I can't remember if I read this book originally before or after my first trip to Japan in 2008. Probably before. I've been a big Dave Barry fan since the Cincinnati Enquirer would publish him in the Tempo section in the 90s.
Anyway, it's been a while since I've re-read any of his stuff published in the 90s. So before going into this book written in 1992 and reading it in the 202x's know this:
1. The economic bubble had just collapsed in Japan in 1991. Prices are much much better and more affordable nowadays. Still, if you can get Random House Publishing to fly you there first class on JAL, GO FOR IT! Holy heck, first class on JAL costs about $25,000 these days! Go with economy for about $900 RT to get you to Japan.
2. 90s humor can be cringe as some of it did not age well. You know what I mean. Most notably for me are the references to preferring suicide over [insert comedic situation here]. 90s Angie had not yet lost two close people in her life to suicide yet so it was easy to brush off when she read it back then. Also, there was definitely the use of the word "transvestite" in this book. Ah, the 90s.

Now, with those things in mind my final analysis of this book is: I still love it. Dave still has me laughing out loud. His observations still ring true even 30 years later and after I've had the pleasure of visiting Japan 5 (soon to be 6) times! I especially enjoyed his slightly more serious summary of his trip to Japan, and what he thinks of our differing cultures, at the end of the book.

Good job Dave Barry, you'll always get many laughs out of me!