Read on for GEEO’s suggestions on books to read before you travel on our Japan program. Our book club is a way for teachers and other participants to learn through literature about the places they will be traveling. Reading about Japan is the next best thing to being there!

Reading fiction or nonfiction based on a country gives travelers the context needed to have deeper, richer experiences abroad. It is completely up to the participant whether they choose to read them, as the GEEO book club is not a required element of our programs. We hope our participants will enjoy the books we have selected and they will enhance their experience.

You should be able to find most of our selections through the links below and in your local library system as well. Do you have any feedback on our selections or suggestions for additions? Contact us and let us know!

Recommended books to read before traveling on the Japan program:

Fiction:
Nonfiction:
For those looking for more suggestions, here are some other books you may want to consider:

Recommended films and videos to watch before traveling to Japan:

Register with SIMA Academy here using access code SIMA4GEEO (case-sensitive), and then watch Women of Fukishima. SIMA Academy utilizes the storytelling power of award-winning global short documentaries to nurture globally competent and socially active learners worldwide.

Other films and videos:

Anime is immensely significant in Japanese culture, transcending age groups and genres, from fantasy and sci-fi to slice-of-life and horror. It is often a reflection of Japanese societal norms, aspirations, and creativity and imagination. Many of Japan’s most famous anime films are from Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. Here is a sampling of some of Japan’s top anime films.

Another popular genre in Japan is kaiju cinema, featuring giant monsters wreaking havoc on cities. The term kaiju translates to “strange creature,” and these films often showcase colossal creatures that have become iconic characters within Japanese cinema.

GEEO utilizes Amazon Associates links for the above-suggested books. If you purchase a book through one of the links above, you’re supporting us as a nonprofit and helping more teachers travel through GEEO!