Tokyo Times

Jun 15 2007 1 Comment

Tokyo transformation

Due to Japan’s stubbornly stagnant economy, small business owners in particular have suffered enormously. The heady days of the bubble becoming a dim and distant memory as deflation and debt have become the new watchwords.

A sorry state of affairs that has been especially tough for shop owners, with the competitive streets of the Japanese capital casting many adrift; price-cutting and the increasing proliferation of big companies leaving many little option but to leave and lock their doors for good.

Yet for those with a never say die attitude and the ability to diversify, there is hope. An approach embodied by the barbershop pictured below. As threatened with closure due to competition, the owner opted to offer something different — namely a beer or two along with a newly trimmed bouffant.

Perhaps.

Jun 14 2007 11 Comments

Tokyo trance

In fad driven Japan, it’s somewhat surprising that ParaPara dancing is still alive and kicking, the combination of complicated arm movements and abominable Eurobeat backing somehow securing a place in the hearts of its predominantly female practitioners. The video below amply demonstrating the manic movements and monotonous music synonymous with the trend.

Yet in male dominated Japan, such sanitised shenanigans is simply no good, so one enterprising individual has made the most of ParaPara’s predominantly upper body undulations. The crafty addition of massive animated mammaries creating a hypnotic if not exactly wholesome effect.

(video via Japan Sugoi)

Jun 13 2007 2 Comments

Giant Japanese jubblies

Whilst Japan may well be considered the natural of home of video games, the fun for all the family approach nurtured by Nintendo isn’t necessarily a true reflection of the current climate. A point perfectly proven by the enormous earnings of eroge, a genre that cannily combines erotica and gaming — its anime style only adding to its allure.

Yet with the competition growing faster than fans can fiddle with their joysticks, Japanese developers are opting for increasingly more memorable promotional material. Like the people behind the boob-related Oppai Baka for example, who are thoughtfully allowing potential customers to quite literally get a feel for the game before making a purchase.

And just to make sure customers don’t feel too self-conscious about manhandling the merchandise, there’s a sign encouraging them to â€œsqueeze all you wantâ€, although overly exaggerated facial expressions are apparently optional.

That said, how many people would be keen on copping a feel so near the counter is unclear.

Much more on the ins and outs of eroge can be found at dannychoo.com, and the images are via Akibaos.

Jun 12 2007 1 Comment

Cool Biz concern

Now entering its third year, Japan’s environmentally conscious yet comically named Cool Biz would appear to be here to stay, with more salary men ditching their suits (or at least ties) to counter the far from comfortable conditions created by air-conditioning set to a considerably un-cool 28 degrees.

In fact, when the campaign first started, the then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was quick to promote the measure by wearing a traditional Okinawan shirt — the wavy-haired one never passing up the chance for more publicity. And not to be outdone, current Japanese leader Shinzo Abe has also opted for some summery wear, donning a similarly styled garment.

Yet whilst many Japanese workers still remain reluctant to relinquish their trusty tie, those perhaps more prone to perspiration have welcomed the concept — one salary man in particular following the Prime Ministerial penchant for traditional clothing; but instead of a shirt he has perhaps unexpectedly plumped for the far looser loincloth.

An outfit — or indeed a lack of one — that might be just about ok in a small women-free workplace; however going out for lunch must garner more than a few glances.

(image via the FG Forums)

Jun 11 2007 12 Comments

Tache-tastic Tokyo

With Japan’s baby boomers finally reaching the age at which they can hang up their salary man suits, it seems that as well as a rise in the divorce rate, we will also witness an increase in the number of fellas sporting some form of facial fashion. A working life of close shaven conformity perhaps prodding them to, for want of a better expression, let their hair down a little. Japanese shaving goods shop spokesman Nori Takeuchi confirming the trend by stating, â€œIn particular, a large number of baby-boomers say they want to grow moustaches and beards. I guess they feel like doing so after becoming free from their company life-styles.â€

Department stores have not surprisingly been quick to cash in on the fad, with a flood of beard and moustache-related merchandise hitting the shelves. And for the man not exactly blessed with bristles, help is at hand, as wig manufacturer Propia is selling synthetic substitutes. Cleverly swapping the toupee for the ‘tache.