General

Sep 07 2005 1 Comment

Celebrity cyclist

The bicycle is ubiquitous in Japan, with people using them for a trip to the shops, going out to meet friends, or occasionally to do a spot of exercising on. However rather than Armstrong-esque speed machines, the majority of cyclists possess basket adorned bone-shakers like the ones below.

The same however can’t be said about legendary singer Kiyoshiro Imawano. Whilst attempting to be ‘a man of the people’ by hopping on his bike like everybody else, the singing sensation opted for a much more unusual cycle than the norm; choosing a custom-built dream machine that set him back a staggering 1.6 million yen (8,000 pound).

Unfortunately for Imawano-san, he made the mistake of not being as specific in regards to security as he was design. After leaving his bike outside a friend’s house on Sunday evening, he returned to find it had been stolen. The only thing left being the severed chain.

The police it seems were surprised at the theft, especially considering that the bike had ‘KIYOSHIRO’ emblazoned on the frame. However with its distinctive green colour, and a known weight of 6.8 kilogrammes, the bike should soon be recovered and back with its rightful owner.

Despite such reassurances, Imawano was allegedly pictured out and about in Tokyo yesterday, desperately seeking his beloved bicycle. Yet rather bizarrely, the distraught singer appeared to be wearing a suit to match the colour of his missing bike.

Aug 31 2005 29 Comments

Forum fans?

Ever since Tokyo Times was rather fortuitously nominated as a 2005 Bloggies finalist, the increased attention has had a profound effect on the site’s readership and exposure. Even resulting in a mention on the BBC fairly recently. Yes, I kid you not. There’s a link here for any (admittedly justified) doubters.

So considering the number of people that now come here, I would like to ask you, regular reader, if the inclusion of a forum/message board would be of any interest? The focus I suppose being anything Japan related.

To be honest, such an addition is something I’ve never really thought about, not being much of a forum fan myself. I am however aware of how popular they are, and perhaps more importantly, the nice people where this site is hosted are offering a ‘one-click’ forum installation. A service that directly appeals to both my laziness and lack of technical know-how.

If any of you are interested in such a feature — or not as the case may be — I’d appreciate it if you’d either leave a comment below or send me a mail and let me know what you think. Thanks!

Aug 21 2005 5 Comments

Back from Blighty

After a long summer sojourn I’m now back in Japan, which means Tokyo Times will soon be back to normal. So once again these pages will be filled with musings on the likes of Mishima, mythology, and the military.

Or alternatively there will be a swift return to the usual mishmash. From deviancy to dolls, and fashion to felines.

Plus of course a steady stream of pictures. Including the occasional gratuitous image of an attractive young celebrity wearing next to nothing. Like this shot of Waka Inoue cooling down after a taxing day at the television studio.

Aug 11 2005 10 Comments

Company claustrophobia

For Bridgestone Tire employees, there is plenty of affordable (although admittedly not exactly inspiring) accommodation close to work.

So near in fact, that by simply crossing the road they will be outside the factory gates.

Then after a hard day of tire related toil, they can de-stress by popping over to the nearby Bridgestone Sports Club for a spot of tennis. Or perhaps a dip in the pool.

By which time these dedicated employees will be thoroughly worn out, and really not in the mood for cooking. Which fortunately is not a problem, as right across the road is the Bridgestone Restaurant and Bar. A handy place to relax and talk about the fascinating world of tires and rubber.