Tokyo Times

Nov 17 2008 4 Comments

Western Tokyo war wounds

As Tokyo is not exactly blessed with an over abundance of big or indeed beautiful parks, coming across one that was hitherto unknown and also hosts a bit of history is certainly something to be happy about, even if the aforementioned history is this somewhat stark, yet at the same time somehow rather serene, structure.

Functioning as a substation for the now defunct Hitachi Aircraft Company in Tachikawa, it and the munitions plant it powered came under attack three times in early 1945; part of the sustained strategic and incendiary bombing of Japan that destroyed huge sections of the capital as well as other cities.

However, unlike the rest of the factory it somehow survived, and while badly scarred,

and forever reminded of its past,

the building went on to be used until 1993, when the park was planned and it had nothing left to power, except perhaps the ponderings of passersby.

Its wartime workforce on the other hand weren’t nearly so lucky, with at least 110 citizens being long outlived by the now silenced substation.

Nov 15 2008 10 Comments

Japanese wrestling ring

Without its traditions, sumo would simply not be sumo, but at the same time the sport’s archaic rules and ridiculous rituals of retribution are undoubtedly a big factor in the huge difficulties it’s facing recruiting fresh rikishi. A sorry state of affairs that, along with an ongoing match rigging scandal, has left sumo with dwindling support and a decidedly slim chance of coming up with a Japanese grand champion any time soon.

Other forms of combat, however, are comparatively healthy, with K-1 in particular pulling in the punters and participants. And even regular wrestling is well respected, with wrestlers eager to pull their fingers out, enter the ring and rough it out with their rivals.

Or even — although thankfully it wouldn’t be welcome in sumo — enter their rival’s ring.

(image via the FG Forums)

Nov 14 2008 2 Comments

Tokyo and tortoises

Not caring much for the cacophony of cooing that Chihuahuas command in this country, pet shops aren’t places I particularly favour, let alone frequent, so apart from the presumably almost constant cries of Kawaii!, most of what goes on in these marts is a mystery.

Yet that said, I suspect that an aged tortoise ambling round the aisles isn’t what one would call common, otherwise I would have been carrying a better camera.

Or there again maybe it is, and due to my miserableness I’ve been missing out. Which, judging by the couldn’t care less attitude of customers other than kids, could well be correct.

Nov 13 2008 1 Comment

Cutting Japanese crime

Crime in Japan is undoubtedly on the rise, although when considering the situations in a copious amount of other countries, Japan is still comparatively safe — incredibly so on most counts. However, while many feel that the media is exaggerating the figures in a bid to increase suspicion, or some say even sales, the recent doubling of the misdemeanours perpetrated by pensioners is a fact. And, with Japan’s ever-growing number of elderly, it’s not unfeasible to think that the country could soon be festoon with not so fast on their feet, but at the same time still fearsome, felons.

A situation that the cops and, erm, Coca Cola have quickly tried to correct with this fairly recent camera and phone equipped contraption; providing those in danger with both a drink and a direct line to a detective.

A device that may well be ideal in certain circumstances, along with giving parents a false sense of security,

but in a land where furtive fiddles and fetishes are far from infrequent, teenagers in tartan are also being trained in the ancient art of axe wielding.

Apparently.

(image via the FG Forums)

Nov 12 2008 6 Comments

Tranquil time out #35

Now maybe it’s just me, but these colourful and almost completely covered quarters are conceivably quite calming, regardless of whether they are run-of-the-mill residences,