Tokyo Times

Having a pastime is always pleasant, although Hiroyasu Imura’s homage to Himeji Castle is certainly more than a mere hobby, as the 69-year-old has spent the last 19 years building a replica of the famous white-walled wonder.

Similar perhaps to people who maintain Japan-related websites, Imura-san is undoubtedly guilty of having too much time on his hands; however as well as countless construction hours, the former insurance examiner has also spent a whopping 18 million yen (145,000 dollars) on the project.

Yet with the model matching the original in every single detail, the purposeful pensioner’s dedication to precision has been rewarded with the title of ‘Tourist Ambassador’ — an honour bestowed upon him by the Himeji Government. In fact the only person apparently not overly enamoured with the object is Imura’s wife, as she had hoped that upon its completion she’d be able to enjoy trips to hot spring resorts. But the huge number of visitors wanting to see her husband’s masterpiece has sadly put paid to that.

Something that is slightly surprising considering that the real castle itself is only about 3 hours away by train.

With Japan seemingly obsessed with celebrity as much as the rest of the world, it’s not surprising that many companies use famous faces to sell products or push particular brands.

Cosmetics giant Shiseido for example has wisely secured the services of young model Yuri Ebihara. Her advertising campaign for Anessa proving very popular indeed, especially as it involves Ebihara-san bounding along the beach in a bikini.

Whilst thankfully more modestly dressed, baseball star Hideki Matsui is a similarly effective figure for Mizuno. Godzilla’s strength and success overseas further solidifying the sports equipment maker’s standing.

Yet whereas cosmetics and the like are easily matched to a comely or crowd-pleasing celebrity, it’s a little more difficult for some products/services. Like Japanese online property pioneer Mother’s Auction for example. The company’s gruelling quest eventually seeing it secure the services of singer and writer Akihiro Miwa.

A man of many talents it has to be said, but a purveyor of property might be pushing things a little bit.

With maid cafes now mainstream, and Tokyo’s Akihabara district absolutely teeming with them, it has obviously becoming more and more difficult for such role-playing retreats to make ends meat. A point probably proven by the diversity of such places now open for business, as after starting out as merely entertaining eateries, there are now reflexology and religion-based options; and even variations for the ladies, with butler and princess-themed places.

A situation that has possibly prompted what would appear to be the latest innovation, which is to pay for the company of a maid — the most expensive option being for the young lady to go to the customer’s home and spend the night there. Yet despite a price tag of 40,000 yen (320 dollars), this only involves ‘sleeping beside him’ and does not allow for any funny business whatsoever.

Plus for those on a slightly tighter budget, Soine de Maid-san also offers a ‘Date Course’, with prices ranging from 8,000 yen for 90 minutes to a much more cost effective 20,000 yen for a full 5 hours. And thankfully for any fellas feeling a little frustrated after their fun but far from furtive escapades, there is always the option of a quick visit to the far less modest Hand Maid, which, as its name suggests, is designed to help beat off any built up tension.

(Info direct from Danny, who must surely be the only man to have had a maid massage whilst sporting a Stormtrooper suit)