Customer Reviews

Schizophrenic in Japan: An American Ex-Pat's Guide to Japanese and American Society/Politics & Humor

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This book is defined as a "Humor, Society, & Politics" so I was expecting a book that was just all making fun of politicians. But this book is not that way at all. While I did laugh through the entire second half of the book, the first part made me angry. Not at the writer, but he points out quite well, just how messed up America and American politics have become.

This is a great book for getting people who are not interested in politics to open their eyes as it is written with humor and wit. But, when you stop to think about how true what the writer has written is, it might just make you upset. I couldn't put the book down and bought one for my on-the-fence leaning right wing sister. It is definitely a roller-coaster read. Very funny too, when he wants to be. Dead serious at times too.

I lived in Kobe, Japan in the early 90's for 3 1/2 years. I've read many books about Japan and have always been left feeling unsatisfied. This book, though, made me feel the closest to actually being there again.

Japan is a strange place and it's impossible for anyone to write about everything in one book. It just can't be done. This book gives you snapshots of life in Japan and I found that to be quite refreshing. It seems to me, that that is about the only way to get an idea of what's going on there besides actually going yourself.

This book is pretty funny and sometimes outrageously funny. Other times, though, when the writer complains about the USA, it can make you feel uncomfortable. Especially if you don't like what's going on in the American political process.

This is definitely an anti-war book as well as a humor book about Japan. There doesn't seem to be any particular order in the chapters, but that's okay as each stands on it's own merit - and, if you've ever been to Japan, you'd understand that it seems that there's no particular order of anything in Nippon.

I would give this book a 4 & 1/2 stars but they don't have 1/2's. A great book for reading when you only have a short time to spare.

I don't understand what in the world the previous review was ranting about, so I thought I'd throw my 2 cents worth in. I have read that Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers' writings were "The funniest thing I've read since Mark Twain." (I can't remember who said that...) And I've also read where reviewers thought that this book was brilliant and the reviewer was raving about Mike (in Tokyo)'s talent. One guy said, "The writer showed rarely seen talent along the likes of Ernest Hemingway."

I am a book worm. I read at least 5 books a week - mostly novels. And I must say that this book is one of the best humourous political and cultural books I've read in years, perhaps the best one I've read in my entire life.

How anyone can complain about the writing in this book is beyond me. You may not agree with his ideas, but he's not in your face and he certainly comes off like a gentleman. Something that certainly cannot be said about the previous reviewer.

I'd give this book 10 + stars. This is some extremely witty and funny - yet heartfelt prose. I'm expecting this writer to become hugely famous one day. Sometimes nice guys do finish first.

Schizophrenic in Japan is one of the best books I've read this year, and like I said, I read a lot. Bravo to Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers for a fantastic debut work.

Schizophrenic in Japan is a very funny book, that I would agree with. But I think one BIG point that a lot of the reviewers are missing out on is that Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers loves his country and, one can tell by reading, that he loves his family and especially his Japanese mother.

When I read some passages of the book, I could sense the pain he must be feeling about what is going on in America today and he seems to feel "let down."

I'd say that the book is very funny, but the parts that make me know that he loves his family and country are the sections where he gives great advice on raising children right and the love he has for his now deceased mother. The final chapter about giving a Christmas present that REALLY means something brought a tear to my and my wife's eyes. We are going to take Mike's advice and do what ever we can to make our children happy.

It's a great book. It's funny, deep, and he's brutally honest. That's what we need in these times of mass consumerism hell.

This is a simply wonderful book that I have now read over twice and laughed (sometimes cried) both times through. This book was passed along to me by a professor at the university I work at and now the book is making the rounds in the office (I work in admissions) and I have been told that several of the teachers here have all read it too.

There hasn't been a single person working here who wasn't extremely impressed by this book and this young man's writing ability. He is engaging and very thought provoking. Sometimes his jokes can seem a bit difficult to understand as they are full of irony - very British-like in taste. But anyone with a funny bone and a decent education will catch the jokes after a few moments consideration.

When my husband finished the book, he handed it back to me and laughed, "This guy has some pretty wild humor" - That's a huge compliment as my husband is British and he hates American TV and American comedy shows.

The chapters are short and very readable. This is a terrific book for lunch breaks or just before bed as it will definitely set you in a good mood for the rest of the day or a good nights sleep.

Marvelous writing, intelligent humor; and very professional packaging and style. Just the entire "feel" of the book should be enticing to anyone who is into a book of wit that's also very informative too.

I just can't say enough about this wonderful book. This book should get some kind of award... It's that darned good.

Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers has written a very masterful book that will keep you in stitches and is very informative to boot. I am quite interested in Japan and all things Japanese (and I have read MANY books on the subject, but Mike (in Tokyo) writes it in a new way that answers a lot of questions that I have had.

At the beginning of the book, he explains that he is a bi-lingual Japanese and English speaker so I know from experience that this qualification is a must for understanding the Japanese. I laughed just about the whole way through the entire book.

