According to the ancient Japanese proverb, a bike in the shed is worth two in the bush.
Or is it the other way around?
Tranquil time out #20
Love hotel linguistics
Japan’s large number of love hotels are understandably lauded for their lively decor, but on the other hand, barely a mention is given to their equally imaginative monikers.
Okay, so some are admittedly far from subtle, but as far as the competitive world of entertaining euphemisms go, this one offers a very stiff challenge indeed.
(click image for double-sized ding-a-ling)
Japanese ladies man?
According to current underwear campaigns, lacy Japanese lingerie can be classed as love jewellery,
or even lunch.
However, when it comes to rather hefty and hirsute Japanese men sporting polka dot patterned skimpies, neither seems particularly appropriate.
(image via the FG Forums)
Fake Japanese foreigners
With the end of the year festivities fast approaching, a few Japanese shops are already stocking up on suitably silly items aimed at stressed-out salary men. Some of them a sort of over-the-counter cosplay that allows at least a little in the way of light relief.
Like this ‘Hello Mr foreigner’ fake Caucasian set for example, its ‘tall’ nose and sticky-back blue eyes being both riotous and realistic.
However, from next week, such foreign-based frivolities will not be advisable at Japan’s airports, or else salary man Suzuki may well find himself being photographed and fingerprinted together with all the other legitimate long-termers.
A situation that may well cause the fun to fizzle out somewhat.
Hello Kitty house call
In Japan, where kawaii is unquestionably king, nothing can escape from the ever increasing control of cuteness.
Yet despite this, should there ever be a prize — if indeed there isn’t one already — for the country’s daintiest little door bell, then this one will definitely take some beating.
And then some.
(click images for higher-res house-related homage)