Rating: 
Summary: The weirdest loonyride
Review: Dave Barry is back, in a hilarious recounting of his time in Japan, for the purpose of writing a book ("You hope to write a book in three weeks?" "Well, it won't be a GOOD book!" *laughs* "I see.")Apparently being linguistically inept, Dave has to deal with non-English speaking Japanese people, the best airlines in the world, Americans smelling bad, big feet in teeny slippers, Japanese Kabuki theater, and marrying an elderly geisha. It's clear that Mr. Barry has respect for the Japanese, even as he lampoons them (like he does everyone else. He devotes a chapter to Hiroshima; also, he covers the ability of the Japanese to be dignified while being snockered; covers a crime wave and gangsters; checks out the Japanese foodstuffs; and feels hip for the first time in years. Barry is his usual irreverent, hilarious self as he covers the "three hippie tourists" in the conservative world of Japan. This is not a book to be missed! Oh, and "Loving Singing Eating Italian Tomato Restaurant". Nuff zed.
Rating: 
Summary: Super funny with some real insights
Review: THis is super funny, I read it in 2 sittings. I lived in Japan for about 2 years when I was teaching English and I can tell you that this is a funny, accuarate description from an outsiders perspective. Often he is not exaggerating.
Rating:
Summary: Moshi Moshi!
Review: Hysterical Western point of view of part of the East. Considering I live in Hawaii, which is the semi-permanent vacation residence of nearly all of Japan, I could easily relate. Quick, easy read.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: Travel guide written in very humorous way. If you want to get a good laugh, read this book. If you think that US was the villain during the World War II don't bother with this book because Hiroshima chapter will upset your wussy politically correct democratic mindset.
Rating:
Summary: THE FUNNIEST BOOK EVER!!
Review: THis is by far the funniest book that Dave Barry has ever written!! I can't even tell you how many times i've read and reread this book. It's more times than i can count and everytime it never fails to make me laugh out loud.
This book is basically a travel journal of Dave Barry's trip to Japan. In it, he tells us of the many humerous situations that would arise when an american visits a foreign country, especially a country as "wacky" as Japan. It's so funny reading about how he deals with the different customs and fads over there (bowing techniques, engrish). It's funny how he compares the way of actting between Japanese and Americans. NOt only is this book hilarious but it's also, in its own way, very informative. You can learn a lot about the japanese way of living from this book as well. He does go into depth about his experience with watching Japanese opera, going to a japanese comedy place, watching sumo wrestling and taking part in a geisha tea ceremony.
I, myself, have always wanted to go to Japan because i'm totally intriqued by the japanese culture and customs, but i don't have enough money for such a trip so i content myself by reading this book. I really recommend this book to anyone. I gaurantee that you'll laugh out loud. It's esp. great for anyone specifically interested in Japan.
Rating:
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.
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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