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Tokyo, in the early aughts, was a weird place. Lonely single men wanted to marry action figures instead of women. High school girls worked at maid cafes and were paid to act like Manga characters. Nightclubs filled with kids in anime cosplay who danced to remixed versions of cartoon theme songs.People’s private obsessions, once confined to bedrooms and computer screens, were transforming entire city blocks.
Long before global media, Pharrell Williams, and millions of tourists twigged to the strange new energy emerging from Japan, author Patrick Macias was there, chronicling the emergence of “Cool Japan” in a famous blog entitled “An Eternal Thought in the Mind of Godzilla.” Now with biting humor and cultural insight, he looks back on the trends, personalities, and happenings that dominated the bleeding edge of Japanese pop culture in those years. You’ll meet maids who imitate Michael Jackson, anime producers sent to prison for guns and drugs, school girls determined to resurrect surf rock, nightclubbers who worship “uncool foreigners,” and all manner of wide-eyed ex-pats, weirdoes, and dreamers who came to Tokyo in search of a stranger, more surreal version of life.
About the author
Patrick Macias is an American author and co-author of several books on pop culture fandom, specifically relating to Japanese culture and otaku culture in America. He lives in Tokyo Japan.
Summary
Tokyo, in the early aughts, was a weird place. Lonely single men wanted to marry action figures instead of women. High school girls worked at maid cafes and were paid to act like Manga characters. Nightclubs filled with kids in anime cosplay who danced to remixed versions of cartoon theme songs.
People’s private obsessions, once confined to bedrooms and computer screens, were transforming entire city blocks.
Long before global media, Pharrell Williams, and millions of tourists twigged to the strange new energy emerging from Japan, author Patrick Macias was there, chronicling the emergence of “Cool Japan” in a famous blog entitled “An Eternal Thought in the Mind of Godzilla.” Now with biting humor and cultural insight, he looks back on the trends, personalities, and happenings that dominated the bleeding edge of Japanese pop culture in those years. You’ll meet maids who imitate Michael Jackson, anime producers sent to prison for guns and drugs, school girls determined to resurrect surf rock, nightclubbers who worship “uncool foreigners,” and all manner of wide-eyed ex-pats, weirdoes, and dreamers who came to Tokyo in search of a stranger, more surreal version of life.
Foreword
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influential figures with an interest in the Japanese pop culture community, such as anime YouTubers, bloggers, and podcasters, to promote the book and generate buzz among their dedicated audiences.
- Social Media Campaign: Create engaging social media content, including visually stunning images and sneak peeks from the book to generate excitement and encourage sharing across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook.
- Book Launch Event in Tokyo with local influencers, fans, and media outlets.
- Press Releases: Pitch National US media outlets, online and offline, highlighting Patrick Macias' expertise and reputation as a leading authority on Japanese pop culture.
- Media Interviews: Arrange interviews with relevant media outlets, both print and online, showcasing Patrick Macias as a knowledgeable and captivating spokesperson.
- Book Reviews: Provide advance review copies to influential media, book bloggers, online magazines, and literary critics to generate early reviews and buzz.
- Engage Libraries and Bookstores: Build on trade reviews, schedule speaking events and appearances
- Advertising: Targeted online advertising campaign, utilize social media platforms and book-related websites to reach readers interested in Japanese pop culture and travel.
- Cross-Promotion with Japanese Pop Culture Events: Collaborate with organizers of conventions, expos, and festivals dedicated to Japanese pop culture to establish a presence at these events.
- Guest Appearances: Organize guest appearances at conferences, bookstores, festivals, and cultural events in key cities to connect directly with readers
