Tokyo Times

Nov 26 2007 1 Comment

Post-bubble pad?

With Christmas, Halloween and Valentine’s Day all firmly fixed in the Japanese calendar, it’s somewhat surprising that Thanksgiving still hasn’t made an appearance in some form or another. Well, perhaps not in the area of food and family, but definitely in the frantic buying of bargains that follows, as any excuse to go out shopping is certain to meet with success.

Plus, with their high standard of living and healthy nature, the Japanese have an awful lot to be thankful for. Generally speaking that is, as apart from a bridge to shelter under, along with a bike and a bottle of soy sauce, this middle-aged Japanese man is rather lacking in things to give thanks for.

Nov 23 2007 5 Comments

Moving Japanese masks

Full-blown facial expressions are not always the done thing in Tokyo, particularly in public, but as far as festivals are concerned, it would seem that the merrier,

manic,

or indeed melancholy the masks are, the better.

With bushy beyond belief nasal hair a rather unnecessary bonus.

Nov 22 2007 1 Comment

Tokyo DVD direction?

Due to the far from conservative contents of the shop, it’s not entirely clear whether this Tokyo retailer’s sign boasts a simple spelling slip,

or a somewhat saucy (but space lacking) suggestion.

Nov 21 2007 3 Comments

Japanese hi-tech toilet attendant

With Japan’s more realistic robots veering well away from the all important confines of cuteness, a motorway connected company has commissioned a contraption to counter such concerns. The result being a huge ladybird-like robot that is designed to rather lavishly clean up lavatories in highway rest areas.

Plus, as well as being equipped with all the necessary sensors so as not to bump into those busily going about their business, the colossal cleaner will also be programmed to have simple conversations, although these will thankfully be on the subject of driving directions rather urinal misdirection or even stool-related stenches.

However, with an expected price tag of 3.5 million yen when it’s released in the next year or so, it’ll require an awful lot of spent pennies to pay for it.

Nov 20 2007 6 Comments

Japanese pants pulling

The grace of the geisha or traditional tea ceremony’s gentle movements are famous facets of Japanese culture, but for the tourist after a true insight into this beguiling country, then attending a public performance of the ancient practice of pulling pants off a partner’s head is paramount.

A truly fascinating pastime that somehow manages to capture the spirit of both sumo and the samurai.

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