“I'm not afraid to look like a big, hairy, smelly, foreign devil in Tokyo, though I do my best not to, I really do.”

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Meaning

The speaker is saying he is willing to be seen as awkward or out of place in Tokyo if that is what happens. At the same time, he says he still tries to avoid that impression. The tone is self-aware and humorous.

When It Was Said

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Who It Was Said To

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Historical Context

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Source

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Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

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About Anthony Bourdain

American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian

Anthony Michael Bourdain was an American celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian. He became known for work that moved between kitchens, books, and television, with a public voice shaped by curiosity and sharp observation. He starred in programs focused on international culture, cuisine, and the human condition. His work often explored how people eat, travel, and live, and it brought him a reputation for honest, unsentimental commentary.

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Books by Anthony Bourdain

Kitchen Confidential

2000

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Bone In The Throat

1995

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Gone bamboo

1997

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World Travel

2020

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The Bobby Gold Stories

2003

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