Customer Reviews

Japanese Jive: Wacky and Wonderful Products from Japan

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The grass is always greener in the neighbor's field, they say. Foreign associations add spice to mundane products. Advertising sells the sizzle, not the steak; the hope, not the reality. Buying the right sort of foreign car or perfume makes you a more sophisticated person. "European Sophistication" sells in the States. In Europe, their products tout "American know-how."

Japanese manufacturers have been using English words as a seductive selling point for years now. The fact that the English words they use may sound elegant in Japanese but make no sense--at least not TOTAL sense-- when reintroduced to an English speaking country does not deter them from making some really inspired linguistic choices. They are almost poetic in their innocence. They are also some of the funniest reading I have had in years.

A thoughtful and sober explanation of all this appears at the beginning of JAPANESE JIVE, but by the time you get to reading about the Soup-Sand 'sandwich' (which is just what it says it is), or Chocolate Collon candies, not to mention genuine Vermont Curries, there won't be a dry nose in the house.

This is far funnier than books of 'mad inventions, chindoku' et. al since all the products in this book are actually available at Japanese supermarkets. Mark Twain would have loved this book. You will too. Experience the sophistication of POCKY STICKS washed down by CALPIS WATER or YODEL WATER. Be sure to PARTNER WITH YOUR MOUTH afterward. Don't miss JAPANESE JIVE.

This book is hilarious. As someone who's been to Japan many times, I've tried and ogled at many of these products myself. How would you like to use a tissue named "My Wet"? Or use an armpit ray to tan your pale armpits? It's all in Japanese Jive. A wacky and wonderful coffee table book for you and your easily-amused guests.

I laughed out loud at least 20 times reading this book... bring on the Yodel Water and the Dew-Dew candy! True, the book is a bit thin: is it worth 50 cents per laugh? Not sure. A fun gift for Japanophiles, anyhow.

Me and a friend of mine could barely contain ourselves in the store as we read this book. I was literally in tears by the time I got to the ending. I bought 10 copies immediately to keep one and give the rest as gifts. Judging by their reactions when asked about it, they did not have the same experience I did. I wasn't aware they were so humorless, sorry...my mistake. I rate this book 5 stars! Buy it for yourself, if you don't take things so seriously. Don't buy it as a gift. That is what I learned from experience.

I'm not sure why the Japanese love to dress up their products with English language slogans, but they can be hilarious to native English speakers. (To be fair, our attempts at bowing correctly must seem just as sidesplitting.)

This book has a wonderful, sidesplitting collection of the bits.

I suppose I should include some heartwarming notes about how this blurring of our languages will bring us closer together.

In my very large personal library, this book will always retain a very special place. It is one of the only books I have ever encountered which is guaranteed to reduce me to helpless laughter every time I open it!

What else can I do when I see the label for "'Cow' Brand Beauty Soap" or "Fruit Festa" or "Nipless" or...?!

A fascinating insight into the intricacies of cross-cultural confusion; also a great series of laughs!

This is not a very substantial book, but it makes a good souvenir for anyone who has been to Japan and wants to show people some of the really bizarre product names you will run into.