Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin is a wild, irreverent ride through the misadventures of a foreigner navigating life in Japan. The book blends humor, cultural clashes, and absurd situations into a series of short, punchy stories. The author doesn’t hold back, offering brutally honest, often self-deprecating accounts of mishaps, misunderstandings, and strange encounters with the locals. It’s a mix of travelogue, comedy, and a deep dive into the quirks of Japanese society, told through the lens of someone who is clearly both fascinated by and out of their depth in the culture.

One thing I absolutely loved about this book is its sheer audacity. The author has no filter, which makes for some laugh-out-loud moments, but also some cringeworthy ones. The storytelling is raw, and you can feel the pain, both physical and emotional, as they navigate the trials of Japanese cuisine gone wrong. It’s unpolished, sometimes grotesque, but never dull. You can tell the author writes from real experience, and that authenticity gives the book a ton of charm.

Some sections dig into the hilarity of mistranslations and the weird English phrases that pop up in Japan. It’s something any traveler to the country has noticed, but the way the author presents it is both clever and borderline offensive in the best way. Luria takes the humor and pushes it just far enough to be shocking, yet still relatable. It’s this fearless approach that makes the book unique. It doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable moments; it embraces them.

While not every chapter shines equally, the book maintains an engaging and distinctive voice throughout. Some stories echo familiar themes, and at times, the humor reaches a bit too far. “No Soup for You!” had great potential, though it lingered a little longer than necessary on a simple joke. The chaotic energy that makes other parts of the book so fun occasionally slows when punchlines take their time. Still, even in these moments, the book’s charm and wit keep you entertained.

Geri o Shimasu: Adventures of a Baka Gaijin is perfect for anyone who enjoys irreverent humor, cultural observations, and the messy reality of being an outsider in a foreign land. If you’re easily offended, this isn’t for you. But if you love Anthony Bourdain-style storytelling with an extra dose of chaos, you’ll eat this up. It’s crude, hilarious, and unexpectedly insightful, a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like a total idiot in a new country.

Pages: 196 |  ISBN : 978-1963115543