A couple of weeks ago, my mother–in-law gave me the book “Ippo Ippo” which means “step by step” in Japanese. Had never heard of it, but once I read the first pages, I couldn’t put it down. Part of the impetus for the name is that after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March, 11, 2011, the author and his team were tasked with providing aid and encouragement to survivors, and they did so as in so many relationships are developed in Japan; step by step. Primarily written as a Christian devotional meant to be read one entry per day, it goes well beyond that and should be in every Japan traveler’s toolkit. Entries are short, encompassing only two pages or so, and it is so immersive that I kept reading page after page after page.
Even if you’re not looking for a devotional book, but are planning to travel in Japan, you need to get a copy of it! Seriously, there are a plethora of guidebooks and Youtube Channels out there, but they are mostly focused on attractions, ways to get around, and what to see, do and eat. “Ippo Ippo”, however, doesn’t cover any of those from a tourist viewpoint, but rather goes much deeper into what makes Japanese life so different than western culture. Everything imaginable is covered such as the oddity of what it takes to be a good neighbor while living in Japan, the importance of consensus with others, transacting simple business, group morning exercises, or shopping at the local grocer, etc.
The author, Mike McGinty and his wife Rowena served as missionaries in Japan for 34 years, primarily on the northern island of Hokkaido, then later in Tokyo. As a result, he knows the Japanese people and their culture better than most foreigners. As one who has travelled extensively throughout Japan, I can say that his insights are spot on. If you’ve followed us, you know that my wife’s family has a missionary history in Japan dating back to 1861, and her mother and father served 46 years in Osaka, Japan. Therefore, for her to endorse this book so heartily says a lot. I myself can’t recommend it enough. You can learn more about Mike and his book by visiting www.ippoipposteps.com and place your order there.