Psychological thriller set in Berlin
GIVEAWAY: it’s all about JAPAN
1st August 2021
Giveaway: it’s all about Japan.
With the Olympic Games 2020 in full swing, we thought you would love to dive into the culture of Japan with some top reads. We have chosen three great books to help you get under the skin of the country and they are accompanied by a Wimono, which is (can anyone guess?)…… a kimono for a wine bottle. It’s gorgeous, you never knew you needed one but you do now!
The Cat and the City by Nick Bradley
In Tokyo – one of the world’s largest megacities – a stray cat is wending her way through the back alleys. And, with each detour, she brushes up against the seemingly disparate lives of the city-dwellers, connecting them in unexpected ways.
But the city is changing. As it does, it pushes her to the margins where she chances upon a series of apparent strangers – from a homeless man squatting in an abandoned hotel, to a shut-in hermit afraid to leave his house, to a convenience store worker searching for love. The cat orbits Tokyo’s denizens, drawing them ever closer.
The Pine Islands by Marion Poschmann. TR Jen Calleja
When Gilbert Silvester wakes one day from a dream that his wife has cheated on him, he flees – immediately, irrationally, inexplicably – for Japan.
In Tokyo he discovers the travel writings of the great Japanese poet Basho. Suddenly, from Gilbert’s directionless crisis there emerges a purpose: a pilgrimage in the footsteps of the poet to see the moon rise over the pine islands of Matsushima.
Along the way he falls into step with another pilgrim: Yosa, a young Japanese student clutching a copy of The Complete Manual of Suicide. Together, Gilbert and Yosa travel across Basho’s disappearing Japan, one in search of his perfect ending and the other a new beginning.
Serene, playful and profound, The Pine Islands is a story of the transformations we seek and the ones we find along the way.
Pure Invention by Matt Alt
The Walkman. Karaoke. Pikachu. Pac-Man. Akira. Emoji. We’ve all fallen in love with one or another of Japan’s pop-culture creations, from the techy to the wild to the super-kawaii. But as Japanese-media veteran Matt Alt proves in this brilliant investigation of Tokyo’s pop-fantasy complex, we don’t know the half of it.
Japan’s toys, gadgets, and fantasy worlds didn’t merely entertain. They profoundly transformed the way we live. In the 1970s and ’80s, Japan seemed to exist in some near future, soaring on the superior technology of Sony and Toyota while the West struggled to catch up. Then a catastrophic 1990 stock-market crash ushered in the ‘lost decades’ of deep recession and social dysfunction.
The end of the boom times should have plunged Japan into irrelevance, but that’s precisely when its cultural clout soared – when, once again, Japan got to the future a little ahead of the rest of us. Hello Kitty, the Nintendo Entertainment System, and multimedia empires like Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z were more than marketing hits. Artfully packaged, dangerously cute, and dizzyingly fun, these products made Japan the forge of the world’s fantasies, and gave us new tools for coping with trying times. They also transformed us as we consumed them – connecting as well as isolating us in new ways, opening vistas of imagination and pathways to revolution.
Through the stories of an indelible group of artists, geniuses, and oddballs, Pure Invention reveals how Japanese ingenuity remade global culture and may have created modern life as we know it. It’s Japan’s world; we’re just gaming, texting, singing, and dreaming in it.
HOW TO ENTER
This is UK entry only.
First: you must be a member of TripFiction. You can join by scrolling down on the homepage until you come to the JOIN NOW tab. We do check!
Second: tell us in the Comments below what you have enjoyed most about the Olympic Games. Do this by midnight, 14th August 2021 and the first name chosen at random will be sent this wonderful package! Good luck.
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Of course all the GB medals, however the standout event for me is when Jamaican hurdler Hansle Parchment tracked down and thanked the Tokyo 2020 volunteer who paid his taxi fare to the Olympic Stadium after he took the wrong bus and got lost.
The winner is:
andyszym
would love to visit Japan.
The main thing which I enjoyed about the Olympics is the celebration of humanity in which we leave our differences behind and the only thing which matters is human achievement via our love of doing sport.
I have enjoyed the variety of sports in the Olympic games.
I have enjoyed team GB winning alot of medals in the Japan games.
I’ve enjoyed watching live sport again, and seeing the athletes achieve their dreams.
I loved seeing Tom Daley her his well deserved gold
I loved to see that the gold medal was shared for the high jump 🙂 such a wonderful example of friendship and sportsmanship!
