Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Games

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Testy tanuki?

Countless column inches are devoted daily to the size and shape of male genitalia, although the vast majority of it focuses on the penis, rather than the often-ignored testicles. Yet for the humble tanuki, having large ones of the latter is clearly not something to be annoyed about, the little fella’s toothy grin below exposing what is known in the medical world as ‘gonad glee’; the rather ungainly nature of his sagging scrotum appearing to cause no discomfort or limitation of movement whatsoever.

big gonads

Still, their size and obvious weight create potential pendulous problems, which more than likely played a part in Nintendo not opting for an anatomically correct tanuki suit for Mario. An addition that would presumably have severely restricted the moustachioed plumber’s running and jumping capabilities.

Not to mention the challenges it would have posed the graphics department.

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Racing relaxation

As horse racing is often referred to as the ‘sport of kings’, then relaxing in a regal manner is arguably quite apt, these comfy and accommodating chairs even incorporating small tables for beverages and the obligatory cigarettes.

japanese horse racing

Plus with only short breaks between races, and elaborate headwear unnecessary, it’s possibly better than the real thing.

Minus the fun and excitement of course.

(click image for enlarged equestrian enervation)

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Maid misdemeanours

Tokyo’s Akihabara district has been home to ‘maid cafes’ for a few years now. The likes of Royal Milk catering for the obsessive anime/gaming crowd, with the waitresses generally kitted out in innocent-yet-at-the-same-time-highly-suggestive maid outfits. The subservient young women treating their geeky and adoring customers like lords.

cosplay maid

Due to their successes in the capital, maid cafes have now started to appear in other parts of the country. The first two to open in Kyushu however have had a slightly inauspicious start — almost falling foul of the law.

It seems that the eateries were strongly advised to apply for a special licence in order to avoid violating any adult ‘entertainment’ laws, although a representative for the cafes was quick to stress that it was merely a cautionary measure. “We understand that there has not been any illegal activity. We have planned dinner parties and other events, and we filed applications as a precaution because we didn’t want to violate any laws.”

The police however weren’t quite so convinced. The availability of a VIP service, and the practice of waitresses sitting next to customers whilst responding to their ‘requests’ was seen as potentially falling under the banner of entertainment.

Which, dependent upon the requests, is understandable to say the least.

maids japan

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Game show girlies

As far as video games go, the 2005 Tokyo Game Show was something of a let down. Microsoft to its credit had the Xbox 360 up and running, yet the playable games on offer hardly sent the pulse racing. Sony on the other hand managed to do nothing but frustrate, showing only videos of future PlayStation 3 software, the majority of which contained very little (if any) in-game footage.

Thankfully the ubiquitous booth babes saved the day, the scantily clad young ladies more than making up for the lack of quality games on offer.

japanese cutie

Yet amazingly, this bevy of beauties was upstaged by the event’s massive cosplay contingent. A few of which drew huge crowds due to their looks and outlandish outfits. These three stunners in particular garnered a lot of well-deserved interest.

cosplay freaks

However despite the coy smiles and tasteful wigs, I think it was the shapely legs and green leotard of the group’s feminine leader that grabbed most people’s attention.

cosplay beauty

(Click on the images for larger leotard loveliness)

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Senseless censor?

On Monday, the Kanagawa Prefectural Government deemed the hugely popular Grand Theft Auto 3 a harmful publication, and promptly submitted a report to the prefectural authorities to ban sales of the game to those under the age of 18.

This is an unusual move in itself, but even more so considering it comes over 18 months after the game’s Japanese release, and 350,000 sales down the line. A decision that immediately brings to mind the words, horse, stable, and long since bolted. Especially as the game’s two (arguably more violent) sequels were not even mentioned in the report.

GTA japan

Despite this ludicrously late response, the resolution could potentially have long lasting effects, as it is the first game in Japan to be designated as a harmful publication due to the violence it depicts; with members of the child welfare council claiming it has the “potential to induce youths to feel like doing something cruel.”

The decision has understandably had a mixed response, but Akio Mori of Nihon University is especially pleased. The author and teacher saying, “There’s no doubt young boys’ brutal incidents have been caused under the influence of violent games. We should restrict sales of games in which splattering of blood is commonplace.”

Young lovers of such games living in Kanagawa need not worry too much though. Even if the sale of Grand Theft Auto 3 becomes restricted, a quick trip to nearby Tokyo will easily solve the problem. Plus there’s still the huge amount of extremely violent and sexually explicit manga to peruse. Which can be conveniently purchased just about anywhere, by just about anyone.