The Advantages of Eastern Living: Reid Brings 500 Years of Wisdom

“Fascinating…clearly acknowledged, fascinating and scary…. A plainspoken account of residing in Asia.”  —
San Francisco Chronicle

T. R. Reid, known for his insightful and witty NPR commentary, now shares his wealth of knowledge from the five years he spent in Japan as The Washington Post's Tokyo bureau chief. During his time there, he delved into the country's rich 2,500-year-old Confucian tradition, a profound moral framework that significantly influenced the continent's "postwar miracle." His unique perspective offers a deeper understanding of the benefits derived from dwelling in Japanese culture.

In his book, Reid delves into various intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, such as a neighbor addressing loud bass music, which is seen as bringing disrepute to the community. He also explores the Japanese tradition of students cleaning schools. Through these examples, Reid prompts us to consider the advantages and drawbacks of the Asian Way over 500 years and apply this knowledge to gain a deeper understanding of both Japanese and American cultures.