Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

General

4 Comments

Back to the drawing board

In a bid to produce environmentally friendly energy, the government has been increasing the number of wind-powered generators in Hokkaido, northern Japan. A positive move most people would no doubt agree.

However some natural conservation organizations think differently, as last week an endangered eagle (designated a natural monument no less) was found dead near one of the generators. Apparently severed by the blades. Due to this, the groups have urged caution in building more wind-powered generators. Claiming that during times of poor visibility, birds can’t always see them.

Looks like it’s back to burning coal then.

wind.jpg
Some wind-powered generators patiently waiting for birds last week

2 Comments

Beckham in Japan

I’ve mentioned before on this site how David Beckham has managed to attain god-like status in Japan. He’s the lord of fashion, a hairstyling guru, and at times even a half-decent footballer. But in an attempt to embellish his CV even further, he’s recently taken on the role of chocolate covered foodstuff promoter.

Now Mr. Beckham has made some pretty woeful commercials for Japanese TV, but his latest offering in support of Fran chocolate is arguably his worst.

Brace yourself, and then click here for the full ad in all its misconceived glory. And as David philosophically suggests, be sweet!

welovebeckham.jpg
Some deranged fans and chocolate lovers last week

3 Comments

A dog is not just for Christmas. Or is it?

Take a look at the latest Aibo.

aibo.jpg

Now I can understand people having misgivings about electronic pets, but believe me, Sony’s Aibo has something special. What that something is I don’t really know, but from a recent experience, it seems that the plastic pooch can produce the same reactions in people that a real dog does.

In the shop I found myself happily stroking Aibo, and after stepping back and observing others, the electronic dog produced the same reaction in everybody else. Without exception. People smiled, petted it, and in the end were reluctant to leave.

Strange? Maybe. True? Surprisingly, yes.

And not once did I see it attempt to sniff someone’s groin or hump a passerby’s leg.

2 Comments

Silver seat

Trains in Tokyo are notoriously busy (this video gives you a good idea), but for the likes of the elderly and pregnant, there’s one saving grace. The silver seat. Situated near the doors, it allows easy access in and out of the carriage, and train manner dictates that these seats be given up to those that need them.

Now thanks to a kind e-mail from Andrew over at Grannybuttons, I have a picture of a silver seat and its sign. It should be pointed out that it may have been altered slightly.

japtrain.doc.jpg