Tokyo Times

Mar 17 2008 5 Comments

Japanese character contravention?

Cute and cuddly characters are seemingly essential for almost every service in Japan, no matter how serious it may be, with the so-called Self-Defence Force securing Prince Pickles,

japanese self defence character prince pickles

and the police, perky little Pipo.

In fact, the law is apparently so in love with young Pipo, that he is rather prominently plastered over some police boxes.

So, with this in mind, it’s not exactly surprising then that other, less serious services, are equally served, with one of the more memorable being the Suica penguin, who proudly boasts the benefits of combining telephones and train tickets.

However, as the commercial below amply proves, the fiery little fella’s axe-god inspired acrobatics mean that he has rebelliously rejected strict character requirements — sensationally swapping the customary cute for the more controversial cool.

Or, at the very least, a sort of cute-cum-cool compromise.

Mar 14 2008 11 Comments

Japanese seasonal surge

With temperatures rapidly rising, it would seem that spring has finally come to the Japanese capital, meaning that young stems will be randomly bursting forth and unceremoniously spreading their seed.

And utterly unconnected, the warmer weather may also mean that some people will soon be pottering around in practically nothing but their pants.

(image via dannychoo.com)

Mar 13 2008 5 Comments

East meets West (Tokyo)

In the mega metropolis of Tokyo, this is about as far west as one can wander.

And, perhaps appropriately, this enormous mass of water is man-made. The Ogouchi Dam, as it is known, stoically holding back a staggering capacity of 185,400,000 cubic meters of water — enough to supply the whole of Tokyo for a full 40 days.

A figure that makes it the biggest reservoir, used solely as part of the water system, in the whole of Japan. Which is fascinating stuff I’m sure you’ll agree.

However, should the dam encounter difficulties, and you happen to be rather dangerously positioned down stream, sirens will sound alerting you of the oncoming deluge, allowing two particular courses of action: either calmly assess the situation and then sensibly seek protection,

or, sensing the seriousness of the sirens, simply panic.

Mar 12 2008 1 Comment

Japanese big brand bluntness

When it comes to famous brands, Japan just can’t say no, with bags in particular brandished like banners rather than as objects merely convenient for carrying things. But, whereas the likes of Louis Vuitton lord it over lots of people, at least one shop in Tokyo is breathtakingly blunt about the big brands it boasts.

With the aforementioned bags in particular faring especially badly.

Mar 11 2008 4 Comments

Tokyo cigarette sympathy

In tune with many other parts of the world, smoking is slowly becoming less socially acceptable in Japan, with more and more restrictions being placed on those partial to the odd puff.

Yet unlike most countries, the rules here seem rather random, with each city individually deciding where smoking is deemed defensible. Well, outdoors that is, as restaurants, bars and coffee shops appear permitted to make their own minds up; the former generally operating on a free for all basis, and the latter two lying somewhere in between, with separate sections seen as most suitable.

However, for some, such concessions are simply unacceptable, and smokers are courted rather than condemned, with even those with a penchant for pipes appreciated.

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