Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

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Happy holidays?

With today being the middle of O-bon (Japan’s short and sweet summer holiday), huge numbers of people are now either packed in popular tourists spots or trundling along in traffic jams, as millions of Japanese almost en masse try to cram in as much as possible before the worries of work once again wash over them come Monday morning.

All in all a rather sorry state of affairs that invariably results in a huge increase in accidents, with so many people intent on getting away somewhere and having a good time. A trail of destruction that as well as being covered by the press, is also meticulously monitored by the police — each station somewhat morbidly displaying the accident/death toll of the previous day.

As it happens, this particular part of Tokyo suffered only a measly two accidents and no deaths on Monday, with the capital as a whole not doing quite so well, although it also managed to avoid any fatalities.

Japanese koban

Figures that perhaps due to so many people migrating away from the metropolis aren’t as bad as they sometimes are.

Japanese sign

Not that I regularly take photographic evidence of them you understand.

Just now and again that’s all.

(video via CScout Japan)

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Lifestyle alluding leisurewear

The Japanese commitment to both the company and copious amounts of overtime is not exactly noteworthy, as any country that boasts a word for ‘death from overwork’ (karoushi) can hardly be labelled as lazy. Yet the loyal and unquestioning approach to labour shown by so many Japanese must come from somewhere, and this cute but at the same time commanding piece of kids clothing could possibly contain a few clues.

Japanese fashion

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Jiggling Japanese jubblies

The interconnected topics of bikini-clad model shoots, mesmerised males and massive melons are generally reserved for websites and semi-salacious weeklies; however in a bold move, Japanese ice cream maker Akagi has cleverly combined all three in a naughty new campaign.

An approach that will no doubt have customers the length and breadth of the country licking their lips and quite possibly salivating at the mere thought of sucking on such succulent cones.

A commercial that as well as selling lickable light snacks, is also something of a breakthrough for model Harumi Nemoto. An obviously talented young Japanese lady who for reasons unknown has unfortunately had to make do with being begged to jump up and down on live TV. The more lofty her leaps the better.

A rather degrading state of affairs it has to be said, although on the strength of this new ad, things may be about to change.

Harumi Nemoto

Perhaps.

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Japan Unwrapped #10: Japanese boyfriend

Dear Tokyo Times

Your recent advice to JJ about getting a Japanese girlfriend was all well and good, but what about us girls looking for a Japanese man?

Thanks!

Jules, Toronto

Well Jules, I’m even less qualified to answer this than I was with JJ’s question, but as a western woman you may suffer from being seen as both alluring and alarming — possibly at the same time. Yet that said, blonde hair and/or big boobies should see most Japanese men quickly allay any apprehension they may feel.

Plus as a bonus, if the former somehow doesn’t manage to get you a man, it could lead to some motorcycle-related modelling work.

Japan advertising

With the latter possibly providing a part-time bar position if they somehow don’t find you a fella.

Japan boob bar

Making it a no-lose situation.

Of sorts.

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Japanese joint

Cleverly built homes it seems also require cleverly designed and clearly identifiable characters.

engrish home

With the considerable cuteness of this particular roof-doffing domicile quite possibly deflecting attention away from the company’s slightly comical and decidedly ‘uncleverly’ language lapse.