An American housewife's husband is offered a position in Japan to work on a multinational project. After much soul-searching they accept, and their lives are never the same.
An amusing and educational travel memoir for persons who intend to live or visit Japan, or for the curious who wonder what this fascinationg country would be like to live there. Pauline commits many faux pas, such as not knowing what slippers to wear when visiting inns, what kimono to wear for dinner, and others. Food shopping was a challenge; unable to read the writings on cans and bottles. Driving on the left side of the road (British style) was horrendous. Exotic countries visited were Malaysia, Southern China, Hong Kong, Lantau Island, Singapore, and Thailand.
Excerpt
Mesa Meetings: As if I didn't have enough things to do or places to go, I joined an English-speaking educational group. Every Tuesday morning, three or four of us Westerners rode the train into Mito and attended these meetings held at the community center...they would discuss many national and international affairs...The meetings were always conducted in English. I was amazed at how well these women were able to convey their ideas in English. Some of the topics were the Aum Shinrikyo gassing in the Tokyo subway and the Kobe earthquake. Princess Diana's tragic death was another topic. I remember sitting there and every time I heard them mention a "Mr. Braya" said this or "Mr. Braya" said that, I wondered who they were talking about. I thought this man must be important and has a lot of authority, but who in the world is he. Why do they seem to know so much about him, and I don't even know who he is. About half way through the discussion, it finally hit me. They were talking about Tony Blair, Prime Minister of England.
Professional Reviews
Reading about the normal American Jane moving to Japan
This was a lot of fun to read! The book is not a professional memoirs, travel guide, or "how to" but a nice narrative about how a reasonaly average/normal American housewife adjusted to moving to a completely different environment.
I recently read another book by an American expatriate who basically spent the vast majority of it complaining about how painful her time was in Japan. How much more fun to see another average person move to Japan, live in a Japanese house, interact with her Japanese neighbors and really take advantage of such a great opportunity. We get to read how she had to adjust to the shopping, the food, the driving, learning the language, and my personal favorite---trying to negotiate life when you are an illiterate. Reading her anxieties and the way she overcame them and really embraced and loved her time in Japan was an interesting journey to take.
For people who are looking at a long term move to Japan this book would be a great read ahead of time, just to get a feel for what one normal person experienced.
Definity Recommended!
A great introduction to Japanese culture.
Memoirs of an American Housewife in Japan is a detailed, straightforward account of how one American woman spent two years living in Japan and how she dealt with the people and strange customs she encountered there. Pauline Hager describes in great detail her hometown in Japan, her neighbors, and all the places in the country that she visits. She also describes some of the countries surrounding Japan, such as Singapore and Thailand, which she visits while living in the Far East.
This book would be an excellent companion for exchange students or anyone planning to live in Japan for an extended period of time. In addition to describing customs, Hager discusses the language, cuisine, religion, and holidays. there are even sections on the book devoted to sumo wrestling, the climate, the vegetation, you name it. As someone that has been a long-time fan of all things Japanese, this book was a delight to read.
I would highly recommend this book to any American who is either planning to live in Japan or is simply interested in Japanese culture.
Fascinating look at everyday life in Japan
Pauline Hager spent some years in Mito, Japan, living rather than visiting. She samples breakfast (never giving up a preference to donuts for the traditional rice and fish, which makes her gag), Japanese medicine (no advanced orthopedic surgery, surprising in a land with great health overall.) Pauline has a good way with descriptions and is not afraid to state her opinion. for example, she didn't like Singapore much (I found it about the opposite of everthing she said and I DO like Japanese breakfasts a lot.)
The fun details like toilet slippers, kimono customs and the reactions of everyday people make this worth reading. I enjoyed a vicarious visit back to Japan, comparing my notes to Pauline's. A fun read and would be good for anyone who is curious about daily life in Japan.
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Reviews for "Memoirs of an American Housewife in Japan"
An interesting and entertaining book on the trials and successes of living in a foreign country. The author is not afraid to tell you the mistakes and faux pas that she and her husband experienced and does this in a (at times) Hilarious way. I could relate in a personal level as my mom got an assignment in Seoul Korea when I was eleven and we had similar experiences especially with learning to maneuver on the roads. The author describes in perfect detail what my mom called “squeeze play” whenbshe was learning to drive on the Korean roads.
Her writing style is simple, easy to understand with vivid crisp detail. My only complaint would be the book is almost like reading a textbook on how to live in Japan. I can understand why this method was used. To completely cover life in a foreign country and make sure you cover everything. This is a great way to be through. I felt it just needed more transition between subjects. Overall, this is an excellent book and one that I would recommend to people considering travel to Japan.
Reviewed by Carrie Artrip-Sallie
10/16/2017
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
I love anything to do with Japan and Japanese culture. Every since I visited, I have been in love. Heck I was in love before I visited but that trip really made the feeling so much more intense. So when I read this title, I was already sold on the book in all honesty.
I enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to follow and flowed nicely. I enjoyed traveling to all these places through the author's mind but sometimes.... maybe it's just me, it felt like the author was a little condensing. So that's why I felt the need to lower my rating from 5 stars to 4. Otherwise, it was nice to see how she adjusted to her new life. I really enjoyed just seeing these places through her eyes, even though I disagree with her a lot of things, like the fact I freaking love Singapore and she wasn't that crazy about it. It was just nice to read a different opinion.
I will say this is not a how-to book, or a travel guide. It's just a lady sharing her travels and thoughts on the places she went. I would still recommend this book because maybe it was just my thoughts that she was talking down to people and someone else may not think that way
A very enjoyable travelogue suitable for those preparing to visit or live in Japan.
This book gives vivid descriptions on Japanese lifestyle, mannerisms, rituals, traditions and Zen orientation. Many familiar aspects of Kimonos, language, baths, parks, food and landscapes are conjured up for intimate contact through the authors personalized, emotive revelations.
Other powerful associations as earthquakes, teaching English, and learning Japanese convey a unique yet consistent travellers experience first hand.
The difficult subject and culture in its masked Zen experience is brought to the surface in a tangible reality.
Highly recommended reading.
TRUE STORY. Bella survived an abusive powerbroker father with organized crime ties, a drug-addicted mother and a physically/sexually abusive brother. Shocking & inspirational. When she couldn't cry, she tattooed a crying angel to cry for her.
A passionate and poignant memoir written by a woman whose life has been guided by the words: "I am here to learn how to love well." The book is a deep examination of relationships, family, motivation, and honoring of the Self.
A passionate and poignant memoir written by a woman whose life has been guided by the words: "I am here to learn how to love well." The book is a deep examination of relationships, family, motivation, and honoring of the Self.
