Clueless in Tokyo - (Tuttle Specials) by Reynolds (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A perfect introduction to Japan and Japanese culture, this illustrated culture and travel guide contains loads of original drawings as well as the Japanese script for key words and phrases.

Some people take photos, but artist Betty Reynolds captures memories with her paintbrush and watercolors. Clueless in Tokyo provides an outsider's take on everyday life in Japan's capital city--a place where vending machines talk, toilets can be terrifying, and centuries-old festivals unfold against a backdrop of space-age architecture. During the seven years Reynolds lived in Japan, she filled thirty sketchbooks with everything that caught her eye. Whether it's fashion, food, sport, transport, seasonal rituals, or Japanese pastimes, each vibrant sketch is a delight, and Reynolds' witty hand-lettered captions in both Japanese and English provide an entertaining resource for beginning learners of the Japanese language.

Adult students and travelers alike will find this Japan travel guide to be a charming and insightful addition to their trip.

Review Quotes

"A cool, clever and captivating look at modern Japan. A one of a kind approach to explaining Japanese culture. Buy two copies and give one to a friend." --Robert Whiting, author of You Gotta Have Wa

"A delightful and lighthearted guide to modern Japanese culture." --John Durkin, President, Tokyo American Club

"Artist Betty Reynolds chronicles her stay in Japan's capital over seven years. During this time, she discovered Japanese fashion, sports, food, festivals, and even talking appliances."—Travel Life magazine

"Drawn in charming watercolor sketches with accompanying Japanese terms...this is a must-read!" --I Am Aileen blog

"Feel lost in Tokyo? Don't know what's going on? You need Clueless in Tokyo. This colorful guide will, ahem, clue you in to the city's sights and sounds." --Brian Ashcraft, author of Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential

"For the picture-oriented traveler to Japan, this should absolutely be in your suitcase. (It's light enough, so no worries there.) Take it with you to the sushi bar and use the page that describes every type of fish you may eat in full color. Take it with you to the flea market so you can identify your bargains. Take it with you to your ryokan, so you know exactly how to act on that trip to the public bath. This book is not only 'pretty', but useful as well. And boy, does it make me wish I could draw!" --Uncovering Japan blog

"It's a fun introduction to Japan." --Parka Blogs

"It's a fun little book with lively and brightly colored stretches of nearly every aspect of Japanese daily life and tradition. Reynolds dissects the many dishes of a ryokan ryori (those elaborate meals you get when you stay in a traditional Japanese inn), she breaks down what's in those street corner vending machines (the food, the drink, and the porn), and she sifts through the styles of sumo. She does this for pretty much every major aspect of Japanese life. Clueless in Tokyo is both a solid reference guide and a comical softcover for the coffee table." --GoJapan.About.com

About the Author

Betty Reynolds worked as a creative consultant and art director in Philadelphia before accompanying her husband first to Singapore and then Tokyo, where they made their home and traveled extensively for many years. Her fascination with Asian culture led her to fill thirty sketchbooks with the colorful art that inspired this book. She has published three other books on Japanese culture--Squeamish about Sushi, Japanese Celebrations, and Tokyo Friends. Betty and her husband now live on a small island in America's Pacific Northwest where she paints local scenes. Betty and Frank return to Asia every chance they get.