Japan

Top ten works of nonfiction, as of April 2005, based on sales data compiled by Nippon Shuppan Hanbai Inc. (Nippan), Japan's largest book and magazine distributor.

1. How Smart and Stupid People Talk , by Yuichi Higuchi . This "essential guide to avoid being called an idiot" cautions that stupidity can be revealed in even the most casual of conversations.

2. Why Bamboo-Pole Sellers Won't Go Bankrupt and Other Accounting Mysteries , by Shinya Yamada . A pop approach to accounting.

3. The Etiquette of Good Humor , by Takashi Saito . If you want to raise your productivity and uncover your hidden talents, get rid of sulky moods.

4. The Idiot Wall , by Takeshi Yoro . Aims to explain and relieve the frustrations felt by adversaries: bosses and subordinates, the young and the elderly, Americans and Islamic fundamentalists. A best seller since 2003.

5. The ...