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Summary: Insightful Travelogue, My Favorite Dave Barry
Review: I own about a dozen Dave Barry books, and although this one is probably not the outright funniest one, it is one of my favorites. I love this book both because of his first-hand cultural insights and it's humor. Unlike some other Barry writing, this book doesn't need as many jokes, since the cultural differences create some hilarious scenarios without even trying. For example, there's a great anecdote about Dave being goaded into eating squid at a sumo match, and when he gags and spits it out the wrestlers (and crowd) laugh at him. I found these stories both insightful and humorous at the same time. This is a painless overview of Japanese culture and an entertaining read that will have you laughing out loud at times.
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Summary: Absolutely Hilarious!
Review: I believe this to be one of the funniest books Dave Barry has ever written. I have a paperback version of it, but I've read it so many times, it's starting to fall apart, and I'm thinking it might be time to replace it with a more permanent hardcover version. Best parts of "Dave Barry Does Japan": Dave trying, and failing, to learn Japanese on the plane...Dave and his family getting completely lost in Tokyo...Dave trying to blend in at a traditional Japanese resort. I also really enjoyed the chapter about Hiroshima, even though it wasn't funny. This guy can write serious stuff too, it appears--not only that, but he can write it well. Dave manages to make a journey into an extremely foreign culture incredibly funny without being racist or offensive in any way. And believe it or not, I actually learned a lot about Japan by reading this book. Of course, you have to take everything said in any Dave Barry book with a grain of salt, but one of my favorite things about his writing is his ability to point out the absurdities of everyday life, which I would imagine become even more apparent when one is watching them from an entirely different cultural perspective. Plus, you gotta love the booger jokes.
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Summary: Small pieces of large chunks
Review: Dave Barry spent 3 weeks in Japan. The end result is this book. I did like it very much though. The experiences he writes about are indicative of what those who live here have to deal with each and every day. He takes the view, as most middle aged Americans do, of ignorance. And it is this ignorance that drives the humor. It could be said to be the complete opposite to Alex Kerr's Lost Japan. He readily admits to the ignorance, and tries to understand. I did feel that a little more research, or perhaps any research could have made the stories a lot funnier. But for those who haven't been to Japan, or have recently arrived it is a good start at taking everything you see with a dose of humour.
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Summary: Funniest book ever
Review: As a Japanese citizen, living in the US, I thought I might be offended by this book, but after reading it I decided that this is the funniest book ever written. But it is not just funny and hilarious, Dave Barry sees Japan through very human eyes and all his observations are true. The way he describes Japanese culture and behavior is right on. Japanese culture and traditions may seem quite strange and foreign to many people but reading this book with its many discussions on everyday- life in Japan, will help to see Japan for what it is and not for what it use to be. Dave Barry does not make fun of Japan, he brings it to us in a very amusing and comical way.
Rating: 
Summary: Idiotic, embarrassing, did I mention ¿idiotic¿?
Review: The publisher's blurb claims that this "funny" book is not mean spirited, yet its author's attempt at humour is at the expense of sacred, centuries-old Japanese tradition and cultural morays. The author is a fool and an embarrassment and epitomizes a phrase coined by Graham Greene, "the ugly American". Mr. Barry is "ugly" beyond comprehension, pummelled by the "ugly stick". If only that stick would render him comatose.
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Summary: but this, give it as a gift
Review: This is the funniest book ever. A true pick-me-up and a fun family favorite. I love Dave Barry's views and respect for the Japanese culture.
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Summary: Bumbling American in Japan - hilarious!
Review: I came across this book while in Japan ten years ago. I started laughing out loud in the bookstore, continued laughing, while reading on the train ride back, and continue laughing to this day. If you like goofy, slapstick, and can enjoy a 'funny' book without the need for educational, serious, analytics in everything you read, this will be a good choice for you. If you've ever been in Japan, you will be able to relate to most of the stories he tells. I really enjoyed it, bought several copies to give to friends (although I'm not sure that someone who's never been to Japan will get some of the humor) and continue to keep this book as one of my favorites to this day. I'll keep my eyes out for Dave Barry's funny, twisted humor books and articles as we all need a little something to relieve us from the stress of daily life...
