I liked this phrase" a heightened awareness of the importance of preserving the past in Japan, because I can imagine that most "things Japanese" are disappearing with the younger generation.

This book is a short encyclopedia of things in Japanese culture. The sections are:

- House and Garden
- Possessions and clothing
- Eating, drinking and entertainment
- Custom and religion

The author shares some personal experiences, and also mentions frequently passages of the book "Japanese Home and Their Surroundings".

To say this book is cute is an understatement. It has amazing photographs, interesting interviews, and that cover alone is kawaii (OMG I want that hair. At the moment I have dyed tricolor hair but is not even close to that amazing, vibrant colors. Like a Lady Lovely Locks)

The book has different sections, like:

- Roots of kawaii
- Design
- Eats (my favorite 1)
- Dress (my favorite 2)
- Craft
- Visual Art

At first I though that once I visit Japan I would be overwhelmed with so many little, colorful characters. But with this book I learned that I would not because turns out, I love cute things! I just did not acknowledge it. I love their simple, round designs. Their wacky, over-the-top clothes. Their skill to make cute bentos. Their inspiration to create catching craft-work. Just while looking at these crafts I know I have to save a lot of money to indulge with this kawaiiness.

I cannot give it a full rating only because of abrupt end. It is an interview with some artist and then, BAM, the acknowledgments. No conclusion, no final words.

Other than that, I would recommend it to everybody.

It covers Classic Music (an anecdote about Luciano Pavarotti surprised me so much I had to share it with other people); Black Music (jazz, blues) and British Music (The Beatles, Oasis).

Excellent book. My first of this year -and I hope, of many more to come.-

I have considered myself an otaku-wannabe for a while, but after reading this book, I realized that it was a huge joke. Otakus are seriously into it. It is not a mere hobby. I am more of a manga-wota; Johnny-wota.

This encyclopedia is very complete, it covers from manga to anime; video-games to idoru. There are great pictures: about idorus, places, dolls and figures, but also some of them are very sexual. It also includes interviews with some connoisseurs of different fields (maid, anime, cosplay, etc.), some crimes that occurred with an otaku as the perpetrator.

It is like this opened my eyes. I have always found Japan a fascinating culture, but several times I was thinking this is so crazy (the dolls... the different kind of maids... certain fetishes. WOW).

I loved this book. PG-18

Pre-travel: this is the first time I will visit NY, and it is also the first time I am booking all by myself (not thru a travel agency). This book was a great help; it has all the information I need. The book is divided in zones and it also has maps. It tells the reader what to do in one day in each zone, so it helps me to book the tours. The book is not big nor thick; it is excellent for travel.