This is an exemplary little book, comprising Robert Collins' columns about expat life in Japan. Collins is witty and often hilarious, yet still surprisingly insightful on some serious matters. This book is now 20 years old, but it doesn't feel particularly dated; Collins is a smart enough writer and observer of human nature to get quickly past the minutiae of the moment, and down into the 'how' and 'why'.

My guess is this work is nearly forgotten today, and that's a shame. I would recommend this book not only to expats living in Japan, but those stationed anywhere, as many of the truths about expat life Collins zeros in on so effectively are universally applicable. One caveat: if you're not an expat, and have never been one, much of this book will be lost on you. You have to be there, if you know what I mean . . . . ( )