Photographs from a small group of islands
After last year’s record breaking lack of snow, Tokyo seems to be paying the price in 2008, with a seemingly weekly dose of the white stuff.
A situation that means housewives have to hurry to get the laundry out as soon as it’s light, utilising every available bit of space for the likes of bedding,
briefs,
and even, erm, brassica.
Decadently dingy,
or just a dismal, dirty looking den?
Despite Japanese waistlines being nowhere near as whopping as those wobbling about in the West, there are still a dazzling amount of desserts on display covering all conceivable kinds of confectionery.
However, having a burgeoning belly myself, I generally steer well clear of such fattening foodstuffs, although this particular cake was way too compelling. And, as advertised, it was just as I, erm, imagined.
How about yours?
With Japan now entering entrance exam season, students the length and breadth of the country are desperately tackling tests in an attempt to claim a spot at their school or university of choice. A good or bad score possibly prescribing what kind of career they can carve out, and therefore the kind of company they can conceivably work long hours for in return for little in the way of leisure time or leave.
So, with the stakes so high, many students opt for a bit of outside assistance by writing down their wishes at a suitable shrine. A practice that arguably puts the gods under even more pressure than the students, as apart from the odd regular rabbit-patterned request, the vast majority of entreaties at this time of year are test related.
With absolutely tons of them to take care of too.
However, to ease the deities drudgery somewhat, students can instead opt for the considerable capabilities of a Kit Kat, the wafer-based wonder’s similarity to the Japanese phrase ‘kitto katsu’ (definitely win) creating a chocolate covered charm of sorts.
Its combination of both comfort and convenience making it a match made in heaven.
So to speak.
Tokyo is absolutely packed with places offering a whole host of services apart from simply getting sozzled, meaning that picking a new pub to patronise can be something of a gamble to say the least — risky even.
(click image for double-sized danger)