Book-The Secrets of Mariko

Journalist and author, Elizabeth Bumiller, writes a fascinating book in The Secrets of Mariko. Part of its fascination is that it explores the life of a ordinary Japanese woman in a very personal way, not trying to make a huge sociological statement with the study, but to make the life of this woman open for all to have empathy for.

Bumiller was in Japan for a few years on assignment, with her husband and family, and had heard so much about the life of the "normal" Japanese housewife, that she set out to chronicle it, to find out if it was as bad as many people said. She found her typical housewife in Mariko, and met with her for over a year, learning about her, her family (a husband and 3 kids), her feelings, and her wants and needs. Mariko also took care of her elderly parents, who live in the same house, both of who are ailing from failing health.

Bumiller's narrative is personal...she states that sometimes she had pre-conceived notions that get changed along this year-long journey. And she does not merely focus on Mariko, she looks at things in Mariko's life that fascinate her and explores those too. Fro instance, Mariko takes part in a shrine carrying festival, where she mingles with Yakuza, the Japanese mob. Bumiller is intrigued with how this very middle class woman relates to the Yakuza, and finds a way to interview the local gang's leader.

What we get out of this curiosity is a larger picture of Japanese society, a society that is homogeneous to the point of xenophobia, and that is so strictly structured that to be different is to be ostracized by the group mentality. But Bumiller is also sympathetic and caring and tries (and succeeds) in letting us understand the differences between our cultures. Even more, she, and in turn her audience, understands the similarities between two cultures, and how we all strive towards some kind of acceptance.

The Secrets of Mariko is an excellent book, (and as true as I can see from my own experiences staying with Japanese friends). Anyone interested in Japanese culture should read and will enjoy it.