Dave Barry Does Japan

By: Dave Barry

Narrated by: Arte Johnson

Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Without bothering to get approval from the President, the State Department, or even the FTC, Dave Barry's publishers sent him to Tokyo. You'd think they would have known better. Now the word is Barry has set back our diplomatic relations with the whole Pacific Rim by a couple of decades. Japanese culture, dining, sport, and industry all come under Barry's relentless scrutiny. So if you think President Bush committed a social gaffe by losing his composure and his lunch in front of the Japanese Prime Minister, wait until you hear Barry's commentaries. And if you're planning a trip to Japan, don't leave home without Barry's pearls of wisdom about the mysterious East. This complete, unabridged recording is read by Arte Johnson.

©1992 by Dave Barry (P)1992 Dove Audio, Inc.

Excellent!

I rarely write reviews, but I have to recommend this one. Contrary to a prior reviewer, I really liked Arte Johnson's narration. Yes, his Japanese accent may be construed to be offensive, but just relax. It's funny. Not everything has to be PC. I started the book thinking Dave Barry's humor was somewhat corny - and maybe 10% is - but mostly I find myself laughing out loud. Get this book and enjohy it. No, it's not a travel narrative, but it is a good introduction to culturally understand the Japanese.

One of the best!

Although the story is about events in 1992, this is hilarious yet insightful. Starts with stereotypes of the Japanese that made me dread what he would say, but as he went along, it was clear that he had real admiration for the Japanese people. The last chapter actually bordered on the profound (which for Dave Barry is saying a lot!) Contains profanity typical of his writing but not excessive or used meanly so don't listen if that would bother you) Highly recommended for laughs. Excellent narrator too.

Lighthearted entertainment

If you could sum up Dave Barry Does Japan in three words, what would they be?

Funny, a little out of date, but still funny

Who was your favorite character and why?

Barry, the writer. He sees the funny side of things in everything. A bit sophomoric at times but gives me a lot of hearty laughs.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are countless of them. Highschool baseball, Tokyo Disneyland, No street names in Japan... to name a few.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The book is a collection of Barry's reports on Japan. To listen to it in one sitting is okay but I'd rather enjoy several episodes at one time as I don't want to feel numbed with all the punch lines that come one after another.

Any additional comments?

The performer is great with his comedy timing. The sound quality leaves something to be desired. Not as cear as more recent audiobooks.

Uplifting and fun

I challenge anyone to read this book without smiling and, at times, laughing out loud. I absolutely enjoyed this book.

Hysterical! This man is crazy, and Arte is great!

I bought this audiobook eleven years ago, and listened to it in the manner that was available -- I think I had the Otis (remember that l'il gadget?). At the time, I wasn't very impressed. The first chapter dealt with his younger days and the effect that television had on him. I may have put the book down at that time, because I don't remember it being very hilarious, as I'd hoped it would be.
But recently I've been listening to the "Peter and the Starcatchers" series and I couldn't believe that Barry co-wrote that with Ridley Pearson. Sure enough, checking out Dave Barry's webpage listed "Dave Barry Does Japan" also among his credits, so I decided to give it another go. I downloaded it to my iTouch. (Big change from the Otis...)

I listen to Audible at night before dropping off to sleep, and last night I almost dropped out of bed I was laughing so hard. The Auidble app is great! I set it to quit after 30 minutes first then 60 minutes the second time, I was enjoying it that much. Oh, the difference a decade can make -- I've now been to Japan several times, I've got this great listening device, the book is still in my library, and I have mellowed.

Among all of his ribaldry, Dave does make some sober comments on our two very different cultures. I totally agree with him about what is happening in America -- nobody wants to do real work, like actually barnstorming an actual barn in a single day or sweeping streets -- everybody wants to be management, whereas the Japanese find dignity in every job, no matter how menial. Barry says they actually WORK. This accounts for their meteoric rise to a major world power and also contributes to America's shortfall in status.

But he is totally hilarious (and absolutely true) when it comes down to meeting the average Japanese person on the street, asking directions or trying to get directions on the phone. I've been there. I know he speaks the truth. The Japanese people are CRAZY and charming, and I personally can't wait for another chance to "do" Japan. I'll be taking good ol' Dave along with me. I'm glad I read it again.

Don't run heavy machinery or drive

I was listening to this recording while performing a rather delicate experiment on insect larvae. While holding a beetle in forceps, I heard a particularly funny statement, and squashed the object of my research in my laughter. Very dangerously funny!

A bit dated but still very entertaining.

Since this book was written in 1992 it is quite a bit dated on its facts and figures. However the author does manage to capture the very essence of the Japanese people accurately in most cases. I sometimes erupted in belly laughs over his humorous descriptions of their quirky customs . Overall entertaining.

Laugh out loud writing, so so narration

This is one of my all time favorite Dave Barry books. I laughed my way through it in print some years ago, but I found the narration of the audio book somewhat distracting. When you end up thinking more about the voice than the story being told, that's not good. And I'm surprised to have to say it - this is NOT a travel book! I can't imagine picking up a book by Dave Barry looking for vacation advice. If that's what you want, there is a world of travel guides waiting for you out there. For a really good laugh, check out "...Does Japan" in paperback.

Hilarious!!

Artie Johnson, OMG, I can't think of a funnier guy to have read this book aloud. I laughed so hard my husband came upstairs to see what was so funny. Dave Barry is a treasure. I hope he keeps writing till he can write no more...

Hilarity Guaranteed.

Dave Barry is hilarious and Arte Johnson just makes it so much better. Wow! This would be among my most favourite listens.