I’m reading an excellent book called Hitching Rides with Buddha by Will Ferguson. It’s about a Canadian who follows the Cherry Blossom Front in Japan by hitchhiking rides with Japanese.
In this way he gets a unique perspective on Japan from the conversations he has with his rides.
For example:
Japaneseman – Japan has 4 seasons
Will – Congratulations.
or
In Japan, people are often referred to not by their name but their role buy by the role they play. Mr Policeman. Mr Post Office. Mr Shop Owner. As a foreigner you play your role as the Resident Gaijin, like the town drunk or the Village Idiot.
It’s very funny and I highly recommend it.
i’ll have to check it out!