Aaron Forsberg atop Mount Fuji in 2009

Aaron Forsberg, who works in our Economic Section, wrote "America and the Japanese Miracle" about Japan's rapid economic recovery and growth after the Second World War. He describes how a close economic partnership between Japan and the United States took shape during the 1950s, highlighting both how American policy facilitated Japan's high-speed growth and how the two sides addressed bilateral commercial tensions.

Abigail Friedman, who formerly worked in the Embassy's Political Section, recently published "The Haiku Apprentice: Memoirs of Writing Poetry in Japan" about her experiences learning the art of writing haiku poems. In this book, Abby takes us on a journey of her quest to write haiku well and relates what she learned along the way.

Burritt Sabin on the Yokohama waterfront

Burritt Sabin heads our translation unit. His interest in Japanese history led him to write a book entitled "A Historical Guide to Yokohama." Having lived in Yokohama for one year myself, I had visited many of the sites he mentions. Until I read this book, I had little idea about the rich history behind many of the buildings, parks, and neighborhoods of that lovely city.

Stephanie Morimura at a Japanese market

Stephanie Morimura worked in our executive office supporting the Ambassador. She lived in Japan before her career in the State Department and co-wrote a book called "Tokyo: City on the Edge." Stephanie draws upon her long experience living in Japan to explore parts of Tokyo not normally found in guidebooks. I enjoyed reading her description of white-collar workers who - at the end of their day - unwind over beer and yakitori in Shimbashi, and young teenagers waiting for a date in front of the pink and white Almond Coffee shop in Roppongi.