A new book about Japan. Not only for the green ones like matcha!

Specific images and associations appear on the slogan “Japan” in your head? Put them on for a moment and “expect an unexpected”! This is what Zofia Jurczak, the author of the book “Japan. Country of possibilities”, which was published by the Wilderland Publishing House in the new series “Faces of the World”. So what is the face of the Country of Cherry Blossoms? Here are 10 special characters, the development of which you will find in this unique book about Japan.
1. Calculates Tokyo
Like the author, we start with a combination of numbers: 37 115 035 – and we immediately suggest that these are not happy numbers. It is simply a population of the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2024. This number is overwhelming you? Don’t worry – only 13 million people live in Tokyo itself. Interestingly, the Tokyans identify more with their district than with the whole city. And individual districts also perform specific functions. For example: “fans of cosplay costumes, to Akiby, lovers of pop culture.” This is not a book about the history of Japan, but you will also find threads about the stormy history of the capital. The author also encourages to discover Tokyo through the prism of buildings designed by architectural tubes.
2. The secret of Japanese monuments
Zofia Jurczak in the book “Japan. Country of possibilities” talks about the Japanese approach to monuments: “In Europe, the original fragments are surrounded by special care, they are carefully restored, sparing no time and means for it. In Japan – on the contrary – damaged fragments are usually completely removed and replaced with new ones.” This fate met most Japanese castles – paradoxically, they were not destroyed by bombs, but the “spirit of modernization”. The authent of the White Capla Castle, which, however, shines empty. Why? Check in the book!
3. Szinto, Buddhism, Catholicism
Japan is a unique country when it comes to beliefs. Buddhism and Szinto harmoniously coexist here – practicing one of these religions does not exclude the profession of the other. Europeans are certainly curious if there are Catholics here. And this question the author answers: “Today one percent of Japanese citizens are followers of the Catholic faith – most live in the prefecture of Nagasaki – but there was a moment when there were many more followers of Rome.” What happened that the Christianization of the Japanese failed? You can find the answer in the new book of the Wilderland Publishing House.
4. Japanese province must see
The Japanese love to create statements of what is the most beautiful and interesting – and they have been doing it for hundreds of years. However, we advise Zofia Jurczak advise against “clinging to the Must See and rankings of attractions.” Thanks to this, you will discover various pearls on your own. For example, the author went to Uchiko – an old -fashioned town notathered by crowds, in which the Old Kabuki Theater is located. Reach for the book about Japan we describe and go with the author to this unique place.
5. Uncountable islands
When asked how many islands in Japan, there is no simple answer. As the author emphasizes: In addition to four large ones, there is an unfavorable number of smaller ones. Why? Due to the eruption that constantly creates new lands and combines existing ones. Zofia Jurczak will take you to the most interesting of them. He will explain why the fate of Aoshima – the island of cats – is uncertain and for what reason Hashima, once densely populated, now shines empty.
6. Favorite Hiroshima and a difficult story
Hiroshima and the first associations? Atomic bomb, Second World War, destruction, tragedy. In this city there is no shortage of signs of memory of this event, on the other hand, the space was rebuilt and rediscovered. As the author admits: “Many people who asked about my favorite city in Japan, without hesitation indicate Hiroshima. (…) I can’t rationally explain it. Maybe it’s about the river? (…) Because the proximity of water always does the city’s climate well.”
7. Hot love for hot sources
Hot baths are the national entertainment of the Japanese. If you want to use them, the road is free, but remember: you enter the source naked after prior thorough washing according to Japanese bathing art. You can also follow the author and take an extremely relaxing bath in hot sand.
8. Umami and other flavors of Japan
Did you know that the fifth taste called Umami was identified by a professor of chemistry from the Tokyo imperial university? No wonder that the Japanese know how to use it. The flavors of Japan are also sushi, which, of course, evolved, but there are three additives without changes: marinated ginger, soy sauce and vasabi. We cannot miss the ramen, which is an outstanding example of Japanese in the kitchen. The dish comes from China and probably went to Japan only at the end of the 19th century. From the book ‘Japan
9. Trains and a minute of delays
Speaking of Japan, the topic of trains cannot be missing. The author refutes the myth that Japanese railways are the fastest in the world, but emphasizes that this may change soon. The Japanese are currently working on a super -fast magnetic train. He also adds that sometimes even Shinkansen is a bit late, although local officials argue that the average annual delay does not exceed the minute. And finally, a curiosity for catnaments: Kishi (Wakayama prefecture) are the cats. How is this possible? Explanation – in the book!
10. Film contexts
And some Asian flavors – this time film. Did you know that if it wasn’t for the author’s master’s thesis about the Japanese director, there would be no book “Japan. Country of possibilities”? After graduation, Zofia Jurczak abandoned film studies, but not Japan: “Fascination of this country turned out to be incurable.” However, the interest in the film was not unnoticed. This book about Japan’s culture is unique because references to films and series appear in various chapters. For example, the author mentions that the castle of Biała Czapla starred in the film about James Bonda, and the extraordinary nature of the island of Yakushima is inspired by the film “Princess of Mononoke”.
The curiosities we present are just an appetizer! Reach for Zofia Jurczak’s book “Japan. Country of possibilities” and enjoy the taste of Japanese history, culture and cuisine. Itadakimasu!