Photographs from a small group of islands
As 2009 is the year of the ox, a cow’s characteristics apparently include being methodical along with materialistic which, at least as far as the latter is concerned, is perfectly apt for this place.
But, whatever the bovine may bring, I hope that your ride, for the most part at least, is a fun one.
Happy New Year!
There’s no denying that the societal pressure Japan puts on its people can be suffocating — some would say even insufferable. And that’s arguably nothing compared to the almost systematic overwork and wearing down of the workforce. Yet as far as getting lairy and lagered-up is concerned, the country can be almost lovingly lenient.
Meaning that whereas Britain for example is always banging on about binge-drinking and being disciplined, in Tokyo — or at least on its metro — manners are much more important. So, instead of trying to persuade people to make do with moderation,
they are merely petitioned to get plastered in private rather than in public.
For many of the major events in a Japanese person’s life, it’s a relatively mixed bag, with an almost pick’n’mix approach preferred. So, while ‘christenings’ are primarily Shinto-based affairs, and weddings may well be western-style, funerals are habitually Buddhist.
But, when it comes to that utterly final farewell, cremation is the one true constant, with a whopping 99.82% of the nation’s deceased rapidly reduced to dust — the lack of a full figure presumably due to the odd non-Japanese who it is deemed ok to be dropped whole into one of the country’s rare and rapidly filling foreign resting places.
A system that I always presumed was primarily practical, as with such a limited amount of living space, huge cemeteries would very quickly become a hindrance, whereas cremation conveniently cuts down on the terrain taken over.
However, not for the first time,
I would appear to be woefully wide,
of the mark.
(click images for super-sized cemetery)
With November now upon us, and Halloween’s borrowed beasts once again carefully cloistered away in their crypts, it’s now considered time in the Japanese capital for that other meticulously acquired custom, Christmas.
And, while the unequivocal king of consumerism may admittedly bring an attractive — if a tad early — twinkle to Tokyo,
it also means dealing with the almost claustrophobic uncomfortableness of Last Christmas on loop.
Which is surely more than enough for a booming harrumph of “Bah, Humbug!â€
Hailing from a land where the fart is fantastically funny, whether it be one that’s forced out at full throttle or cheekily chirped between the cheeks, it’s decidedly disappointing to find that the Japanese don’t seem to share such a fondness for flatulence, as, more often than not, it is sadly seen as simply wind rather than a work of wonder. And, although there are a few fart-related fetishes along with even a poll concerning a partner’s pumping, the laughter is largely lacking.
That said, the reverse is arguably true for other rear end releases, with rib-tickling turds turning up as summery snacks and well-polished pendants. A frankness about faeces that also means it is perfectly acceptable to almost playfully enquire if a passer-by poos prodigiously?
Or even extol the pleasures of never having pooed so much.
The animated fervour of the folks nearby suggesting that they may well be regular customers and were therefore feeling a little frisky having just evacuated a veritable vat full.
Or not as the case may be.