{"id":33203,"date":"2024-02-13T08:43:52","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T08:43:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=33203"},"modified":"2025-04-09T09:41:29","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T08:41:29","slug":"things-to-read-and-watch-before-visiting-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/13\/things-to-read-and-watch-before-visiting-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to read and watch before visiting Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F33203&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F33203\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F33203&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F33203&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F33203%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F33203\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F33203\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><h1>Mixed media for the budding Japanese aficionado.<\/h1>\n<p>Japan is a cultural hotbed, where a way of life has been sharpened and honed into an enrapturing curriculum of art, food and custom. To the history buffs amongst us, this is of no surprise, considering from 1603 to 1867 it didn\u2019t let anyone in or out of the country. This has made Japan fascinating to us in the west, as their way is so very different to ours.<\/p>\n<p>The Japanese way is so deeply ingrained that it makes artistic expression unique, and quick to bloom and innovate. Since opening its doors over 150 years ago, Japan has pioneered some of the best art the world has seen.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s often the various pieces of media we consume that inspire us to visit somewhere, and Japan is no different. From the beauty of anime to small form documentaries, we\u2019ve put together a list of some of our and our communities\u2019 favourite bits of Japanese content that you can enjoy before, during, or after your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/\">holiday to Japan<\/a>. Think of it as a conversation starter!<\/p>\n<h1>Streaming now \u2014 Sh\u014dgun<\/h1>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/variety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/SHOGUN_105_08391r.jpg?w=1000&amp;h=563&amp;crop=1\" alt=\"How FX's 'Sh\u014dgun' Miniseries Made It Through A Decade Of Setbacks\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A classic retold \u2014 FX&#8217;s Sh\u014dgun, now streaming on Disney+ (UK) &amp; Hulu (US)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Adapting the classic novel by James Clavell, FX\u2019s new show is currently streaming on Disney +, already to rave reviews. For nearly 50 years, Sh\u014dgun, has captivated readers \u2014 showcasing Edo-period Japan through the lense of Anjin-san, a shipwrecked Englishman, who became a trusted advisor to Lord Tokugawa.<\/p>\n<p>With vivid descriptions of Japan\u2019s unique customs, cultures, and the psyche that influenced the Tokugawa Shogunate&#8217;s formation, Sh\u014dgun has fascinated generations of Western readers.<\/p>\n<p>Now the new series hopes to continue the fascination with Japanese culture, and expose a new crop of people to the wonders and intricacies of the era of the Sh\u014dgun.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/insidetravelgroup.foleon.com\/shogun\/shogun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">For related trips you can take, more show information, and an interactive map(!) we\u2019ve created a Shogun-hub. If you\u2019re watching the show, you won\u2019t want to miss our take.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h1>The classics<\/h1>\n<h3>Legendary cultural cornerstones of Japanese history.<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33224 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"950\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-1024x486.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-768x365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-564x268.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-1536x730.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-1200x570.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-900x428.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-720x342.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-1440x684.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-390x185.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-780x371.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Miyamoto-Musashi-Fights-Sasaki-Kojiro-at-Ganryujima-Ukiyo-e-2000x950-1-510x242.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>The way of the samurai \u2013 The Book of the Five Rings.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Miyamoto Mushashi \u2014 The Book of the Five Rings \u2014 1645 \ud83d\udcda<\/h3>\n<p>Transcending art (both martial and calligraphical) and culture, on face value, this book is just about how to wield a sword. But look closer and you find one of the most significant pieces of Japanese canon, written by arguably its greatest ever swordsman.<\/p>\n<p>The story goes that, Miyamoto Musashi (born Shinmen Bennosuke), an undefeated swordsman (61 victorious duels) from the Harima Province, retreated to <em>Reigand\u014d<\/em> (a cave, west of Kumamoto) to write about his life in great detail. Split into five \u2018books\u2019, <em>The Book of the Five Rings<\/em> is as much a meditation as it is actual guidance.<\/p>\n<p>For many, holding a sword isn\u2019t something they aspire to do, so treat this book as you would an abstract painting. Don\u2019t try to understand it straight away, and you\u2019ll find yourself thinking about it long after you\u2019ve put it down.