Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

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Japanese miniature dog mania

In sharp contrast to Japan’s far from burgeoning birth rate, the number of miniature dogs continues to mount, with seemingly billions of the unbearable and invariably bug-eyed little beasts everywhere. A fad that unusually for Japan shows no sign of slowing down, and appears to confirm claims that such pets are increasingly seen as child substitutes, which, with the excessive cooing they encourage along with their offensively fancy wardrobes, would seem to be spot on.

Plus, for people who don’t have a kid or a canine, there’s also the option of substituting the substitute with a, erm, substitute.

Japanese dogs

Or even several substitute substitutes.

Japanese dogs

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Hello Kitty chords

Prior to becoming a way-before-Bono benefactor, musician Bob Geldof once famously said that, “Most people get into bands for three very simple rock and roll reasons: to get laid, to get fame, and to get rich.”

A statement that may or indeed may not be true, although at least in relation to the former, even a man with the most meagre amount of musical ability can now pluck himself an absolute plethora of pussy.

Hello Kitty guitar

Provided of course he’s willing to purchase it.

Hello Kitty guitar

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Nitchitsu mining town haikyo #3: Home sweet home

After a detour through Nitchitsu mining town’s doctor’s office, and then a peek at how the long gone residents once played, the last thing to do is look at their lodgings. A path that, starting off at the top of the town, began with some surprisingly well preserved apartments, indicating that they were vacated later than many of the other places, or alternatively were briefly returned to at a later date.

Yet that said, the last time they were used was still well before Japan had mastered the art of miniaturising music players,

Nitchitsu mining town

and way before CDs were even considered, let alone called for.

Nitchitsu mining town

Still, just like today, televisions were an integral part of the home, although perhaps not in this rather immoderate, almost Elvis-esque manner. 

Nitchitsu mining town

But, with no satellite or cable, the meagre amount of channels obviously had to be supplemented somewhat; however, some of the choices were more than a bit suspect to say the least. And, should you want to, you can see a picture of someone’s personal collection here, but it should be stressed that it is decidedly disgusting and definitely not safe for work — or indeed what could be deemed as ideal before dinner. Plus, erm, animal lovers may want to look away. Or not as the case may be. 

Anyway, moving further down the mountain and far away from such material, the ageing process begins to become more prominent, yet there is still a strange sense that many people left only yesterday. At the last minute.

Nitchitsu mining town

And in more than a bit of a rush.

Nitchitsu mining town

Meaning they had to leave lots of belongings behind.

Nitchitsu mining town

However, dolls or no dolls, domiciles still begin to deteriorate,

Nitchitsu mining town

and when nature starts to take over,

Nitchitsu mining town

nothing it seems,

Nitchitsu mining town

can stop the wearing effects of weeds and the weather,

Nitchitsu mining town

not even wardrobes.

Nitchitsu mining town

And as such, these apartments and some other parts of the town may unfortunately not last much longer.

Nitchitsu mining town

Which would be sad to say the least.

If you haven’t seen them already, and you feel like having a look, here are links to Part 1: A visit to the doctors, and Part 2: A day in the life.

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Japanese train-based bank

Japan’s terrific number of train otaku have already been treated to a carriage-themed clock, and now, these timetable obsessed citizens can sensibly save their money in this uniquely designed depository which, in these financially volatile times, may well be about as safe as a real bank.

Yamanote line bank

Based on Tokyo’s Yamanote loop line, the product cleverly allows its proud owner to pop their money through the roof of the carriage.

Yamanote line bank

Plus, if that wasn’t enough, the lights flash on and off,

Yamanote line bank

along with the doors actually opening,

Yamanote line bank

and closing.

Details which undoubtedly make it a must buy; however, incredibly it has one more tantalising trick — the ability to play train station melodies from a selection of stops on the line. A few examples of which can be heard by watching this dazzling live demonstration.

A final flourish that means Japanese train aficionados can now happily save up for their next trip while at the same time still feel like they are traveling on a train.

Does life get any better?