Orienting cover art

Orienting

An Indian in Japan

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Orienting

Written by: Pallavi Aiyar
Narrated by: Pallavi Aiyar
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About this listen

How is Tokyo, a city of thirty million people, so safe that six-year-old children commute to school on their own? Why are there no trashcans in Japanese cities? Why are Ganesha idols in Japanese temples hidden from public view? Globe-trotting journalist Pallavi Aiyar moves to Japan and takes an in-depth look at the island country including its culinary, sanitary and floral idiosyncrasies. Steering through the many (mis)adventures that come from learning a new language, imbibing new cultural etiquette, and asking difficult questions about race, Aiyar explores why Japan and India find it hard to work together despite sharing a long civilizational history. Part travelogue, part reportage, Orienting answers questions that have long confounded the rest of the world with Aiyar's trademark humour. Tackling both the significant and the trivial, the quirky and the quotidian, here is an Indian's account of Japan that is as thought-provoking as it is charming.

 Travel Writing & Commentary Writing, Research & Publishing Guides
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Precisely narrated the story of life in japan by the author. Many aspect of modern Japan can be understood from this story. While there are many good memories, you can feel out of place in a foreign land. That is exactly what the author pointed out.

Know the JAPAN with INDIAN eye

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I am keen to read about the culture of geographies / time in which the narrative of the book is based in - a reason why I really liked books like Maximum City, Pachinko and Shantaram. This book captures the essence of an outsider in Japan who is trying to blend in and understand their way of life. I liked the style of narrative as the flow is quite easy going to keep you hooked. It touches upon multiple different facets of life in Japan ranging from politics to cleanliness to infra - makes it quite a holistic account of the modern day Japan. Worth a read - audible experience was good.

A decent glimpse of Japan

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An amazing insightful book, balancing the positive, negative and in-between of the authors experience and perspective on Japan. must read if you are interested in Japan!

Amazing, Insightful

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Pallavi has taken great pains to record the life she spent in a country as incomprehensible as Japan. Having always been in awe of its art & culture this window she opened to the reader is heartwarming and thorough.

An indepth view of life in Japan

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Loved this reading. Pallavi & her experiences in the land of the rising sun are a delight.

They go into the depths of Japanese habits, customs, traditions, food, society, culture, politics, religion and so much more. Simply put, this book is a great way to unravel our many fascinations with all things Japanese.

From haiku to meditation, sushi to bullet trains, tsukimi to cheesecake and sumo to abe shinzo, plug in and be enthralled with these myriad stories wrapped into a lovable audible book.

This one is for those who want a deeper insight & understanding to what makes Japan a destination you can check out but truly never leave.

Japan: Explained For The Desi Immigrant

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