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Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
They Hang Me in Tokyo by Allan West is a stunning and unique foray into the journey of an artist as he works to become a Master Nihonga. West chronicles his experiences as he explores the incredible hidden world of a Japanese painting tradition known for blending abstraction and naturalism. This art style is so exclusive that it’s inaccessible even to some raised in Japan. The book begins as West embarks on a search for a small shop hidden in Tokyo where he hopes to find a rare pigment known to contain gemstones and minerals. Though many told him not to go, West chose to pursue his dream anyway, and his passion for this art form led him to discover hidden depths. He was captivated by the beauty that Japan had to offer and found a new opportunity as he left behind his Western roots to seek lessons from the masters.
The primary focus of the memoir is on Allan West’s unwavering commitment to art, particularly this painting style that captivated him. Through his journey and dedication, he tells a story about pursuing your passions and never giving up, even if people are trying to advise you otherwise. West does a solid job of capturing his anxiety and nervousness, with him eager to make a good first impression. The story he shares is infused with the exploration of Japanese culture and tradition, and the challenges he faces from his Western roots. The culture clash presented comes with many obstacles from art secrets to customs, which are areas where West finds himself in the middle. Traditions are explored throughout his pursuit of art, which is at the core of a greater journey to find where he belongs. The relationship with art is a key element of the memoir as it evokes themes of self-expression, individuality, passion, and creativity. The love he has for Japan translates well through the writing, which addresses the beauty and discovery he found. His passion for art and desire to learn make the memoir easy to relate to, while the style of Nihonga sets it apart by exploring something hidden and lesser known. This memoir is a fascinating read. They Hang Me in Tokyo shows how art and discovery go hand-in-hand as the memoir explores artistic expression, culture, creativity, Japanese tradition, and beauty.
