Tokyo Geek's Guide - by Gianni Simone (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Tokyo is ground zero for Japan's famous "geek" or otaku culture--a phenomenon that has now swept across the globe.

This is the most comprehensive Japan travel guide ever produced which features Tokyo's geeky underworld. It provides a comprehensive run-down of each major Tokyo district where geeks congregate, shop, play and hang out--from hi-tech Akihabara and trendy Harajuku to newer and lesser-known haunts like chic Shimo-Kita and working-class Ikebukuro.

Dozens of iconic shops, restaurants, cafes and clubs in each area are described in loving detail with precise directions to get to each location. Maps, URLs, opening hours and over 400 fascinating color photographs bring you around Tokyo on an unforgettable trip to the centers of Japanese manga, anime and geek culture. Interviews with local otaku experts and people on the street let you see the world from their perspective and provide insights into Tokyo and Japanese culture, which will only continue to spread around the globe.

Japanese pop culture, in its myriad forms, is more widespread today than ever before--with J-Pop artists playing through speakers everywhere, Japanese manga filling every bookstore; anime cartoons on TV; and toys and video games, like Pokemon Go, played by tens of millions of people.

Swarms of visitors come to Tokyo each year on a personal quest to soak in all the otaku-related sights and enjoy Japanese manga, anime, gaming and idol culture at its very source. This is the go-to resource for those planning a trip, or simply dreaming of visiting one day!

Review Quotes

"Tokyo Geek's Guide by Gianni Simone is a resource for exploring manga, anime, gaming, cosplay, and more." --Publishers Weekly

"Tokyo Geek's Guide is a book that can be enjoyed by all kinds of people. Fans of Japanese culture will benefit from the guide for its images and relevant information even if they're not planning to visit the country...the book is also quite hard to put down." --The Daily Fandom

"Tokyo Geek's Guide is highly recommended both for first-time visitors and lifers alike. Simone, a correspondent for Vogue Italia and contributor to The Japan Times, not only exploits his deep knowledge of Tokyo but has a knack for explaining why you should care." --Japan Daily

"Tokyo Geek's Guide, out this month, includes everything you need to know to navigate the spaces and places of otaku life. A must-buy for anyone interested in otaku trends or Japanese culture, Tokyo Geek's Guide is practical, readable and pop-culturally insightful, for geeks and nongeeks alike." --The Japan Times

"If you want to see Tokyo through a snazzy set of new glasses, or you're a Japan pop culture geek in Tokyo wondering what you might be missing, this book is a must-have -- for your bag, not your shelf." --Japan Visitor

"The book is filled with pictures which help to capture the experience for those that have not been to Japan, and they do a very good job. Even though it's been almost 20 years since I've been those pictures instantly brought back memories of seeing the shops and the women dressed up in anime-inspired outfits trying to get you into the stores. Overall, a very well-laid out book for those anime fans who will be traveling to Japan." --Absolute Anime blog

"The illustrations throughout the book are rich, colorful and bright; and probably worthy of their own photo-book. Each chapter is well-written, painstakingly researched, and though sometimes obsessive in accuracy never overburdening to the reader. All in all, Tokyo Geek's Guide is a highly recommended primer on Japanese subculture, not only to foreign otaku travelling to Japan, but also to those who would like to learn more about Japan's geeky underbelly; yes, even to those ex-pat residents who thought they'd seen it all." --Japan Reference blog

"The local knowledge accumulated over time by the author allows the reader to follow him with complete trust into the labyrinth of Tokyo's neighborhoods where it's easy to get lost if you're not familiar with the area" --Zoom Japan Magazine

About the Author

Gianni Simone is the Japan correspondent for Vogue Italia and a regular contributor to The Japan Times. His writings have also appeared on Flash Art and CNN Travel websites and in Zoom Japon and San Francisco Arts Quarterly magazines. Simone has lived in Japan for almost 25 years, and he resides in Yokohama with his wife and two sons.