Photographs from a small group of islands
Fresh fugu (puffer fish) from a fully licensed place like this one in Tokyo will probably be a bit pricey.
However, for this famously poisonous fish, qualifications really do count, and the cost of improper preparation can end up being far higher than a fancy meal out. Something a 60-year-old man from Hiroshima sadly found out far too late, after his home-cooked dinner came back to haunt him — quite literally.
Although his wife, who was either lucky or simply didn’t like the look of it, survived.
Labels such as Louis Vuitton may be all well and good for the likes of luggage, but as far as footwear is concerned, the true fashionista would be an absolute fool to opt for anything other than colourful Kitty-themed creations.
These ultra stylish sandal-cum-slippers being perfect for either sunny saunters or simply sitting on the sofa, as well as allowing the wearer to savour the soothing glow of Sanrio satisfaction.
With Tokyo boasting more ramen shops than something with a significantly sizeable number, the competition is understandably cut-throat, with proprietors pulling out all the stops to persuade punters to part with their hard earned pennies.
But enormous bowls and the purported nature of the broth aside, the perky nature of this winking little woman will no doubt appeal to more than a few patrons.
Perhaps.
In Japan, where a love of luxury goods is legendary, and the bigger the brands are the better, the person who put up this poster has a massive mountain to climb to put it mildly.
Plus at this time of year in particular, it’s a route that is arguably even rockier, and one likely to leave him (or indeed her) trampled under foot in the riotous rush for a bit of branded bargain bliss.
