ample time and curiosity. Iain's attempts at amateur farming, basic gardening, and DIY are closely monitored by his neighbors and wife. However, his biggest concern is not the nosy neighbors but the venomous snakes, terrifying centipedes, and bees the size of small birds that stalk his garden.

Told with self-deprecating humor, this memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into a side of Japan rarely seen, while also reaffirming the positive impact of immigration on individuals and communities. It's not always easy being the only foreigner in the village.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780277394
Edition number: New in B-Paperback