JAPAN Lights and Shadows chronicles Dr. Gino C. Matibag’s
experiences living in the Land of the Rising Sun. In heartfelt prose, he
uses dry humor and candor to tell his story, from his life in the
Philippines to finding his place in Japan.
More than a memoir detailing the author’s personal journey, the book
gives an honest glimpse into the Japanese culture, the lives of foreign
scholars at the famed Hokkaido University, the challenges of conducting
research, and the drama of going at it alone in another country. The
author is at times self-deprecating and humorous, providing accounts of
both his triumphs and occasional gaffes in this conservative culture.
The doctor juxtaposes his Filipino background to his current life,
showing the contrast so vividly that we feel as if we are transported
with him.
His
recollections include trips outside of Japan to France, Sri Lanka,
Switzerland, the United Kingdom and others. His enthusiasm shines
through in these travelogues depicting the culture of some of the
world’s most exciting destinations.
Above all, Dr. Matibag emphasizes his commitment to his profession and
his mission as a scholar who must do what is right. Beneath the joys of
being a successful expatriate, he paints a picture of the machinery
running the Japanese academe, showing a side of Japan we have never seen
before.
