1. Japan's Fascinating Facts Uncovered:

1. Japan's Fascinating Facts Uncovered:

Revised Article:

Have another look at Japan through the fresh eyes of author and sociologist, Valerie Harvey, as her updated version of "Passion Japon" sheds light on the kaleidoscope of Japanese culture.

Here are five fascinating observations from the updated edition that give a taste of the complexity of Japan, intimately explored through the lens of an enthralled observer.

Zero to Hero - the number game

Just like the numbers 13 and 666 in the West, certain numbers in Japan provoke superstitious fears. In Japan, it's the numbers 4 and 9 that are shunned, as both their pronunciations (shi and ku) sound like "death" and "pain" respectively. Valerie Harvey explains that British companies exporting their porcelain tableware to Japan have to repackage them to ensure they contain five items, not four. Ignoring the unlucky number 4 is a surefire path to commercial disaster, according to our fearless explorer.

Nose Knows Best?

A cold during a visit to Japan might be best avoided. Public displays of nose-blowing are heavily discouraged and considered impolite, making discretion paramount. Valerie Harvey draws attention to the importance of adopting a deeper sniffle strategy when venturing out in Japan, especially around a Japanese person suffering from a cold. Things can get...intriguing.

Neither here nor there – the dubious French influence

French culture and language are held in high regard by Japanese audiences, often bestowing an air of sophistication on establishments, particularly bakeries. However, this can sometimes lead to some hilarious results for French speakers. Encountering place names like "Clos des mouches" or a convenience store chain named "Second Poche" does put a slightly unsettling spin on things - pun intended. And sometimes, the written language becomes downright poetic.

Poetry in Motion - beyond haiku

While the delicate poetic form of haiku may now be well-known in the West, the waka remains a less familiar poetic tradition in Japan. Remarkably, the waka lies at the heart of a unique and exclusively Japanese card game: karuta. Participants take turn in quickly matching beginning and ending stanzas from a collection of 100 classic poems, demonstrating remarkable powers of memorization. Valerie Harvey discovered this charming card game of speed and skill in a manga series, "Chihayafuru".

Veiled Visit

There's more to life in Japan than the Golden Pavilion and Mount Fuji. The author shares her experiences at less-touristy locales, including the Ise Shrine, the spiritual nerve center of Shinto religion. Despite being off-limits to the average visitor, this sacred site exudes a one-of-a-kind energy that can be experienced first-hand. Visitors are allowed to appreciate the atmosphere and ponder Saint-Exupéry's famous quote, "What is essential is invisible to the eye."

The new edition of "Passion Japon" by Valerie Harvey offers unique insights into Japan's culture and traditions. And if you're looking to connect more deeply with the land of the rising sun, check out these lesser-known cultural experiences that extend beyond the usual tourist attractions. Get ready for a captivating journey through the eyes of a passionate observer!

Japon Passion

Valerie Harvey

In total - 252 pages

1. In the realm of commerce, British companies exporting porcelain tableware to Japan must avoid packaging their products with four items to avoid the unlucky number 4, a number that is shunned in Japan due to its pronunciation sounding like "death".
2. Displaying a nose blow in public in Japan is discouraged and considered impolite; it's advised to adopt a deeper sniffle strategy, especially around a Japanese person suffering from a cold, to avoid any intriguing outcomes.
3. Although French culture and language are highly appreciated by Japanese audiences, some translated place names and brand names, such as "Clos des mouches" and "Second Poche", can bring a slightly unsettling spin to things, especially for French speakers.
4. Beyond the well-known poetic form of haiku, the waka is a less familiar poetic tradition in Japan that lies at the heart of a unique card game called karuta, showcasing remarkable powers of memorization and offering a charming blend of speed and skill.

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