Tokyo Times

Aug 11 2005 10 Comments

Company claustrophobia

For Bridgestone Tire employees, there is plenty of affordable (although admittedly not exactly inspiring) accommodation close to work.

So near in fact, that by simply crossing the road they will be outside the factory gates.

Then after a hard day of tire related toil, they can de-stress by popping over to the nearby Bridgestone Sports Club for a spot of tennis. Or perhaps a dip in the pool.

By which time these dedicated employees will be thoroughly worn out, and really not in the mood for cooking. Which fortunately is not a problem, as right across the road is the Bridgestone Restaurant and Bar. A handy place to relax and talk about the fascinating world of tires and rubber.

All very convenient I’m sure you’ll agree. Yet a lifestyle that must be suffocating beyond belief.

Aug 10 2005 5 Comments

Pick up a penguin

Amid all the furore concerning Japan’s scientific whale hunting and the introduction of blubber burgers in some restaurants, the nation’s penchant for penguin might just go unnoticed.

Ok, I’ll admit that the restaurant/bar doesn’t actually serve penguin — at least not that I’m aware of — but it does claim to have one of the comical and flightless birds on the premises.

For what reason is anybodies guess.

Aug 09 2005 8 Comments

Moody and majestic

The Kamakura Daibutsu (Big Buddha) is both big and beautiful. Its size and apparent serenity captivating the huge numbers of visitors who flock to see it every year.

Yet in a naÃ¯ve attempt to get a slightly unconventional (and dare I say arty) shot, I took a picture of the statue from a slightly different angle. Now whether it was in response to my photographic incompetency or a reaction to the hordes of noisy sightseers I don’t know, but the big fella’s serene look appears to have changed to one of intense irritation — anger even.