Now and Zen

Nori Tanaka is thrilled to be studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan, but it isn't exactly what she had imagined.

She expected tranquil gardens and swoopy-roofed houses, not concrete and neon. And everyone assumes that, with her traditional Japanese features, she's a native instead of the naïve Japanese-American that she really is.

Even Erik, a gorgeous German student, mistakes Nori for Japanese, and treats her like a personal tour guide.

Nori is sure that he'll like her for who she is once he gets to know her, so what harm can come of temporarily pretending to be Japanese?

It doesn't take long to realize that she has a lot to learn about Japan, and about herself, before she can pass for a native.

But after exploring the karaoke clubs in Tokyo, the peaceful temples in Kyoto, and the tranquil heights of Mt.

Fuji, Nori knows she has a good chance of finding the hidden Japanese spirit and Zen mindset within herself.