Podcast host Amy Chavez talks with Michael Pronko, a Tokyo-based writer of murder, memoir, and music. He is professor of American Literature at Meiji Gakuen University. During his over 20 years in the country, he has written for Newsweek Japan, The Japan Times, and Artscape Japan, and has been featured on NHK TV and Nippon television. He also runs the website Jazz in Japan, which covers the vibrant jazz scene in Tokyo and Yokohama. Today, we're going to talk about Pronko's fiction, as well as his nonfiction books, including his most recently released Tokyo Tempos.Pronko's "Detective Hiroshi" series includes:The Last TrainThe Moving BladeTokyo TrafficTokyo ZangyoAzabu GetawayShitamachi Scam (which we talk about on the podcast today)Pronko's "Tokyo Moments" series includes:Beauty and ChaosTokyo's Mystery DeepensMotions and MomentsTokyo Tempos (which we talk about on the podcast today)Pronko's favorite books on Japan are:Empire of Signs by Roland BarthesThe Anatomy of Dependence by Takeo DoiYou Gotta Have Wa and Tokyo Junkie by Robert WhitingThe Zen books by D.T. Suzuki, and anything by Donald RichieYou can find Michael Pronko online at his website (http://www.michaelpronko.com) and at the following links on social media:AmazonInstagramGoodreadsFacebookLinkedInTwitter (X) @pronkomichael The Books on Asia Podcast is co-produced with Plum Rain Press. Amy Chavez is author of Amy's Guide to Best Behavior in Japan and The Widow, the Priest, and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island. Check out theBooks on Asia website for book reviews and podcast episodes. Subscribe to the BOA podcast from your favorite podcast service.

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