Oh, just an afterthought. I haven't been following the thread, but my vote
for the best book about life in Japan is Dave Bary Does Japan. It isn't
often I shake with laughter while reading a book in public places, but that
had me nearly falling out of my seat, to the consternation of
fellow-commuters on the Chuo line.

--
John
http://rarebooksinjapan.com