Customer Reviews

I Love Japan

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Craig Briggs is like P.J. O'Rourke without the alcohol induced crankiness or political rants; Dave Barry without the boogers, and Dan Rather without the hallucinatory research department. His style is smart, friendly, casual and pleasant. Plus he actually imparts useful information. It's almost like reading letters from a friend overseas -- if your friend has a good sense of humor and can write well. If you're thinking about heading for Japan, this book is an easy and fun way to get a read on on the culture in the form of observational columns. And it's size is perfect fit for the back of the toilet.

I found this an interesting read. Even though I have been to Japan many times, I discovered new things about the country and the people. And, it is entertaining throughout. If you are a foreigner planning to live, work or visit Japan, you should read this book. When I travel to Japan again, I will bring the book with me.

Written in an observational style that feels as if each chapter could be a bit from a stand-up comedy routine, Briggs has penned a very funny satire on ex-pat life in Japan. Specific cultural and universal human truths are dramatized to hilarious effect. Useful information yes but more a conversation with other fish out of water that; "no" you're not imagining things, and a reminder that keeping a sense of humor is not only a key to survival, but how to find happiness in any situation. I don't think it is meant to really be a travel guide ... rather more like group therapy. Btw, I've never been to Japan but found myself laughing out loud in chapter after chapter. There was the one about the mystifying and byzantine laws about trash disposal in "Talking Trash" and an equally funny bit about the mysterious disappearance of garbage on the street when there isn't a public receptacle anywhere to be found. His top 10 lists sometimes show 15 or don't get past five, but the writers at Letterman have nothing on Briggs. And the sweet chapter on Japanese pets, and his personal story about his beloved dog Roxy had me crying out loud as well.