Uniquely Japan: A Comic Book Artist Shares Her Personal Faves - Discover What Makes Japan The Coolest Place on Earth!

Japan is a country that seamlessly blends futuristic and zany elements with rooted and venerable traditions. Abby Denson's book, "Cool Japan Guide," showcases the country's distinctive popular and traditional culture, including vending machines, tiny alleyways, shrines, mascots, whimsical architecture, stamps, colorful construction vehicles, and delicious food. It offers a fun opportunity for armchair travel and reminds visitors to keep their eyes wide open when visiting Japan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Japan is a country that seamlessly blends futuristic and zany elements with rooted and venerable traditions. It is home to a multitude of festivals that take place almost every day of the year, adding to the country's vibrant and diverse culture. In her book, "Uniquely Japan," Abby Denson, an author known for her "Cool Japan Guide" and "Cool Tokyo Guide," showcases the unique aspects of Japan that make it stand out from other places in the world.

Denson's personal drawings and photos accompany her commentary, providing a visual feast for readers. From the iconic ramen and sushi to the fantastic creatures that have become popular in video games and anime, Denson explores the diverse facets of Japanese culture.

One of the standout features of Japan is its vending machines. These machines are equipped to sell a wide range of products, from eggs to electronics. They are often located in tiny alleyways, where visitors may stumble upon a shrine or a hip-hop bar, adding to the country's unexpected surprises.

Another fascinating aspect of Japan is its mascots. These characters are often used to promote serious businesses, such as banks or insurance companies. However, they are often depicted in a playful and whimsical manner, adding a touch of humor to everyday life. Denson highlights some of the most memorable mascots, including the "Hanko Bank" lion and the "Nissin" Cup Noodles man.

The architecture in Japan is also worth mentioning. Denson showcases whimsical designs for neighborhood police stations and castles, adding a touch of magic to the country's urban landscape. She also highlights the colorful stamps that are used to collect at railway stations and castles, reminding visitors of the country's rich cultural heritage.

Construction vehicles in Japan are not just functional; they are also visually appealing. Denson describes the brightly painted, hardworking construction vehicles that beep and talk as they pass by, adding to the country's charm.

Of course, no discussion of Japan would be complete without mentioning its delicious food. Denson showcases a variety of dishes, from noodles and bento boxes to gorgeous sweets. From the classic flavors of kimono to the adorable kawaii culture that has become popular worldwide, Japan has endless ways to astonish visitors.

"Uniquely Japan" offers a fun opportunity for armchair travel and serves as a reminder to keep an open mind when visiting the country. Denson's commentary is informative and entertaining, making the book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of Japan.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 161 x 209 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805316207