Good Gaijin, Bad Gaijin: 7 Acts of Finding a Place in the Rising Sun is an informative book by Kana Oshito. It consists of seven stories about foreign professionals in Japan as told by Master, a bar owner, to Kana-san and Miyu. These are the stories of Matt, Dennis, Frank, Richard, Donald, Terry, and Joe. Each of these stories explores the challenges and opportunities of working and living in Japan as a foreigner. Many gaishikei, or foreign companies, in Japan are subsidiaries or affiliates of large multinational corporations based in Europe or North America. These companies often bring their unique management practices and corporate cultures to Japan, which can sometimes clash with traditional Japanese business practices. Through Master’s stories, one can get valuable tips and make the most of one’s stay in the land of the rising sun.

Kana Oshito’s Good Gaijin, Bad Gaijin is an inspiring book that offers a unique viewpoint on the challenges and opportunities confronting foreign professionals in Japan. This is a must-read for those planning to do business in Japan, living and working there, or simply interested in Japanese culture. This book is fun because it is structured around seven stories, each featuring a different gaijin or foreigner and their journey to finding their place in Japan. Through the lens of these characters, Oshito explores a wide range of topics, including the importance of relationships, communication, respect for tradition, and the art of giving and receiving feedback. Success in Japan is not just about hard work and determination; one must also learn to navigate Japanese society's complex social and cultural norms. Highly recommended!

Kana Oshito's Good Gaijin, Bad Gaijin: 7 Acts of Finding a Place in the Rising Sun is a collection of seven stories about the journeys and interesting real-world situations of expatriates as they navigate corporate Japan. The book begins with two typical female office workers in Tokyo named Kana and Miyu who decided to unwind in a small restaurant serving traditional Japanese dishes. They later become the captive audience of "Master", the wise, respectable, and well-groomed restaurant owner in his senior years who heartily shares tales about "Gaijins" or foreigners in Japan working for international corporations. The stories that he has gathered came from his customers, as he served their food and drinks in his humble resto-bar. Miyu is considering changing jobs and feels that listening to Master's anecdotes is a source of good advice and wisdom that she badly needs before making a final decision about her career shift to work for a multinational corporation herself.

Good Gaijin, Bad Gaijin by Kana Oshito employs some Japanese terms which may need some explanation for the unfamiliar reader. The general flow and tone of the writing are smooth and can be a little laid back, although the pacing depends on the particular account. There are some notable comedic moments. Through the anthology, the author wants the reader to be able to identify the difference between a Good Gaijin and a Bad Gaijin by observing the characters in each of the seven accounts. The stories portray the different levels of determination, mindset, and confidence that they need to understand Japanese culture. They also show the reader how a fish-out-of-water Gaijin can effectively adjust behavior and expectations when handling social integration, acceptance, and adaptation as they try to regain their balance after experiencing the clash of cultures. The book is best read by current and future ex-pats as a guide that can buffer the rude awakening or the unexpected realities of working as a foreigner in Japan. It is also recommended for business people who have financial interests in Japan so that they can learn more about the country's society, values, culture, and corporate life.