General

Mar 09 2007 5 Comments

Hello Kitty hell?

The Japanese capitulation to all things Kitty related needs no confirmation here, but not everyone it seems is sentimental about a pussy past its prime or one made redundant by a more up-to-date model. A point poignantly proved by a recent visit to one of Tokyo’s numerous Hard Off second hand goods shop, as tucked away in a corner between ten-year-old turntables was a kaput kitty.

The sorry sight was further enhanced by an apparent look of anger on Kitty-chan’s usually expressionless face. A rare glimpse of emotion probably brought on by a reflection from the shop’s lights, or alternatively it could have been an exceptionally lucky shot that exposes the inherent evil behind Sanrio’s phenomenally successful cash accumulating cat.

My money is on the latter.

(click image for full-sized feline fury)

Mar 07 2007 4 Comments

Food-themed furniture

For residents of Japan who choose to eschew chairs by opting for the more traditional cushion, yet at the same time find lengthy lazing about sessions somewhat uncomfortable, the commonly found cushion-cum-chair combo is an ideal compromise.

The problem is, as the above picture perfectly demonstrates, they aren’t very appealing as far as aesthetics go — practical probably being a polite way of describing them. However thanks to Roy at Q-Taro, those looking for a bit of novelty whilst nestling down for the night can’t go far wrong with the bread-themed designs below.

Like this simple toast-like offering for example, which, as an added extra, appears to have a similar consistency and thickness to real Japanese bread. And not necessarily all that more expensive either, priced at a relatively reasonable 3,980 yen (18 pound).

Or for the more adventurous, a hamburger or garishly green melon bread model could be ideal.

Or not as the case may be.

Mar 06 2007 18 Comments

Genuine jugs?

After a recent mention on Tokyo Times of Japanese model Mizuki Horii and her confession of feeling close to cows because of her far from undersized udders, a discussion of sorts has developed in regards to whether her bovine-like boobies are real or not. A matter that whilst admittedly nowhere near as significant as Britney Spears and her shaved head, is still worthy of investigation.

Unfortunately, a call to Horii-san’s manager about a quick juggle with her jubblies to see if they are the real deal hasn’t been returned; but instead, here are a couple more pictures of the young lady in question, followed by a poll to count the presumably pitiful amount of votes.

So, without further ado, are they genuine jugs,

or man-made mammaries?

Update: After a surprisingly ample 421 votes, the figures were 289 to 132 in favour of genuine jugs, meaning Mizuki Horii’s big breasts are officially not man-made. Ah, the delights of democracy in action.

Feb 27 2007 3 Comments

Tokyo twaddle

Although the Japanese indulge in a spot of dog fighting now and again — albeit on a small scale — indulging the dog itself is far more common, with the likes of mud baths and canine size kimonos. A trend that has recently been taken even further by El Perro, a Tokyo based aqua fitness centre.

Here, pampered pooches can receive remedies for bone and sinew problems, along with a nice splash about in the pool.

And for those looking for something a little bit extra, post-paddle pool-side ear massages are an extravagant option.

Plus, for a pet a little on the plump side, weight loss programmes are available, with the company’s website highlighting the diary of Momo — El Perro’s dieting dachshund.

A touching story that has seen the once colossal canine lose almost half its weight, slimming down from a sizeable 26.8 Kg to a rather more svelte 14.5 Kg. Quite an achievement in just under a year.

However the centre’s plan to stop at nothing to please its customers has led to reprehensible rumours regarding alleged genital licking and arse sniffing services; an issue Tokyo Times attempted to get to the bottom of, but a phone call regarding such practices was met with nothing but a stony silence — neither quashing nor confirming the allegations.

Feb 26 2007 6 Comments

Mascot mayhem

â€This could only happen in a country that is so open to immaturity. Authorities here feel it’s easier and less threatening to use characters to get the public to accept them, rather than explain the factsâ€

Psychiatrist and author Rika Kayama’s somewhat scathing attack on the use of cartoon character Prince Pickles as Japan’s Self-Defence Forces mascot.

Whilst the rather unusually named Prince Pickles may indeed be a little on the cute side to be representing the nation’s trained troops, Kayama-san’s comments do seem a little over the top. I mean, it’s not as though, say, the police force have a similarly silly symbol.

Well, apart from perky wee Pipo that is.

However in his defence he does have the important role of reminding the more forgetful members of society what the force’s emergency number is — making him much more than a mere mascot.

And then admittedly the fire and ambulance fleet do have cuddly young Kyuta, but as well as offering the same number based service as Pipo,

the fearless little fella is dedicated to detecting emergency calls with his antenna-equipped headwear, tirelessly tending to the teeming masses of Tokyo.

Clearly proving that Ms Kayama doesn’t have a clue what she is talking about.

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