Do you know that our most common phrase is mai pen rai (never mind)? Inspired by her experience in Thailand, Japanese artist Kobayashi Mariko has launched her new comic book Tai No Hitobito.
The manga chronicles the daily experience of a Japanese tourist, which other foreigners may be able to relate to. It makes reference to many aspects of Thai culture, especially local dishes such as fried rice, grilled chicken and coconut milk custard. Its cover shows the protagonist walking past a street food stall that sells fried tofu. It also recounts an encounter with a monitor lizard in a park. After its debut on Oct 25, the cartoon in print and digital format has attracted considerable interest from social media users, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Mariko posted on her Twitter account that only the Japanese version is available. It is for sale at Kinokuniya Emquartier and Amazon (amazon.co.jp/dp/4847068769).
Follow the artist at twitter.com/mariko_asia27
Photos: Kobayashi Mariko