Not only that, but when Mike (in Tokyo) wants to be philosophical he can be very deep and thought provoking. I like that in a writer. I can recommend this book heartily to anyone who is interested in Japan or for anyone who just likes good, intelligent humor. This book ranks as one of the top books I've read in the last few years.

Quite excellent. Quite enjoyable. Funny as heck and a book that I'm sure I'm going to keep for a long time. One of the best books written about Japanese and American society in a long, long time.

Bow to your sensei ! Bow to your sensei !

All N.D. humor aside, get this book so that you can enjoy some of the very best essays in the vast LewRockwell archives, even when the Internet is unavailable. Get this book also for all your literate friends and relatives who are too stuck in their Internet ways to mosey on over to LewRockwell and see what they've been missing.

This "Mike" guy in a place called "Tokyo" came out of nowhere onto the LewRockwell scene, and quickly became my favorite for his
(1) make-us-laugh-until-we-cry humor, both in describing universal predicaments and in narrating his unique life story;
(2) touching personal accounts of family history, sacrifice, common sense, and practical secrets of marital harmony;
(3) across-the-Pacific ruminations on what the politicos have wrought and/or what the citizenry has allowed the politicos to get away with.

In short, this "collected works" effort is filled with all manner of gems -- wisdom AND laughs -- and is well worth the asking price.

Sayonara, sensei!

(...)His columns always entertain, and almost always inform. The perspective is great, and he has a splendid conversational style. You almost feel as though you are having a conversation with a friend, or reading a (well written) personal letter rather than reading a book or article.

His style is also a mixture of the Japanese indirect conversational style, and the American "in your face, this is what I think and feel." It blends well. I don't pretend to be an expert, but having taken extensive Japanese history courses, I was always interested in how much is communicated indirectly, and veiled with spectacular manners. Historically this may well have been important in a Samurai culture and on islands that are very densely populated. Often this is infuriating to Americans. Despite this, the way Mike blends his own "American" style means that his points are never too subtle to grasp. The effect tends to be a firm point made in a soft, non ego bashing manner. I can't imagine any but the most hostile taking grave exception to a point they are opposed to as a result.

I am a lapsed "bookaholic" and really try to buy books used or remaindered if possible because my wife is tired of making economies in the family food budget to support my habit.

Mike's book (bought new) is a bit pricier than a collection of prose I otherwise might have paid for a paperbook, but having pre-viewed his style in column form, it was a chance well worth taking. I am thrilled that I did. His book does not disappoint on any levels, and a number of his chapters have changed the way I look at things. It is well worth the money, and then some.

For instance, he discusses his own experiences, sprinkled heavily with general social commentary, on the exposure of children to different types of music. He convinced me through his experiences and logic, without preaching, to NOT let my own infant son get exposed to "rock" music until he is about five. You may or may not agree with all of his positions and points, but his perspective is interesting, and he leads you through his logic so you have a full understanding of his positions, and the thoughts behind them. He definitely has acquired wisdom in his years, experiences, and travels, and he seems to ponder many issues most people I know prefer to push to the back of their brains so as to better watch the tellie.

The book is not a solid single premise, but a collection of essays and opinions, so is great for evening reading. My wife and I "fought" (nicely) over who got to curl up with it at bed time. As I mentioned above, each chapter was almost like getting a letter from a friend living in Japan, talking about news, opinion, culture, and life, so there was no mental impetus to have to hop into the next chapter. It made for a VERY relaxed and enjoyable extended read. I often find myself thinking of things he has written for days and weeks afterward.

There is so much more to say, but this review has been long enough. Just take my advice, buy this book, read it, and recommend to a friend or twenty. If Mike Rogers writes another book, I will be right there, ordering an advanced copy.

Shane Murphy (Murf)

I ran across an article by Mike in Lew [...], and my first inpression was what the heck! I could not belive what I was reading, Mike seemed to be talking to me from across a table, telling his views on any and everything I have often given thought. Here was a writter I could understand and relate to, someone else who laughed at the same things I did, who was concerned about matters that concerned me. I shot him an email and was suprised when he took time to answer. Since then, I count Mike as a friend, we've exchanged many emails. I've just finished his book "Schizophrenic In Japan' and throughly enjoyed every page of it. Mike is not the typical hi-brow author, looking done his knose at his readers, he is interested in people and their opinions. Mike whats to see the world become a better place for us all. I belive you will enjoy Schizophrenic In Japan.....give it read.

I can unquestionably recommend this book. I am a Japanese-American who has spent my entire life living in Japan and can tell you that this book states it as it is.

Even though I, too, am half-Japanese, I was born and raised in Japan - different than the writer who was born and raised in the States. But he has caught the essence of what it's like here. These are snapshots of the way things are in Japan.

This book was also good for helping me to understand what is going on in America. America and Americans have become a bit fearsome in these last few years. This book helps us to know that there are still some Americans who are resonable and rational.

It is a funny book and you will laugh many times - But this writers humor is warm and not at all abusive. The best book written on Japan by an American born in a very long time.