Tom Daley for his long awaited Gold……and his knitting!
I was particularly excited about the badminton, basketball and skateboarding. Such a great lineup of talent out there, and a great break from having Covid hog the news headlines for so long!
My four year old daughter being amazed by the whole thing. Especially the diving and the BMX riding.
Tom Daley
I loved watching the ladies weight lifting, totally mesmerizing ! Incredible woman !
Loved watching the Olympics this year with all the family, we have all gotten behind team GB including as Tokyo theamed food party for the end
Loved watching the diving x
I loved to see Adam Peaty swim and Tom Daley dive.
So proud
I loved the swimming and diving, especially the Tom Daley wins.
I don’t particularly enjoy the Olympic Games if I’m honest. However, I do find Japan and Japanese culture very interesting
I didn’t see much of it to be honest, but I did watch Charlotte Worthington win the first ever BMX Freestyle Olympic gold. I remember watching BMX and skateboarding competitions over 20 years ago at Birmingham with a handful of people watching and now these are olympic sports.
The modern pentathlon was my favourite part, Kate French was fantastic
The achievements of the athletes despite the resitrictions they have faced to get to Japan.
On top of the stories of dedication about the lives of the athletes themselves, I was impressed with the determination to hold a workable Olympic games, by the organisers and hosts (the IOC, and governments of Tokyo and Japan), under unprecedentedly adverse conditions, to lift the morale of the whole planet.
I loved the team spirit which the athletes showed, which must have been difficult when they all trained sperately. The two men who shared the high jump gold was a stunning example of good sportsmanship.
Tom Daley knitting!
I enjoyed hearing the competitors stories and seeing their families supporting them.
I love the olympics so much
I have loved getting emotionally involved in sports and the stories of people I know nothing about.
I always love watching the gymnastics.
The Modern Pentathlon turned out to be my favourite event. Heartbreaking for the German competitor in the showjumping but so good to see Kate French overtake her rivals in the last event to take the gold!
I always enjoy the mens gymnastics!
I’ve really loved watching the extreme sports – BMX, skateboarding and climbing – definitely well worth staying up all night for!
I’ve really loved watching the extreme sports – BMX, skateboarding and climbing – totally worth staying up all night for!
I’ve loved watching the lesser-known sports, I became fascinated by the bmx!
Even though tennis is my favourite sport, I most enjoyed watching athletics. I liked the new mixed relay events which were fun.
I loved watching all the different countries compete and also see some new rising talent. I really enjoyed the swimming events (Tom Daley wow!), the athletics – especially the two men that shared the gold medal that was so heartwarming. But my favourite events were watching the Pentathlon and the rhythmic gymnastics – simply amazing!!
I love the wide variety of sports in the Olympics but very disappointed by the little I was able to see because we only have Freeview TV
I’ve enjoyed seeing footage of the competitors family and friends celebrating back in the UK despite the majority of the live coverage being broadcast early in the morning.
I enjoyed watching the live marathon & some of the other sports where you got to see parts of the cities where they took place.
I just love watching the traditional sports, like swimming and athletics, interspersed with the fun new ones, like Skateboarding and rock climbing, with all the ups and downs, and the drama of it all
The delight on Keely Hodgkinson’s face when she realised she had broken Dame Kelly Holmes’ British record was priceless
Love seeing the effort & determination put in by all of the GB team! Favourite was tears from Tom Daley- amazing!!
I enjoyed watching the swimming and the diving.
I just loved watching all those amazing people, and everyday the news on the radio announced the triumphs of the day. I am so looking forward to The Paralympics
ive really enjoyed the diving
ive loved the gymnastics
I enjoyed the huge variety of sports
Loved the camaraderie between the athletes – the two guys who decided they should both get the high jump gold medal were so inspiring! And also the amazing young women taking part in the skateboarding.
I always enjoy the parade at the opening ceremony. I love to see the happiness of the athletes and the enthusiasm of the volunteers who manage to jig on the spot for hours! Sports-wise I love the gymnastics.
I really enjoyed watching Tom Daley and Matty Lee win their gold medals, during the men’s synchronised 10 metre platform.
I enjoyed the equestrian events most and the diving.
I enjoyed watching everyone do their best and achieving so much.
I have really enjoyed the swimming & I always watch the cycling.
I’ve enjoyed the whole thing
I loved seeing Japan again when the cameras followed the cyclists, it brought back so many memories. I also loved the gymnastics especially the floor work.
