Alone in Japan: A Journey to the Future – Tom Feiling
Summary: Tom Feiling embarks on a solo journey through Japan – a country often called a „glimpse into the future.“ He explores a society grappling with hyper-aging, technological innovation, social isolation, and environmental challenges that the rest of the world will soon face. From bustling Tokyo to rural ghost towns, Feiling meets people navigating loneliness, tradition and rapid change. He examines how Japan is experimenting with robots for elderly care, confronting demographic collapse, and redefining community in an ultra-modern yet deeply traditional culture. It’s a journey through a nation that’s both fascinating and unsettling – a mirror for what may await us all.
Why we like it: Feiling doesn’t romanticize Japan – he shows it honestly, with all its contradictions. It’s part travelogue, part sociological exploration and deeply human. A must-read for anyone curious about Japan – and our shared future.