Tokyo Times

Mar 09 2007 5 Comments

Hello Kitty hell?

The Japanese capitulation to all things Kitty related needs no confirmation here, but not everyone it seems is sentimental about a pussy past its prime or one made redundant by a more up-to-date model. A point poignantly proved by a recent visit to one of Tokyo’s numerous Hard Off second hand goods shop, as tucked away in a corner between ten-year-old turntables was a kaput kitty.

The sorry sight was further enhanced by an apparent look of anger on Kitty-chan’s usually expressionless face. A rare glimpse of emotion probably brought on by a reflection from the shop’s lights, or alternatively it could have been an exceptionally lucky shot that exposes the inherent evil behind Sanrio’s phenomenally successful cash accumulating cat.

My money is on the latter.

(click image for full-sized feline fury)

Mar 08 2007 7 Comments

Technicolour Tokyo

The Reversible Destiny Lofts housing project by designers Arakawa and Gins has been covered by numerous sources since its completion in Tokyo about 18 months ago, but to see the psychedelic structure up close and personal is something completely different altogether.

Purposely created with uneven floors, awkwardly positioned light switches and a veranda door that has to be crawled through means that the homes are even more eccentric on the inside — an approach that its creators claim “makes you alert and awakens instincts, so you’ll live better, longer and even forever.”

Now how true that is remains to be seen, but residents will certainly have to live life a little more sparingly, as none of the apartments contain any closets or storage space; a potential problem owners will apparently â€œlearn to figure outâ€. Yet regardless of the building’s boasted benefits, it undoubtedly adds a dash of much needed colour to what would otherwise be just another staid suburban street.

The contrast with nearby houses considerable to say the least.

Something that the neighbourhood’s more traditional tenants may, or may not, appreciate.

(click images for larger and more luminous lofts)

Mar 07 2007 4 Comments

Food-themed furniture

For residents of Japan who choose to eschew chairs by opting for the more traditional cushion, yet at the same time find lengthy lazing about sessions somewhat uncomfortable, the commonly found cushion-cum-chair combo is an ideal compromise.

The problem is, as the above picture perfectly demonstrates, they aren’t very appealing as far as aesthetics go — practical probably being a polite way of describing them. However thanks to Roy at Q-Taro, those looking for a bit of novelty whilst nestling down for the night can’t go far wrong with the bread-themed designs below.

Like this simple toast-like offering for example, which, as an added extra, appears to have a similar consistency and thickness to real Japanese bread. And not necessarily all that more expensive either, priced at a relatively reasonable 3,980 yen (18 pound).

Or for the more adventurous, a hamburger or garishly green melon bread model could be ideal.

Or not as the case may be.

Mar 06 2007 18 Comments

Genuine jugs?

After a recent mention on Tokyo Times of Japanese model Mizuki Horii and her confession of feeling close to cows because of her far from undersized udders, a discussion of sorts has developed in regards to whether her bovine-like boobies are real or not. A matter that whilst admittedly nowhere near as significant as Britney Spears and her shaved head, is still worthy of investigation.

Unfortunately, a call to Horii-san’s manager about a quick juggle with her jubblies to see if they are the real deal hasn’t been returned; but instead, here are a couple more pictures of the young lady in question, followed by a poll to count the presumably pitiful amount of votes.

So, without further ado, are they genuine jugs,

or man-made mammaries?

Update: After a surprisingly ample 421 votes, the figures were 289 to 132 in favour of genuine jugs, meaning Mizuki Horii’s big breasts are officially not man-made. Ah, the delights of democracy in action.

Mar 06 2007 6 Comments

Fending off foreign fiends

With certain parts of the Japanese media seemingly intent on exaggerating the amount of crime committed by foreigners in Japan, and a Tokyo governor dedicated to bad-mouthing non-Japanese on an almost daily basis, it’s perhaps not surprising that some sections of society are a little scared by such sensationalism. A situation that has prompted one production company to produce an educational/language video to teach terrified Tokyoites how to survive such an attack.

When manhandled by a foreign man with a mask on back-to-front for example, the best way to deal with the situation is to let him have everything you’ve got. The correct delivery of such a phrase charmingly chanted by some lycra-clad young ladies.

However should things get worse and the brute brandishes a knife, confrontation is definitely not the best course of action. Instead, calmly appealing to his conscience is considered correct.

A method that may well involve the loss of material possessions, but luckily not one’s life, allowing a report to be made later at the local police station.

Educational TV at its best it has to be said, with such life saving language applicable to people the world over and not just the Japanese. Simply look and learn.

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