Tokyo Times

Feb 07 2008 9 Comments

Meaningful Japanese manga?

The appearance of religious figures in manga isn’t all that uncommon, with Osamu Tezuka’s Buddha series in particular covering in comic form the story of Siddhartha.

The more recently released ‘Saint Young Men’ by Hikaru Nakamura on the other hand takes a somewhat less serious approach, with Buddha renting an apartment in present-day Tokyo.

A situation made all the more surreal by the fact that he shares the place with another famous fella, Jesus Christ.

Perhaps to allow them to blend in somewhat, they are a suitably stylish pair — with Jesus even boasting a T-shirt that boldly proclaims, â€œDad, Me and the Holy Spiritâ€ (çˆ¶ã¨ç§ã¨ç²¾éœŠ) — although it is nice to see them both bearing their customary coiffures.

Living in the capital’s western suburb of Tachikawa, heaven knows what situations they will find themselves in, but it would certainly be interesting to see their stance on the south of the station’s somewhat seedier side.

(via the FG Forums)

Feb 06 2008 Leave a Comment

Japanese dressing up depravity?

For Japanese party goers, the playful game of pulling pants off a partner’s head is probably about as puerile a practice as most people are prepared to participate in. However, for those looking to relive their younger days with fashion rather than mere frivolity, there’s always the option of procuring a pair of school pants (ã‚¹ã‚¯ãƒ¼ãƒ« ãƒ‘ãƒ³ãƒ„), which are apparently ideal for the purchaser, or indeed their partner, to parade about in.

Alternatively, for those looking to make a real splash, there’s the rather more salacious school swim suit, which is either sickeningly sentimental,

or simply sinister.

Feb 05 2008 9 Comments

Love hotel haikyo

Perhaps due to the mindboggling pace at which buildings go up (and indeed down) in Japan, there are plenty of abandoned lots liberally dotted around the landscape. Which, with their eerie emptiness, are much sought after spots for the curious and camera equipped alike.

Known as haikyo (ruins), their popularity among certain circles is growing, with numerous websites boasting fabulously atmospheric photos, along with several books by photographer Shinichiro Kobayashi. And, not wanting to be left out, Tokyo Times has now jumped on the abandoned building bandwagon with a suitably second-rate saunter around a languishing love hotel.

Having taped up the sign and fenced off the building, the departing owners then simply left everything else to either rot,

or be ransacked.

That said, the rooms themselves still hint at their previous purpose,

although now, whether it be either a long or short stay,

there’s no beer in the minibar,

and calls to restock it remain unanswered.

Similarly, the mass of mirrors reflect only the decidedly dated decor,

rather than any cloak-and-dagger decadence.

Apart from that depicted on the walls that is.

Feb 04 2008 3 Comments

Incomparable cake?

Despite Japanese waistlines being nowhere near as whopping as those wobbling about in the West, there are still a dazzling amount of desserts on display covering all conceivable kinds of confectionery.

However, having a burgeoning belly myself, I generally steer well clear of such fattening foodstuffs, although this particular cake was way too compelling. And, as advertised, it was just as I, erm, imagined.

How about yours?

Feb 02 2008 3 Comments

Hello Kitty homage

For centuries, people have been making their way to Kamakura in order to make wishes at the well known and absolutely whopping Daibutsu.

However, for modern Tokyo worshipers after far more tangible — and indeed tabby-related — treats, Sanrio has unveiled the world’s largest Hello Kitty statue in Shinjuku. A place where the company presumably hopes people will come and pray for as much pussy as they can possibly pick up.

Perhaps.

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