Tokyo Times

Apr 23 2007 1 Comment

Fowl play?

Japan’s ultra-competitive world of grilled chicken production took another twist over the weekend, when the town of Hidakagawa, in Wakayama Prefecture, reclaimed the honour of holding the world record for the longest piece of grilled chicken (or yakitori) — a title that was controversially won by the residents of Kawamata back in August last year, a mere 12 days after the good people of Hidakagawa had first been crowned chicken champions with an effort of 11 metres and 7 cm.

So this year, in a bid to make sure they don’t fall foul of the same misfortune again, the town in western Japan callously killed a whole glut of chickens to produce a gargantuan grill measuring a gut-busting 16.46 metres.

However cruel chicken-based taunts by the champs in reference to the size of Kawamata men’s ‘cocks’ has not surprisingly ruffled more than a few feathers, leading many to believe that the title may once again change hands in the not too distant future.

Apr 20 2007 5 Comments

Japanese jig

The devotion some Japanese men show towards dodgy dolls is definitely well documented, but perhaps a little less well known is a similar dedication when it comes to dancing; however as an art form it’s a fair old distance from the foxtrot, with anime and outfits the guiding force.

Like this young man for example, who is somewhat alarmingly aping the routines and regalia from the anime Lucky Star. And perhaps even more disturbing, he’s really rather good too, albeit in excruciatingly bad fashion.

Apr 20 2007 1 Comment

Money making museums

When it comes to money making ‘museum’ ideas, the Japanese certainly take some beating (or even eating), as hot on the heels of the city’s ramen and curry themed offerings, the city of Yokohama will proudly open the much-anticipated Anpanman museum today.

An exhibition dedicated to the popular kids character and his food-related friends; the main man himself based on a bun filled with sweet bean paste (anko). And with 21 shops selling all manner of memorabilia — with perhaps a few token tidbits about the creation of the character tucked away in a corner somewhere — the enterprise is sure to be a winner.

Apr 19 2007 5 Comments

Western Tokyo wannabes

With local elections just around the corner, these bingo-like billboards boasting pictures of each area’s candidates are currently as ubiquitous in Tokyo as hostess bars and convenience stores.

However, being ineligible to vote makes delving into any of the candidates detailed proposals a pointless exercise, and anyway, Japanese democracy appears to entail nothing more than maintaining the status quo and electing relatives of previous runners. Yet judging the pictures alone, young Leo Suzuki would possibly be worth a punt; his manly pose and martial arts prowess making him appear to be a man who could perhaps make something happen.

That said, Hiroko Kano might well be a woman but she is equally manly — maybe even more so.

But when all is said and done, surely super suave ‘Shoko’ should seal the deal, as he is speedy, open, kind and an opinion leader. Plus perhaps more importantly, he is hot too.

Apr 18 2007 Leave a Comment

Maid to measure

For those mesmerised by all things maid related, costumes can be picked up in plenty of Tokyo retailers for a pretty good price.

As far as real fanatics go however, order-made outfits are the only option, with Japanese company Candy Fruit kindly coming up with the goods — culling together a classy collection of costumes that includes apparel perfect for a leisurely lunch outside.

Or for the less active, there are ensembles better suited to slouching on a sofa in a semi-vegetative state; although the application form’s request of â€œIf an order is placed, please be exciting and waitâ€ could prove problematic for some purchasers.

Alternatively, if it’s simply a night at home watching anime, then the addition of a nice set of stockings and extra frills would seem to be more suitable.

The ‘please be exciting’ prompt possibly not needed.

(big thanks to the wonderful What Japan Thinks for the tip)

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