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Book-Five-Rings-Miyamoto-Musashi\/dp\/1480268682\/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1E2I51XXZWILK&amp;keywords=book+of+the+five+rings&amp;qid=1706706833&amp;sprefix=book+of+the+five+rings%2Caps%2C78&amp;sr=8-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>You can purchase The Book of the Five Rings on Amazon.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33215 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-564x317.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-390x219.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-780x439.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/56El17WVXXqyZCZvSC8Nyc8yPgx-510x287.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Charming, larger than life characters \u2013 My Neighbour Totoro.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>My Neighbour Totoro \u2013 Studio Ghibli \u2013 \ud83c\udfa5<\/h3>\n<p>All of Hayao Miyazaki\u2019s work as head of Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli deserves a place on this list. His legacy on the art form is unprecedented. But by far the most charming of all the work, in our view, is 1988\u2019s <em>My Neighbour Totoro<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Quite simply, there hasn\u2019t been a more beautiful portrayal of the innocence of childhood put to screen. It leaves you feeling hopeful and excited for your next adventure. It presents Japan as a mystical and verdant wonderland, ripe for dreaming and play. If you haven\u2019t ever tried a Studio Ghibli film, or aren\u2019t sure what anime is all about, this is where to start.<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/gb\/title\/60032294\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">My Neighbour Totoro is streaming on Netflix (UK).<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>The Tale of Genji \u2014 Murasaki Shikibu \u2014 eleventh century \ud83d\udcda<\/h3>\n<p>Widely regarded as the world\u2019s first ever novel, Murasaki Shikibu\u2019s <em>The Tale of Genji <\/em>is a snapshot of courtly life in medieval Japan. Following the life of Genji, the shining prince, this book is a true epic. With a storyline you expect from such fare \u2014 full of romances, scandals and the politics of stately homes \u2014 this is a must for anyone who loves historical fiction.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Roughcut-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe-Editions\/dp\/014243714X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Tale of Genji is available for purchase on Amazon.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33221 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-564x317.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-390x219.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-780x439.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/harakiri-510x287.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Cinematic legend \u2014 Harakiri.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Harakiri \u2014 Masaki Kobayashi \u2013 1962 \ud83c\udfa5<\/h3>\n<p>The battle of logic and the Bushido Code (Samurai law) intertwined, Masaki Kobayashi\u2019s <em>Harakiri <\/em>was, and still is, completely ahead of its time. Meditative, brutally human and completely Japanese, this is arguably the best Samurai film ever made. It plays on perspective and the learned art of storytelling to weave a narrative completely unique to the Japanese way of life.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/HARAKIRI-Masters-BLU-RAY-Tatsuya-Nakadai\/dp\/B005C99XRK\/ref=sr_1_1?crid=360PRFR1QLDWJ&amp;keywords=Harakiri&amp;qid=1706706535&amp;sprefix=harakiri%2Caps%2C68&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Harakiri is available for purchase on Amazon.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>The modern classics<\/h1>\n<h3>Often referenced in pop culture and influencing the newer generations.<\/h3>\n<h3>Lost Japan \u2014 Alex Kerr \u2014 1993 \u00a0\ud83d\udcda<\/h3>\n<p>Vividly casting his insight into what makes Japanese culture so interesting, Alex Kerr\u2019s book tells a story of a life lived in Japan through over 30 years of experiences.<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cAlex Kerr brings to life the ritualized world of Kabuki, retraces his initiation into Tokyo\u2019s boardrooms during the heady Bubble Years, and tells the story of the hidden valley that became his home. But the book is not just a love letter. Haunted throughout by nostalgia for the Japan of old, Kerr\u2019s book is part paean to that great country and culture, part epitaph in the face of contemporary Japan\u2019s environmental and cultural destruction.\u201c \u2014 <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/dauntbooks.co.uk\/shop\/books\/lost-japan-last-glimpse-of-beautiful-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daunt books review<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kerr won the prestigious Shincho Gakugei Literature Prize for this book. There aren\u2019t many better at condensing the many facets of Japanese life.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dauntbooks.co.uk\/shop\/books\/lost-japan-last-glimpse-of-beautiful-japan\/#:~:text=An%20enchanting%20and%20fascinating%20insight,in%20Japan%20over%20thirty%20years.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>You can buy Lost Japan from Daunt books.