Photographs from a small group of islands
Due to a popular drama’s use of a Queen song, the big haired and spandex clad rockers are back. With a vengeance too. Not only do the music charts once again have Queen albums amongst their numbers, but fashionable shops are even selling Queen T-shirts.
Has the nation gone mad?
Yes, you read that right. Panties.
Whether it’s used ones for sale (or not for sale as the case may be), men trying to get a glimpse of them, or thieves attempting to steal them (even when they are being worn), there seems to be an unhealthy interest in all things panty in Japan.
Although I guess it could be argued that I’ve caught the disease myself, as a disturbing number of posts seem to be underwear related. Heck, I’ve even devoted a category to this fetish. It’s either that or it’s good for bringing in Google searches!
Maybe it’s me that’s a bit squeamish. Or perhaps I’m just a picky eater. But I can still remember the shock of seeing this in a supermarket refrigerator.
Despite being a bit surprised, I convinced myself that after being cooked it would look a lot different. The same way in which English food generally looks nothing like the fish or animal it came from. Needless to say I was wrong. Very wrong.
Cooked octopus looks exactly like it does when it’s alive. Except of course it doesn’t move so much, and its, err, been cut into smaller pieces. Something like this.
Fancy a bite?
Natto is fermented soybeans that have a rather distinct and pungent smell. Add to this a stringy and sticky texture, and it’s not exactly the most appealing food you could think of.
After persevering a bit, I’ve come to like this unusual foodstuff, but it has to be said that it’s very much an acquired taste. And it also has to be said that the Japanese enjoy making the most of this.
When the very predictable What Japanese food do you like? question rears it’s ugly head (which unfortunately is very often), it’s never long before it is followed up by the even more predictable How about natto?
The Problem is, for the hapless gaijin it’s a no-win situation. Say no and you are greeted with knowing nods and a detectable sense of pride that the foreigner doesn’t like the unique natto. But on the other hand, give an affirmative answer, and you’ll be met with hoots of amusement and surprise. Plus you’ll probably be forever remembered as a henna gaijin (a strange foreigner).
Perhaps the only way out would be to feign ignorance and pretend you have no knowledge whatsoever of the delicacy known as natto. But you’d be lucky to get away with this, and for me personally, having been here 6 years it’s not really an option. I mean, there is even a national natto day, which has the customary attractive models promoting it.
I’m still holidaying in the motherland, taking it easy and piling on the pounds. And as far as this site goes we are halfway through the grueling A to Z of Japan. All I can say is that I hope it’s not been too painful up to now.
Normal service (which admittedly is hardly any more highbrow) will resume at the end of the month.
Until then…