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THURSDAY

Having already explored the secret lives of women in India for her previous book, May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons, former Washington Post reporter Elizabeth Bumiller naturally attempted to do the same when she moved to Japan. Thanks to an unusually frank ally, interpreter Sachiko Kamazuka, Bumiller infiltrated the life of a “typical” Japanese housewife. The Secrets of Mariko really does tell a few of the woman’s secrets, but more compelling is its intimate portrait of everyday life in a society that appears more Americanized than it really is. Bumiller discusses her book at 7 p.m. at the Japanese Information and Cultural Center, 1155 21st St. NW. FREE. For reservations call (202) 939-6900. CP