Rating: 
Summary: I'm curious what I'd think if I weren't living in Japan
Review: I have found myself on a recent binge of amazon.com review writing that stems from days where I don't have to teach class. So to occupy myself when I should be teaching English, I write reviews. Today, I finished Dave Barry Does Japan, and I decided to add my two cents to the other 50 reviews. I started off enjoying this book a great deal. And I finished the book enjoying it a great deal. And I highly suggest it for anyone living in Japan or anyone who's remotely interested in travel. Its hilarious. The best moment for me was Chapter 2. I shared this chapter with the English Club I teach once a week and it was refreshing to find that the Japanese are also befuddled by the "Elevator Ladies." 3 Weeks in a place where you've suddenly stepped off of the plane and become illiterate can be extremely alienating, and Dave Barry has done the best to exemplify that alienation. I have read enough complaints from people living in Japan; Barry was refreshingly funny. Definitely a good read if you want to wallow in a spirit of I-Hate-Japan. I was nearly in tears while reading about becoming accustomed to bowing. And his assesment of Japanese driving is right on the money. In a country where you shouldn't stick out, I got quite the number of stares from my coworkers as I laughed out loud. Then there's the Hiroshima chapter, which is definitely a step into a different book. I paid particular attention to it as I am taking a trip to Hiroshima this weekend. I agree with his assessment of August 5 becoming like Memorial Day, though other reviewers have made comments about his rant about "WHY" so I will leave that alone. It definitely ruined what was shaping up to be a five-star review. In a nutshell, I really enjoyed the book and will probably find myself reading it repeatedly, though there were moments when I felt like, "Geeze broaden your horizons a little" Though if the entire book were about how much he loved Japanese culture and couldn't get enough squid, octopus and raw fish complete with eyes, then the book wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. His final assessment is an astute one. Nobody's perfect. We have a lot to learn and centuries of improvement to affect in the US, but Japan has some wacky hangups too. I hope you can tell from this review whether or not you'd enjoy the book. It has its gems, but if you're like me, you will find yourself getting tired of his demeanor at certain points. Overall, its worth it.
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Summary: Must-Read for Every Japan Expat
Review: I laughed so hard that tears were running down my face. What was so funny? Dave Barry's ability to be so incredibly insightful with his own reactions to very common situations in Japan (but more specifically, Tokyo and big city life) and then compare and contrast them with "the American Way of Doing Things". I've lived in Tokyo for more than 3 years, but I'm not new to living "overseas" so it wasn't the un-Americanness that grabbed me, although I can appreciate it; I haven't lived in America since 1985. Dave describes in detail most Westerner's first reactions to Japan, whether they know it or not themselves or admit to it. His observations were my own and had been sitting dormant in my mind until I read his book upon which I howled with acknowledgement (what is the love affair with corn all about anyways; corn chowder at McDonald's?) I love living in Japan; the people are kind and honest (ok, politicians in every country are crooked), it's safe (6 year-old kids run around by themselves even in Tokyo!), the food is wonderful and Tokyo is ugly as sin, but never, ever boring. Many Kanji (Chinese ideograms) are finally looking less like Dave's chicken scratch to me, I know that even taxi drivers have trouble finding some places, it's second nature to slurp my ramen and I less often have to feel like an anxious dog looking for something familiar/train station name as I ride the trains.
But...I will always feel like a large white waterbuffalo lumbering down the streets here (most of my Japanese friends wear size 0 or 00 jeans!). My only question is, how did he get the picture so accurately in only 2 weeks!
Rating:
Summary: Beware, this will make you a Dave Barry addict
Review: I purchased this book on impulse and it was enough to get me hooked to this guy. The book was written a little while ago, it still holds true. Exposure to Japan will make you enjoy the book more. It brings all things unique to Japan (like punctual trains, neat public facilities, obsession with wrapping, grey suited salary men....) to life in a very humorous canvas.
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