Photographs from a small group of islands
Although they have been gaining popularity every passing summer, parasols in the Japanese capital have been particularly popular this year; the quest to be as pasty as the person penning this appearing to be all pervasive.
A device that, in conjunction with the alleviating properties of leaves, also means that the bearer can happily survive what seems to be summer’s last hurrah with barely a worry about their whiteness.
Well, barring a wee bit by their back.
In a desperate attempt to revive Japan’s decidedly drooping birth rate, the government is looking to provide further financial help for check-ups and the like. However, despite such measures, many people seem to be increasingly turning to pets instead of progeny, with miniature dogs seen as most desirable.
A trend that in turn has meant the pets themselves have to be, erm, trendy, with a gargantuan range of garments now available. Like this previously posted apparel for example.
But with plenty of festivals to attend in the summer, something more traditional is often sought after, such as this suitably seasonal yukata.
A, ahem, bow for a bow-wow if you will.
And, to further enhance the family feel, meals can now be taken together too, with a whole range of decidedly un-dog-like delectables,
from a mini omu-rice,
to cannibal-like cookies.
Kids, it would seem, simply can’t compete.
For Japanese men with a penchant for plastic, there are a vast array of dolls to dabble with, whether it be at home, or in a hotel. The nation’s ladies on the other hand, should they have such a hankering, will have to make do with this somewhat catatonic casanova.
However, should they instead have the urge to look like, rather than liaise, with one, then this hair dye may well be ideal, with the added option of either bleach,
or brown,
to choose from.
Despite Tokyo’s blistering summer heat, the busy city streets suggest that it’s certainly not just mad dogs and Englishman that go out in the midday sun. However, whereas parasols are now practically a prerequisite, and even boasting only one’s birthday suit wouldn’t make the conditions more comfortable, it’s nice to see that some people are still very particular about their appearance.
Like many Japanese pop singers, mega-star Namie Amuro is especially prone to penning song titles in English, although one or two, like Violet Sauce for example, are somewhat difficult to suss to say the least.
However, to accompany her new campaign with Vidal Sassoon, Amuro has opted to use her delightful little ditty, Do Me More.
Which, on first looks at least,
would appear to be particularly pertinent indeed.