Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Underwear

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Girdle hurdle

Whilst Triumph International Japan may be better known for its creative and eye-catching novelty bras, the underwear giant it seems is quietly doing a brisk trade in girdles — for men.

triumph underwear
not a girdle

Initially released on a trial basis last month, the company’s ‘long girdle’ and ‘hip hugger’ variety sold so well that an increase in production is planned, the nation’s portly appearance pioneers quickly snapping them up. A spokesperson for Triumph confirming this craze by saying, “Men are getting so much more fashion conscious these days that they’re starting to pay attention to the lines of their body and their silhouette, just like women.”

This corset campaign fits in well (so to speak) with a recent report stating that Japanese men are slowly piling on the pounds, as 29 percent of males aged between 20 and 69 are now overweight, compared with only 24 percent 6 years ago; the flab flattening girdle helping disguise some of this extra baggage.

A trend in Japan that for the first (and probably last) time I was actually ahead of, although I hasten to add that’s in regards to packing a paunch — not sporting a girdle.

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Warm wonder

As the government’s Warm Biz energy saving campaign kicks into top gear, underwear maker Triumph International has come up with the fashionable little number pictured below. A garment that at first glance may appear a little cold for the office, but its use of an infrared thermal lining (whatever one of those is) means that the wearer should barely feel the cold.

warm biz bra

The added inclusion of bra gel-pads, that can be heated in a microwave and then placed into the cups, means busty bureaucrats will be both snug and sexy. Their inclusion allegedly catching the eye of Kuniko Inoguchi, Minister of State for Gender Equality, and also — perhaps appropriately — Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Measures for Declining Birthrate.

inoguchi kuniko

Policy briefings may never be the same again.

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Pants pun

Having grown-up with such highbrow comedy as Benny Hill and the Carry On films, I’m in no way averse to a cheeky bit of insinuation or the occasional double entendre. Far from it in fact, I am English after all.

Yet after years of chuckling furtively at barely concealed references to genitalia and sexual intercourse, my search for the ultimate innuendo may well have reached its zenith — yes, climax even. The mischievous little gem unearthed in a small shop in suburban Tokyo of all places.

A find that leads me to believe that last year’s ban on the sale of used underwear may well have been withdrawn.

japanese spunky pants

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Used panty procurer

The sale or purchase of used underwear has been banned in Tokyo for quite some time now, but it seems nearby Kanagawa Prefecture has substantially stiffened its laws governing such practices; making even the encouragement of used panty purchasing illegal. This hitherto unknown adjustment in the regulations becoming news after a 24-year-old man was arrested for pestering several schoolgirls to sell him their panties.

japanese schoolgirl underwear

The students stated that the as yet unnamed man followed them in his car for about 140 metres, continually offering to buy their underwear. Allegedly entreating the girls with such pleas as, “Your skirt is caught up. I’ll buy your panties for 1,000 yen and your bra for 500 yen. Sell ’em to me.”

As embarrassing as this whole episode is, the young gentleman in question admitted to the allegations, claiming, “I had no idea what I was doing was a crime. They were wearing really short skirts and I got all excited. I didn’t want new panties, I wanted used ones.”

The ‘used’ part of this confession will presumably be the panty perverts downfall, as the Kanagawa Prefectural Government ordinance aimed at providing youth with a wholesome upbringing, clearly states that it is forbidden to sell, or encourage to sell, any used underwear belonging to under18s that contains traces of faeces, urine, saliva or other bodily fluids.

A law that it has to be said contains more than enough information.

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Baseball bra

Despite several efforts — albeit of the half-hearted variety — baseball’s appeal totally escapes me. Especially when compared to football (soccer). That said, my favourite sport could learn a thing or two from the bat and ball game. Not as far as any sporting action is concerned mind you, but on the merchandising front. Namely the production of ladies undergarments.

Earlier this year, the Rakuten Eagles produced an attractive baseball related bra and panties combo, and not to be outdone, the Hanshin Tigers — in conjunction with Triumph International — have produced a similar set to commemorate the team’s 70th anniversary.

tigers bra

Not that anybody is interested, but in a vain attempt to justify the posting of such a picture, I should rather tediously add that the bra is embroidered with the Tiger’s logo, and with the skirt and a pair of shorts will go on sale for 21,000 yen (105 pounds).