Working in Japan as a software engineer, the author has been writing the Spanish-language blog, Kirai--A Geek in Japan, since 2004. This volume draws on that material in order to provide a wide-ranging perspective on Japanese society and culture. Although manga (comics) and anime are prominently mentioned in the subtitle, such stereotypically "geeky" subjects actually occupy only a minority of the discussion, which includes explorations of traditional arts and disciplines, the social character and values of Japanese people, society and daily life, workplace issues, and tourism. The blog origins of the book are evident in the way that each individual subject is presented in brief, easily-digestible paragraphs, although the various individual subjects are grouped together by larger themes. The volume is illustrated with a large number of color photographs. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)