Abroad in Japan is a simple enough account of Chris Broad’s decade living in Japan. What sets it apart from similar books is the affection and respect Broad clearly has for his adopted home. He avoids the default position many foreign commentators take when talking about the Japanese, the “they’re weird and wonderful” or “they’re impossible to understand” attitude that I’ve always found to be so patronizing and superficial. Broad has deep affection for the country and its people, has worked to learn the language and customs, and has put down deep roots. This is no travelogue, but a funny love letter to a country he has explored from top to bottom.

I have made 20-30 visits to Japan over the years and I have grown to love the country. I would never pretend to understand or know it well, because it’s a place that demands and repays deep immersion, but I enjoy returning there more than any other place I have visited. Some of that is down to its sights, its food, and its customs, but mostly it’s about the Japanese people – their kindness, hospitality, curiosity, and warmth.