Photographs from a small group of islands
Six years ago today I arrived in Japan, and it would seem that my contribution to the local community has at last been rewarded. As believe it or not, I’ve had a curry named after me. A beef one at that.
I can’t tell you how proud it makes me feel to walk down the dried food aisle and see this awe inspiring sight. And just like me, LEE curry is hot and spic somewhat shoddily packaged, and despite its claims, rather bland.
Fugu (or blowfish) is arguably Japan’s most famous delicacy. For the simple reason that if the fish isn’t prepared correctly, the poison contained in its internal organs can quickly kill any unsuspecting diner. The toxin is so potent that 1 gram of the stuff can kill 300 people. And if that’s not enough, there’s no antidote.
Perhaps Fugu’s best known victim was a famous kabuki actor who was struck down in 1975, although every year the dangerous fish claims a few victims. In 2002 there were 6 fugu fatalities, but last year’s tally was reduced to just 3. A testimony to the strict regulations surrounding fugu preparation, and the issuing of licenses to those permitted to serve it.
But all this may be about to change. Scientists claim to have cultivated fugu that contain no poison, making the whole of the fish completely safe for human consumption. This news however has received a decidedly lukewarm response from fugu connoisseurs. Some claim that this focus on the potential danger of the fish detracts from how well it is prepared and presented. Whilst others say that producing safe fugu takes away the thrill of eating it.
Now I must admit to having never eaten fugu. Not for cowardly reasons of course, but simply because it’s so expensive (are you buying that?). But I can see where the fugu fanatics are coming from. Especially those who talk about the thrill of eating the fish. Take away even the slightest chance of being poisoned, and surely fugu becomes just your average run-of-the-mill fish. Arguably no different from a bit of salmon or cod. But put a bit of poison in there, and you’ve got yourself an exotic delicacy. One that garners a lot of attention, and perhaps most importantly for fugu restaurants, allows them to charge a ridiculous amount of money for a fish that apparently has very little taste.
Below is a picture of Noh actor Otoshige Sakai wearing a hannya demon mask.
Whatever its original meaning, that pained expression coupled with the actor’s hands clasped desperately to his temples, accurately depicts how I feel after a particularly heavy drinking session. One when the intensity of the headache is almost enough to induce tears, and lying in a darkened room remains the only option.
I hasten to add however that I used the word depict. In, ahem, noh way do I bear even the slightest resemblance to the hannya demon shown in the picture. Honestly!
The votes are in for Tokyo Times very first pointless poll, and the Hello Kitty vibrator romped home in convincing style. Officially making it the most bizarre.
The little battery charged wonder scooped an impressive 68% of the votes, leaving those crazy Yamamba’s (20%) and rather disturbing Dutch Wives (13%) trailing a long way behind in second and third place respectively.
Maybe I’ve been in Japan too long, but I though it would have been a lot closer than that, as personally I don’t think the Kitty-chan vibrator is that odd. But either way, the little vibrating device will soon become a thing of the past, as after a long run its production has sadly been stopped. So for anybody looking to make a purchase, I suggest you get a move on.
The new pointless poll is now up and running, and needless to say it’s of a similarly high brow nature. Namely the nation’s sexiest celebrity. And to avoid any claims of it being sexist in any way, I’ve decided to add a young sportsman to the list.
Vote away!
The expression old habits die hard certainly seems to ring true with Japanese lawmakers. It would appear that what’s good for the high school classroom, is equally good enough for the Diet. However rumours of young members passing around love letters, chewing gum, and talking back to the Prime Minister have yet to be confirmed.