New review here. One of my favorite yaoi authors manages to do a straight-up police thriller, and it is awesome.

Review: Dog x Cat

Do you like mangas that feature cute animals? Do you like manga that feature pretty boys getting busy? How about a manga that has both (though not in the same scenes)? Check out my review of Dog x Cat here.

Book Review: Etiquette Guide to Japan
By: Boyé Lafayette De Menta

Last Friday I talked about ‘Living & Working in Japan,’ a book that covered practically every practical concern about surviving in Japan but was a bit skimpy about what to do in different social situations. That’s where ‘Etiquette Guide to Japan’ comes in. The book has the usual stuff like chapters on bowing and titles, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also chapters on where to sit at the table (be careful not to take the seat of honour) to getting drunk with your co-workers (not a minefield of embarrassment like it is here in north America, but actually a vital part of working in Japan. It’s only when you’re drunk that you can correct your boss or co-workers without either of you losing face).

Each chapter not only tells you the dos and don’ts it also digs in deep to explain why it’s that way. In the end the book is a history lesson as well as a mini-Japanese charm school. It’s written in clear, easy to understand language. If you’re going to Japan, then this book will help you avoid some of the more serious faux pas. You should also check it out if you’re interested in a look at a different culture.