Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

3 Comments

Lost in transit

Tokyo is a big and bustling city, so it’s not surprising that things get lost from time to time. Although judging from the figures just released by the Metropolitan Police Force, from time to time is probably something of an understatement. As last year 1.95 million unclaimed items were taken to the police.

Rather predictably the most common item was the humble umbrella, with 330,000 of them being handed in. More intriguing however was the staggering amount of unclaimed money. A whopping 2.4 billion yen (12,000,000 pound) in cash to be exact.

But one marked increase on the previous year was the amount of abandoned animals. The total number was 154, an increase of 42 from 2003. And even more bizarre is that turtles of all things topped the list, with 28 of them currently doing whatever turtles do in police stations across the capital. Other left behind animals included chickens, rabbits, and ferrets.

And I always thought that the ubiquitous branded bag that many Japanese walk around with was simply to hold make-up, magazines, and a mobile. Apparently not…

Categorized: Odd

11 Comments

Sanyo’s shameless suggestion revisited

The other day I wrote about Sanyo suggesting its employees spend a considerable chunk of their own money to help boost faltering sales. With the proposed amounts starting at a staggering 200,000 yen (1,000 pound) for rank-and-file workers, and 500,000 yen (2,500 pound) for section managers.

As expected, the comments this post garnered were overwhelmingly critical of Sanyo. Except one that is. A response rather surprisingly from the company itself. Who the person is, and what position they hold wasn’t disclosed, but the IP address confirms the reply came from Sanyo. And as such it’s a response far too interesting to be left buried in the archived comments. So here it is.

Clarification:
1. It is recommended/encouraged.
2. Employees can buy their quota or promote the sales equivalent of such.
3. Executives have a 700,000 yen target.
4. Sanyo sells homes, does reform of homes, car loans, home solar power systems, plasma TVs, heating and cooling systems in addition to small home appliances, so meeting the quota might not be too difficult if you are in the market for high end products.
5. There is a Hello Kitty toaster and hot sandwich maker too.

Now to be honest, I feel this clarification makes the whole sorry affair seem even worse (if indeed that’s possible). The fact that it’s a recommendation leads one to suspect that non-compliance will result in the employee being disadvantaged in some form or another. And the option of going out and trying to cajole unsuspecting punters into buying Sanyo products in order to reach the necessary target isn’t what I’d call a favour. Whether it be a house, heater, or home appliance.

Even the mention of a Hello Kitty toaster isn’t enough to distract attention away from Sanyo’s sneaky shenanigans.

hello_kitty_toaster

Is it?

5 Comments

Balladeering bowl

Whilst the Japanese style toilet remains a rather primitive contraption, the new Western style thrones are packed with more gadgets than you can shake a stick at.

A washing and drying service is now almost standard, and some of the flashier designs come with movement masking sound effects. And the heated seat option is a much sought after luxury in the cold winter months.

But Toto Limited has raised the bar even higher with their “New Neorest” series. The company claims that it’s the first toilet in the world to release an aroma and play soothing music. Plus of course the usual washing and drying facilities.

high-tech musical toilet

So for those having a bit of a tough time on the toilet, they can now happily mask their efforts with both music and smell. Then finish proceedings off with a nice wash and dry. Leaving the bathroom fumigated, fresh, and free from embarrassment.

4 Comments

Monkey (not so) magic

An unemployed man was arrested yesterday for attempting to rob a convenience store on January 25th.

Using a bit of common sense, 31-year-old Takashi Ishimitsu wisely decided to don a disguise before attempting the robbery. But rather than wearing a simple mask or balaclava, Ishimitsu-san got kitted out in a full monkey suit. An outfit that admittedly concealed his identity, but at the same time wasn’t exactly what you’d call inconspicuous.

monkey suit

And to add insult to injury, Ishimitsu-san left the store empty handed. Even though he was armed with a knife, his comedy outfit didn’t exactly instill fear in his victim. As the staff member on duty calmly alerted his manager, causing the costume clad culprit to flee.

Categorized: Odd

3 Comments

Fire-loving female

An unemployed woman already facing charges of arson, was hit with another arrest warrant yesterday. This time for trying to burn down the apartment complex where she lives.

The new charge accuses 30-year-old Hisako Kasahara with attempted arson of an inhabited building, as the fire-loving female set fire to a cloth covering a washing machine on the second-floor of the complex. Fortunately however she only succeeding in burning part of the roof, and none of the other residents were injured. Although a few of them did suffer mild smoke inhalation.

During questioning Kasahara-san admitted to the allegations, explaining her behaviour with a unique brand of twisted logic. “I was having trouble paying rent. I thought I wouldn’t have to pay it if the entire apartment complex burnt down.”

A statement that contains an element of truth. I suppose.

Categorized: Odd