Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Odd

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Fast food

A week or so ago I posted a few pictures of some valentine chocolate madness. If you can be bothered to have a look, click here. But as outrageous as a chocolate Mona Lisa seemed at the time, I’ve now realized that it was mere kids play. Because now showing at Harumi Triton Square, is a chocolate Volkswagen Beetle.

I have to say that I’m not averse to a bit of frivolity now and again (and perchance even a bit of romance), but with that wedding cake positioned in the middle of the bonnet, visibility must be severely restricted.

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Against all the odds it always starts first time

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Soy sauce animation

Yes, a soy sauce animation. Not something you get to see everyday it has to be said. Or at least I don’t anyway.

I’ll warn you now it’s quite odd, and the only information I can give you is that it’s made by a sauce manufacturer. I think. Hence the topic. So without further delay click here to experience Kikkoman, and feel free to sing along if you want to.

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They enjoyed it so much they bought the product

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Packed in like sushi

I found this video over at A Welsh View. It shows how unbelievably busy the trains can get in Tokyo.

I’ve only had the misfortune of being on such a train once. When it’s the last train you don’t really have much choice. Needless to say it wasn’t very pleasant. Made worse by the fact that I’d been out drinking and badly needed the toilet. Although I hasten to add that despite my discomfort, I didn’t, ahem, embarrass myself.

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A golfing culture degree anyone?

Hagi University, a small private school in Yamaguchi prefecture, found itself struggling to attract new students this year. It had been authorized to take up to 300 new undergraduates, but unfortunately a paltry 30 enrolled.

No doubt numerous heads were scratched, and the result was the development of a new course. Judging by the title of this post, you won’t be surprised to find that it focuses on golf culture. What the subject involves isn’t clear, however rumour has it that students will study the impact of checkered slacks and gaudy Pringle sweaters on the modern game.

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Smoking manner

Coming from Britain, I’m still surprised by Japan’s somewhat liberal approach to tobacco. Unlike my home country, cigarettes aren’t outrageously priced, and they are readily available everywhere. Even in bars they are the same price as those bought from a shop. Not like the ridiculously overpriced vending machines found in British pubs

Also, the packets don’t contain graphic warnings about smoking giving you a vast array of unpleasant diseases. The warnings in Japan (if indeed you could class them as warnings) suggest that you try not to smoke too much. And if you can, try and put the cigarette out before you get right to the end. But more significant than any of this, is the observation of smoking manner.

Japan Tobacco’s recent campaign is a perfect example of the approach to smoking in this country. There’s clearly no need to do anything as drastic as giving-up. Heaven forbid. Rather, just brush up on your smoking manners and you’ll be fine. And perhaps most important of all, smile!

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With such a lax attitude, anybody would think that the government has connections with the tobacco industry.

What’s that? Oh right.