I consumed this book through an audiobook bought from Google play store. And this audiobook was published at 1999, but the actually written book at 1991. But Audiobook, I could have been tricked into believing it was just recently recorded because it is that good. If you think reading the book is slow, you have the option to go audiobook in order to get a faster pace of feel but still everything is slow-burn because that's what "reflective" books are. I can bet that you would love the audiobook especially while running or doing your house chores

This book, whether consumed through reading or listening by audio, is I dare say, not only for gaijin/foreigners who are curious of Japan and want to visit the land of the rising sun but oddly enough for person who likes to reflect a lot and at least attractive to philosophy if not Zen/Buddhism. It won't teach you who to mediate but gives you a deeper understanding on whats it's purpose or to a greater extent the purpose of all major spiritual religions and traditions (See a quote above from the book) This is not simply a foreigner writing about Japan but more.

This is also good for someone who loves poetry prose and an occasional laugh in midst of greatly vivid written anecdotes.