A Fool's Journey

<p>“I had been here before: I was going from being a mere ‘interpreter’ to being a ‘cultural interpreter.’ It was a dangerous path to tread.”</p><p>Walking Japan's ancient inland route in search of a vague romantic notion the author encounters a string of idiosyncratic characters locals with a story to tell. Recording their stories the author braids a travelogue deftly interwoven with his own experiences since he first set foot in Japan some thirty years ago.</p><p>At times hilarious at times serious at times moving  <em>A Fool’s Journey</em> is an exploration of one of Japan’s most scenic routes and its fascinating past. Above all it is a <em>gaijin</em>’s exploration into his relationship with a country that continues to defy definition.</p>