But what is it about Asian-ness — whether it be Asian countries, Asian characters, or Asian cultures — that intrinsically evokes futuristic visions?

I’ve always assumed it was a stereotype based on the Japanese people being pioneers in computing technology. For a long time, all the best gadgets came out of Japan.

But this of course has nothing to do with the Asian cultures in sci-fi that are not Japanese, like the Thai people in The Wind-Up Girl.

Did you enjoy this book, by the way? I’ve had it sitting on my shelf for a year or two. I’ve attempted to start it several times and I just can’t get into it.