Photographs from a small group of islands
I’m not aware of a recent rift between George W. Bush and Tony Blair, but judging by the picture below, the U.S. President seems to have a new pet. A nice wavy haired Japanese poodle by the name of Koizumi.
From all accounts it’s as well trained as its British predecessor.
Walkies!
Tokyo’s used underwear industry was in a state of shock today, as it has been reported that the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly intends to put a stop to used underwear trading. The new regulations – when they come into effect – will admittedly only stop the selling of panties worn by teenage girls, but with sales of middle-aged men’s undergarments not the strongest, the industry it is feared could be damaged beyond repair.
Rumours of frantic bulk buying since the news surfaced has been denied, but insiders are said to be expecting a marked increase in orders over the coming weeks. One even predicting that some schoolgirls could be going through three or four pairs a day to keep up with the demand.
This video/song is hilarious. Well worth checking out.
If the words son, asshole, and idiot, haven’t quite spelled out whom it’s about, I’ll give you a few more clues. He’s arguably not the brightest, his eyes are a way too close together, and fingers crossed he’ll be looking for a new job next year.
So go on, have a listen.
Ok, we all realize how one comment from a teenager is hardly indicative of the thought and actions of a nation, but the young lady in question sadly may not be alone.
HIV infections have steadily been rising in Japan, and attitudes such as this (plus a general lack of information) have certainly been playing their part. The facts below appear to prove that such a blasé disposition is becoming more common.
Pretty telling statistics I think you’ll agree. And whilst they don’t point towards an epidemic as such, they surely should be seen as a cause for concern for those in charge. But alas, in Japan it would appear that it’s often easier to stick your head in the sand and blame it on somebody else.
I don’t think I’m too far off the mark to say that many Japanese still see HIV as a foreign disease (apparently that’s the main reason that foreigners aren’t usually allowed in most of the entertainment establishments that abound in Japan). And so therefore it’s not something to be overly concerned about. The same thing happened to a certain extent with the SARS breakout last year. Some people were even heard to mutter that Japanese people simply couldn’t catch it. I kid you not.
But with the Japanese sex industry being such big business, and it supposedly being common practice for a client to ride bare back if he pays extra, the warnings are clearly there. Combine this with attitudes of the teenager quoted above, and the signs of a potentially big problem are there for all to see. As long as you have your eyes open that is.