“A remarkable journey . . . vivid, witty, insightful, engrossing and heartfelt. Anyone who wants to understand Japan should read this highly informative and entertaining book.” — Robert Whiting, author of Tokyo Underworld, You Gotta Have Wa and The Meaning of Ichiro
“From his life on the edge as a Zen trainee, yakuza pal and cabaret apprentice, Hutchison writes with a unique perspective on Japanese society. Penetrating, insightful and funny.” — Liza Dalby, author of Geisha
Amazon Reviews
“A terrific read.” —Jamil Lynch, December 19, 2017
“…a wonderfully humorous, informative, and insightful look at Japan, its people, and its culture.” —Timothy Skye, May 21, 2017
“After reading several particular paragraphs, I remember thinking to myself, “I can’t believe that the author just so clearly
conveyed such a complex, foreign cultural idea in one short paragraph—incredible.” —Adam K., May 19, 2016
“AMAZING book! I just couldn’t put it down, yet I didn’t want to finish it too soon so I had to ration it to a few pages a day.” —
Sasha and Mika, January 7, 2015
“The author has the ability to write in an interesting and scholarly manner, which is a unique combination in any publication.” —
William Johnston, December 7, 2014
“I felt I was right there with him each turning of the page.” — Karen Marshburn, April 23, 2014
“Probably the best book I have read about an American living in Japan.” — Ryan Davis, March 25, 2014
“Great read, good flow, serious, funny, and entertaining.” — Jb, August 21, 2013
“The book is so interesting and well written that you’ll feel transported back in to a time and place where literally very, very few
have been.” — Marc Radoye, July 19, 2013
“An exceptional story, exceptionally well told.” — Larry Zook, February 18, 2013
“Whether you’re an old Japan-hand, cultural anthropologist, or just someone who loves a great yarn, this is a wonderful read.”
— punafish, February 14, 2013
“I have recently read two books by world-renowned authors—great books, but no better written and certainly no more intriguing
than Gangsters, Geishas, Monks & Me.” — CMO, February 3, 2013
“His description of what life is really like in a monastery has no equal. And thanks to a clean, crisp writing style, this book is
great fun to read. But all of that is arguably secondary to what is one of the most insightful descriptions of the Japanese that I
have ever encountered.” — Talking Bull, January 13, 2013
“This book is a delightful blend of textbook ‘accepted wisdom’ of Japanese culture and real life examples of how it really works.
Sometimes the reader is left wagging her head and saying, “How did this guy manage to survive at all?” There are great lessons
in this book, on many levels. And, perhaps more importantly, it’s just a rollicking good read!” — Vicki L. Beyer, January 6, 2013