With the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics in full swing, after a rocky start due to COVID-19, we are in the midst of following our favorite olympians battle it out for gold. While travel plans would have been put on hold to follow and support our sporting heroes in the beautiful country of Japan, the library is never short on resources that can transport you to experience another country and culture. From food, fashion and anime, check out our top ten Japan inspired titles that are in our collection at the Ōamaru Public Library listed here.

Lonely Planet Japan Travel Guide by Lonely Planet
(Adult Non-Fiction, Countries and Travel, 915.2JAP)

A great place to start with exploring Japan is found in the Lonely Planet Japan - your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you, From bamboo groves in Arashiyama, Buddhist architecture in Kyoto, to relaxing in the hot springs of Noboribetsu Onsen - Lonely Plant is your trusted travel companion. 

Tokyo: Top Sights, Authentic Experiences by Rebecca Milner
(Adult Non-Fiction, Countries and Travel, 915.213 TOK)

Unlock Tokyo style. This is your complete guide to Tokyo - from the best sights, itineraries and local secrets, to plan your perfect trip to Tokyo!

Kawaii Craft Life: super-cute projects for home, work & play by Sosae Caetano and Dennis Caetano
(Adult Non-Fiction, Arts and Crafts, 746.4 CAE)

Who can resist super-cute art?! The term Kawaii means adorable, and is the cultre of cuteness in Japan. Kawaii Craft Life is an introduction to kawaii-style neddlework, which includes material lists, printable templates, and full-colour illustraed instructions, to help the crafter in you cutify your home!

Showa: A History of Japan Collection by Shigeru Mizuki; translated by Zack Davisson
(Adult Graphics, MIZ)

Comic book and Graphic Novel enthusiastics can now delve deep into the history with Shigeru Mizuki's Manga version of the history of Japan. Split into three volumes, covering the Showa periods of 1926-1939, 1939-1944 and 1953-1989, the manga series is a meticulously reserached historical portrait of twentieth-century Japan.

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story by Caren Stelson
(Young Adult Non-Fiction, 940.54 STE)

An event in history that no one can ignore, this young adult read tells the story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki through the eyes of survivor Sachiko Yasui, who was six year old when the devastation was wrought, describing her experiences in the aftermath of the attack as well as her long journey to find peace.

Tokyo on Foot: travels in the city's most colorful neighborhoods by Florent Chavouet
(Adult Non-Fiction, Countries and Travel, 915.2 CHA)

In this personal memoir from young graphic artist, Florent Chavouet, Tokyo on Foot is a stunning book that records the city of Tokyo that Chavouet got to explore over six month while his girlfriend interned at a company there. Chavouet captures the gritty, vibrant city full of ordinary people going about their everyday lives, a stark contrast to the rendered city views or posters of pop stars we normally see, capturing the Japanese essence of a great city.

Tokyo Style Guide: Eat, Sleep, Shop by Jane Lawson
(Adult Non-Fiction, COuntries and Travel, 915.213)

Author Jane Lawson has travelled to the ever changing and exhilarating cities in the world over thirty years, and shares her unique insight into Japan's culture and aesthetic. With her expert guided walks through 21 of the most intriguing and stylish Tokyo neighbourhoods, Lawson provides practival tips to help you prepare for and get the most out of your trip, places to shop, relax, be inspired, eat and sleep.

Japanese Street Style by Pat Lyttle
(Adult Non-Fiction, Lifestyle, 746.92 LYT)

Japan has become one of the strongest stages for fashion and style in the world, this book is the first of its kind to showcase the most innovative and cutting edge looks in Japan today. Tokyo has been the biggest influence for the most revered fashion designers, from Alexander MxQueen to Vivienne Westwood. Street style in Japan combines a historic sense of style with the most contemporary and cutting-edge looks that turns heads and makes you go WOW!

Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony by Hector Garcia
(Adult Non-Fiction, Countries and Travel, 915.2GAR)

For every fan of manga, anime, J-pop, or Zen, this is the book for you! A Geek in Japan is a hip, smart and concise guide that covers a wide array of topics in short articles accompanied by sidebars and numerousphotographs, providing a lively digest of the society, creativity and culture of Japan.

The Japanese Table: small plates for simple meals by Sofia Hellsten
(Adult Non-Fiction, Food and Drink, 641.595 HEL)

Food and eating it is the ultimate cultural experience, so why not have a taste of some fine Japanese cuisine - even better try make some of your own at home! Sofia Hellsten celebrates her love of Japan with the simple recipes that are the backbone of Japanese home cooking. Based on the ichijuu - sansai tradition - which literally means 'one soup, three dishes' - uncomplicated, delicious small meals that can be enjoyed any time of day.