A writer from Baltimore, who never lived or even visited Japan, and who calls himself simply “Professor Solomon” as a pen name (his first name Michael and he’s teacher in the public school system there) self-published a book titled “Japan in a Nutshell” in 1997 and it’s still available online. The book, written by an author who admits he has never stepped foot in Japan and enjoys being an armchair traveller (and seems pretty good at it, too!) contains useful information for newbies and wannagoes, from capsule hotels to fortunetelling birds, musical crickets, bowing etiquette, why Japan is like nowhere else in the world. How did the professor learn all this and turn his info into a book, without ever living in Japan? He read a lot, he talked to a lot of people, and he did his best to make a good guide book available in print and online.

Given that it’s 2006 now, the book might be a bit outdated (things move fast in Japan), but take a look at the professor’s website and make up your own mind. Or better yet, publish your own book!

Note added later: Professor Solomon kindly has given this poster permission to quote from an email he sent us: “Mention to your readers that I’ve never been to Japan? Absolutely, that’s okay. I’m proud to be an armchair traveler! (I’ve also written a book called “How to Make the Most of a Flying Saucer Experience,” but in fact, have yet to step aboard one.)”