Photographs from a small group of islands
Smoking in Japan may not be anywhere near as socially acceptable as it once was, with many — although far from most — eateries now separating smokers. Some even sensationally sending them outside.
But that’s not to say tobacco isn’t seen as totally intolerable, as teenagers are still tempted to take up the habit,
and outdoor snacks are sometimes subtly scented.
Or even smoked.
The global recession may well be having an increasing impact on Japan, but at the same time, there’s obviously still an abundance of wealth walking about as, tough times or not, this drinking den hasn’t deemed it necessary to ease its yen-based restrictions just yet.
And needless to say my pitiful attempt at gaining entry received a rigid rejection right there on the street due to a lack of both the required Rolex and a beautiful, brand-laden lady-friend.
With kawaii being Japan’s all-conquering king — converting anything and everything to the cute and cuddly — it’s perhaps not surprising to now see food getting the, erm, ‘fun’ treatment.
And, in this particular case, not only does it add a certain perkiness to the product, but it also perfectly explains what animal one will be eating.
But somewhat forced cynicism aside, as cute goes, they do, it has to be said, have a certain something.
Although there again, next week’s supposed special of spotted dick could be a very different story altogether.
As previously proven with pictures, having a meal delivered on a modified machine is definitely a good idea, as it will always arrive fast and in fairly fine fettle, regardless of whether it has been swinging from the back of a bike,
secured ‘side saddle’ as it were,
or even tucked safely inside a more modern-day model.
However, for more traditional transportation, these considerably older contraptions offer far more character,
even if the miso soup will be liberally leaked all over one’s lukewarm lunch.
For a restaurant that wants to be remembered, a noteworthy name is necessary and, as the likes of Mos Burger and Mamma Pasta happily announce what their niche is, it can presumably be argued then that even if one’s business is based around bowels, there’s really no reason not to be bold about it.
Provided of course you’ve got the guts to go ahead with it.