The Jan-ken Junkie

Publisher Marketing: An American scientist's curiosity for a children's game becomes an adult obsession. Settling in Japan, the man turns the game into a global phenomenon that ultimately gives his life purpose and direction. And changes the world in ways he never imagined. While doing research on brain activity in Japan, John, an American scientist, develops a curiosity for the childhood hand game, Paper-Scissors-Stone. Intrigued at first, he studies the game, and is determined to be the best. But to do that, he must practice, and practice he does. Everywhere. He invites passengers on the train to use the game to settle minor disputes over train seats; he plays the game on dates in a variation of strip poker. He even plays the game with his girlfriend to decide if they will get married. He lets her win, of course. As the story progresses, John's pursuit of winning becomes absolutely comical when he plays against an elephant in a public match. Eventually, and to his wife's dismay, John's devotion to the game and perfecting his skill jeopardizes their marriage as well as his health. Like an addict strung out on drugs, John is able to quit the game cold turkey with his wife's help. But not for long. After a short break, John returns to the game even more determined than ever to master the game, spending hours practicing in the bathroom mirror for insight into the moves of his opponents. Eventually, John's obsession and the public attention he receives turn the game into a global phenomenon that ultimately gives his life purpose and direction. And changes the world in ways he never imagined. Contributor Bio:  Knipfing, Larry Larry Knipfing was born on Long Island, New York, in 1958 and has made Japan his home since 1980. Most of his writing has centered on things Japanese. "Horace," "The Shunga Tales," and "Crow, the King of Sumo" are the first of a series of fiction pieces that he will release in 2012. He has also written a collection of short stories, "The Shyest Man in Japan." He is interested in exploring the essence of Japanese beauty in both his writing, and other artistic forms.