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Old enough! \u2014 Junji \u014cuchi \u00a0\u2014 1991 \ud83d\udcfa<\/h3>\n<p>A fascinating short form documentary series, where Japanese children go on errands all by themselves for the very first time. This is a long-running and much-loved show, that has something charming for everyone who watches. It offers insight into Japanese life, with a window into rural and &#8216;real&#8217; areas that often don\u2019t get the same coverage. Plus, seeing how sweet the toddlers are on this show, as they go about their tasks, is truly heartwarming.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/gb\/title\/81506279\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>You can watch Old enough! on Netflix.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33218 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-1024x555.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-564x306.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-1200x651.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-900x488.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-720x390.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-390x211.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-780x423.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/76e920d2-43f8-481c-bc2f-8bd9f4cebe82_1280x694-510x277.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Lonely in Tokyo \u2014 Lost in Translation.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Lost in Translation \u2014 Sofia Coppola \u2014 2003 \ud83c\udfa5<\/h3>\n<p>Celebrating it&#8217;s 20-year anniversary last year, Sofia Coppola\u2019s contemplative 2003 film captures a snapshot of two completely different people \u2014 Bill Murray\u2019s \u2018Bob\u2019 and Scarlett Johansson\u2019s \u2018Charlotte\u2019 \u2014 who strike a bond, at first through their shared native tongue, but blossoming into something ethereal as they wander through modern day Tokyo.<\/p>\n<p>The impact this film had on tourism to Japan cannot be understated. It signified a landmark change in how the west viewed Japan and \u2014 despite the isolation the film portrays \u2014 led to a swathe of internet buzz, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/opinion\/articles\/2023-09-11\/the-complex-legacy-of-lost-in-translation-20-years-on\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">with budding philosophers<\/a> visiting Tokyo in their hundreds.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.itv.com\/watch\/lost-in-translation\/10a3717\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Lost in Translation is available to stream for free on ITVX (UK).<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>The Western-traveller view<\/h1>\n<h3>Our famous personalities take on the fascination with Japan.<\/h3>\n<h3>Monty Don\u2019s Japanese gardens \u2014 BBC \u2014 2019 \ud83d\udcfa<\/h3>\n<p>Famous gardener and TV presenter Monty Don, explores the wonders and beauty of Japan\u2019s finest gardens. From early boating gardens, through Buddhist temples and Zen gardens, right up to a modern tea house, Monty Don travels across Japan looking for the \u2018why\u2019 behind the fascination with Japanese gardens. A must watch for the green-fingered traveller.<\/p>\n<p><em>Did you know? \u2014 The six ideal qualities of a Japanese garden are spaciousness, seclusion, creativity, antiquity, water, and scenic views. Monty Don visits the origin of this tenet, Kenrokuen (Garden of the six sublimities), which features in one of our most popular <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/insidetravelgroup.foleon.com\/small-group-tours\/small-group-tours\/autumn-elegance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Small Group Tours,<\/em><\/a> <em>but you can visit easily on your own if you wish.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Joanna Lumley\u2019s Japan \u2014 BBC \u2014 2016 \ud83d\udcfa<\/h3>\n<p>Famous British actress, Joanna Lumley, goes on a 2,000 mile journey across the four main islands of Japan, travelling from north to south, meeting local people and absorbing the culture. This is an engaging insight into Japan; Lumley isn\u2019t afraid to shine a light on the human aspects of travel, journeying and meeting a host of different characters along the way.<\/p>\n<h1>A rich and varied culture<\/h1>\n<p>This is by no means an exhaustive list. In fact, the culture of Japan is so rich, we could have doubled this list and still not got close. It has something for everyone; if you\u2019re interested in a certain artform, chances are they\u2019ve done something unique and interesting.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s our full list of recommendations:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Film<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Harakiri \u2014 Masaki Kobayashi \u2013 1962<\/li>\n<li>My Neighbour Totoro \u2013 Studio Ghibli \u2013 1988<\/li>\n<li>Lost in Translation \u2014 Sofia Coppola \u2014 2003<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>TV<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Monty Don\u2019s Japanese gardens \u2014 BBC \u2014 2019<\/li>\n<li>Joanna Lumley\u2019s Japan \u2014 BBC \u2014 2016<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Books<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Tale of Genji \u2014 Murasaki Shikibu \u2014 eleventh century<\/li>\n<li>Miyamoto Mushashi \u2014 The Book of the Five Rings \u2014 1645<\/li>\n<li>Lost Japan \u2014 Alex Kerr \u2014 1993<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>If you\u2019re interested in living out your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japan-small-group-tours\/i-msj\/must-see-japan\/\">Japanese cultural dreams<\/a>, get in touch with us as soon as you can.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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