I listened to this on audioCD, read by Robert Ramirez. He has quite a strong American accent but as the characters are American this was appropriate.
It was interesting how different life was in Japan, compared with the US. From the communal baths to working in the fields.
The main character, Lincoln, settles in well with his adopted family and gets along with his new friend Mitsuo.
He works hard to improve his skills in kempo, a martial art that he had learned back home.
They travel a bit within Japan, both into the city and on a pilgrimage.
All in all quite informative with a light touch. Suitable for age 10+. ( )