Setting the Scene in Japan

I have just started the fourth book in the Samantha Olivares series. She's accompanying her cousin Jack as he travels to Japan to meet his Japanese grandparents.

I began with a 'Cast of Characters' page to help my readers (and myself) keep the names straight. And I added a short dictionary at the end to help with any confusion.

What I have found to be most difficult so far, is helping readers feel immersed in an authentic first time experience without allowing it to become overwhelming. Staying with a family is different than going on a tour or staying in a hotel.

The second most difficult task is describing an American visitor's interaction with Japanese police detectives. Although I lived in Japan for many years and have done quite a bit of research, I have never actually had any interaction with law enforcement in Japan and imagine that detectives, even in a small town, would not be happy with interference from the public, especially a foreigner.

Have you read or written a book that deals with a main character becoming involved in a foreign investigation? What worked? What didn't?