Is this the book you're talking about
Paul11?
9780918373700: Japan Handbook by J D Bisignani (Used, New, Out-of-Print) - Alibris
Personally I'm gonna read all of the books you guys mentioned. I'd rather be prepared than get a big surprise that might send me back home. I'll admit that I have a rose colored glasses view of Japan and could use a dose of reality.
But despite what people say, and I have been around several Japan bashers, I can't see myself hating the place. In the end there's only way to find out and that's by experiencing it myself.