I enjoyed the diving and swimming
I’ve loved the fact that everyone was really down on the whole thing before it started, but despite the obvious set-backs, Japan gave everyone a spectacular event, and the whole world got behind it. Well done Japan!
I have enjoyed the swimming
The celebration of diversity was a joy to behold. It was a carnival of inclusivity was heart warming
Watching the cycling: the men’s road race; the women’s road race; the men’s TT; and then all of the track cycling.
Have really enjoyed the diving x
The unexpected successes and failures – but just grateful for the distraction right now!
I enjoyed the opening ceremony and the tennis.
seeing the increased popularity of skateboarding
The sheer joy of the athletes and their camaraderie once the competion is over
The skateboarding has been awesome
I’ve really enjoyed the diving, always become an armchair expert!
Seeing the good nature of everyone involved.
Together with my young daughter, I have really enjoyed the level of coverage and interest in women’s sport. She’s been really inspired by all the female athletes.
Hearing about all the medals we have won.
The weird sports – dancing horses and the synchronised swimming!
The most enjoyable part about watching the Olympics is the pride that competitors take when winning (with a notable few exceptions). All the hard work they put in and the pain when they get injured – I feel their pain. Still only 3 years to the next Olympics!!!
I enjoyed watching the swimming
I’ve loved seeing Team GB win lots of medals! I’ve particularly enjoyed watching Tom Daley in the diving, Max Whitlock in the gymnastics and
Adam Peaty in the swimming.
Got my wife hooked and don’t have to watch Corrie or Eastenders for a fortnight
I’ve loved watching the diving!
For me it has to be the Rugby sevens.
The bmx racing. Dont usually watch it but I was on the edge of my seat
l have enjoyed the athletics the most
I’ve loved watching the swimming
I have really enjoyed watching new sports such as surfing and skaeboarding in the lympics, which opens the games up to a wider audience and scope of competitors.
I have enjoyed the swimming and diving the most,great team GB effort
the swimming
The swimming
Keely Hodgkinson’s face wheb she claimed a stunning 800m silver medal at the Olympics and broke the British record
Tom Daley’s knitting!
the diving for me has been great to watch
I’ve really enjoyed just how many events there, there’s been something for the whole family. I’ve particularly enjoyed watching the diving.
Love that there are so many different events and sports. I never thought that I would enjoy watching skateboarding and find it so thrilking
What a fantastic bundle – they all sound good but I’m really drawn to Pure Invention.
I loved the first ever mixed triathlon event. It had individual achievement but also a tremendous team spirit. The stamina of those athletes is astonishing but the fact that they have prowess in three different disciplines is mind blowing.
Simone Biles getting a bronze medal despite the setbacks she’s faced!
Has to be Tom Daley knitting so wholesome.
It’s a festival of sport, jam-packed with exciting events. Love the stunning design of the Olympic cauldron and how it was lit. The glimpses of the beautiful scenery of Japan at the outdoor races.
I loved seeing the families at home supporting the athletes, very emotional. The men re-lay swimming was fantastic
Tom Daley knitting during the women’s final
I’ve loved seeing the athletes supporting each other – Kye Whyte cheering on Bethany Shriever, Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi agreeing to share gold
The swimming and the diving
watching the gymnastics!
I’ve enjoyed watching sports that I don’t usually watch – like the skateboarding, BMX,
I have most enjoyed team GB performances. Very proud
Great Brits WINNING golds!
Artistic Gymnastics is our favourite
I love love loved the bmx’ing
Hello, I like hearing how many medals we have won!
🙂
I’ve really enjoyed the swimming, Adam peaty lives in our local town.
Seeing the huge age range of competitors has been really inspiring!
The emotional reaction to wining a medal always gets me. I love seeing all their hard work and dedication paying off.
Hubbie isn’t a big sports fan, so the collective ‘sigh’ has gone up every time I have actually tried to watch the sport, but the swimming and equestrian events really fired my imagination and patriotism.
Some of the small ‘non sporting’ events have also captured my attention – Krystsina Tsimanouskaya managing to evade the Belarus authorities – Tom Daley knitting in the audience as he watched the diving – the sheer joy of the British female weight-lifter winning her medal – the many personal moments of sporting achievement, whether medal winners or not!
Apparently a ‘Wimono’ is supposed to be a floral wall hanging, but from your picture I’m not convinced about that one!
