News, reviews and analysis on books about or related to Tokyo and Japan
After four novels set in modern-day Tokyo, The Last Tea Bowl Thief is Jonelle Patrick’s most ambitious work to date. The story alternates between time periods, until all the connections are revealed in this intriguing and heartfelt novel, with past and present intertwining into …
Stefan Van Eycken has distilled over a decade and a half of Japanese whisky research into ‘Whisky Rising: The Definitive Guide to the Finest Whiskies and Distilleries of Japan’. Its an invaluable tool for the whisky novice and expert, consumers or industry insiders alike. …
Ramen At Home: Become a ramen master without leaving the house Some of the world’s best ramen is found in Tokyo. But what if a flight to Tokyo is a bit of a stretch, your local neighbourhood has no local shops, and you’re craving …
NIGHTSHADE is the first in the series of ‘Only in Tokyo’ mysteries by Jonelle Patrick. As well as being a great whodunit, it’s a valuable read for would-be visitors and a fascinating one for residents too. Nightshade begins with three bodies in a car …
Christopher Pellegrini’s ‘The Shochu Handbook: An Introduction To Japan’s Indigenous Distilled Drink’ is an insightful look into the little-known world of shochu and awamori. I am not a religious man, but whenever I read detailed descriptions of the wonder that is alcohol production, I …
Read moreReview: The Shochu Handbook by Christopher Pellegrini