Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Food and Drink

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Fugu form?

Building regulations in Tokyo appear relatively relaxed, with construction in a constant state of flux. And, in the seemingly unsystematic cityscape, considerable amounts of concrete come across as the only recognisable requirement.

Well, except for fugu (blowfish) restaurants that is, as it would seem that in the realm of dangerous delicacies, a certain form has to be followed — namely the flaunting of fantastically sized fish.

Tokyo fugu

Photographic evidence of two such restaurants in the whole of Tokyo surely attesting to this trend,

Tokyo fugu restaurant

with the more ferocious looking the fugu is the better.

Tokyo fugu restaurant

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Tokyo cigarette sympathy

In tune with many other parts of the world, smoking is slowly becoming less socially acceptable in Japan, with more and more restrictions being placed on those partial to the odd puff.

Japanese smoking

Yet unlike most countries, the rules here seem rather random, with each city individually deciding where smoking is deemed defensible. Well, outdoors that is, as restaurants, bars and coffee shops appear permitted to make their own minds up; the former generally operating on a free for all basis, and the latter two lying somewhere in between, with separate sections seen as most suitable.

However, for some, such concessions are simply unacceptable, and smokers are courted rather than condemned, with even those with a penchant for pipes appreciated.

Japanese smoking

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Japanese sushi sunflowers

In an effort to promote the publication of his new book on decorative delectables, Japanese sushi chef and show off, Ken Kawasumi, opted to recreate Van Gogh’s Sunflowers with sushi. Which, while far from a facsimile, is still a fair effort considering it’s made of fish.

sushi sunflowers

However, rather than throwing his readers in at the deep end, judging by the book’s cover, Kawasumi-san will thankfully start proceedings off with mammals before moving on to the more complicated masterpieces.

sushi animals

Which is a relief.

sushi animals

Of sorts.

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Let’s lovely lager

After a long day at the office, a nice lager or two is just lovely — great even.

Japanese beer

That said, whether such sentiments are suitable for this soapy looking substance,

Japanese blue beer

or, heaven forbid, its scallop-based sister,

Japanese scallop beer

are debatable to say the least.

The blue stuff it turns out is made using melted ice floes, with the pigment from seaweed producing its far from tantalising tint, while the other mixture is made using molluscs which is more than enough information.

Both of which can be bought online along with other novelty beverages, including the guaranteed to make one baulk, Bilk — a bizarre milk and beer combo.

All produced in a suitably putrid 12 pack.

Japanese beer

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Phenomenal fugu

Despite Tokyo being positively packed with places to eat, many restaurants are fairly subdued, with subtle signs stating what’s on offer. Like this soba restaurant for example, where the only thing ostentatious is the automobile outside.

Tokyo soba restaurant

However, with the economy still faltering, and the aforementioned competition ever more cut-throat, some restaurant owners resist such refrain and arguably make more of a meal than is necessary when mentioning what’s on the menu.

Tokyo fugu restaurant

(click image for full-sized ferocious-looking fugu)