I’ve really been enjoying all of the live coverage and highlights. It means there’s alway something on the telly worth watching!
The bmx biking was a surprise treat, plus I always enjoy watching the gymnastics!
The best part was Tom Daley getting a gold medal
When the two high jumpers agreed to share the gold medal. Great sportsmanship.
Loving it all but the track cycling is always
pretty special.
Gymnastics were pretty amazing for us.
Loved the gymnastics
I don’t normally watch any sport but caught some parts of the Olympics while I’ve been in hospital waiting rooms for appointments. It occurred to me that it’s really good for any girls who have been watching it to see women on TV who are being celebrated for their achievements, strength and determination rather than their beauty. I also found it inspiring how some of the womens teams have been rebelling against what seem to be quite sexist clothing rules.
England winning gold
The weight lifting – especially our girl getting a silver medal!
Swimming and Athletics
Loving the track cycling this morning- always a favourite of ours. I don’t feel we’ve seen enough (or indeed any) of Japan itself sadly.
I’ve loved watching the swimming
The swimming
The skateboarding and BMX events. It great to see more modern sports that can often have a negative stigma be embraced in such a positive way.
I’ve loved the swimming. It’s been awesome watching them do so well
I’ve enjoyed all the Team GB medal performances but mostly I was so pleased for Tom Daley after all he has been through
I’ve enjoyed watching everyone compete and being incredibly positive despite the risks and conditions. The competitors, coaching staff and volunteers are all under a lot of pressure and with their careful preparation denied due to the pandemic but everyone just gets on with it and does their best.
The swimming
Without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite has been the photos of Tom Daley poolside with his knitting!
The BMXing!
Seeing the two male high jumpers share their gold medal.
I have enjoyed watching the Olympic Games with my two children. This is the first year that they have both been really interested in the games.
Some of the stories behind the athletes are amazing.
the excitement of swimming
Watching the gymnastics and the twin girls from GB that are only 16
So brave and inspirational
Tom Daley knitting has won the Olympics for me!
My favourites in the Olympics are always the same – gymnastics & synchronised diving!
Watching these makes me want to be 10 again, when I could do cartwheels, somersaults & backflips off the diving board!
Stories behind the athletes journeys. Team GB BMX medal winners who self funded their olympic dream. Simone Biles being open about her struggles and stepping back from competing. And Tom Daly doing his knitting!
Loved it all – the team gb bmx team were amazing and lovely to see us competing and winning in the swimming too – loved the mixed triathlon too
I am loving the Tokyo games especially the new events. I particularly enjoyed watching the successful male and triathletes and make and female swimmers in the relays.
I’ve enjoyed the immense sportsmanship that’s been happening during these games. Winning is fab but it isn’t everything. Oh, and Tom Daley finally winning his gold medal. I loved his tears in the podium and the images of him knitting.
I don’t actually follow sport and have no interest, so it is difficult to say anything about the events. What I have enjoyed most so far is the sight of Krystsina Tsimanouskaya standing up against Alexander Lukashenko’s regime in Belarus. As someone who has visited that country, I am pleased that once again the international spotlight is being shone on the repressive nature of its government.
Oh, and props to the Norwegian women’s volleyball players.
I just love to see the inspirational positive attitude of the contestants and all countries getting on together. The inclusivity of it all.
Being a competitive swimmer when I was younger and representing England & GB I know how much work goes into the sport, I have loved watching the swimming and Adam Peaty’s swim was special.
I’m enjoying the track and field at the moment, although I’m going to be away from home for a few days and will miss most of it. The women’s triple jump was amazing, that final jump was like watching somebody fly!
It has to be the success of the BMX team. Seeing the joy on the faces of Kye Whyte and Bethany Shriever was fantastic. Fabulous for them and the nation.
I love watching the swimming x
I’ve loved it all – even sport I wouldn’t normally watch. Have really enjoyed the BMX yesterday and today and also looking forward to Sky Brown and the skateboarding.
So hard to choose one thing! But I will plump for the hockey – and one reason is the respect the players have for the referees unlike footballers.
I have loved watching the tennis best but I have loved and seeing proudly how many medals we have been winning I have loved seeing how everyone has come together as a nation
Defo for me it is seeing sports that aren’t usually televised – e.g. BMX and then the non-stop variety of everything that is going on. Such a great viewing experience and the sportsmanship is out of this world. The athletes could teach footballers a few things!