Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

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Tuna technology

It’s probably not much of an exaggeration to say that the Japanese are obsessed with food. Trips, TV, and traditional events often seem to be based solely around eating. And whilst perhaps not devoured to quite the same degree, the nation isn’t all that averse to new technology and gadgets either.

So it seems perfectly natural that the two should be combined. And what better way to do it than with some sushi USB memory?

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For anybody tempted, the SushiDisk comes in two sizes. The 128 MB model will set you back a steady 8,200 yen (42 pounds), and the smaller 32 MB version a more reasonable 6,000 yen (30 pounds).

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Yahoo! Indeed

Not long ago it was almost impossible to get away from (or into) a train station without being hounded by Yahoo! BB sales people. But as irritating as I found it, the ploy worked a treat, as the broadband internet service is now the most popular in Japan.

And like any successful venture, Yahoo! has not rested on its laurels. Having secured a healthy user base, the company has scaled down the hassling-people-at-the-station line of attack, and opted for the more conventional hire-an-attractive-young-model-to-promote-your-product approach.

So Yahoo’s lady of the moment is the young and pretty Aya Ueto.

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Who it has to be said isn’t all that hard on the eyes. A face to help cement Yahoo! BB’s place at the top?

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I’d say so.

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Bulging Bobby

Chess renegade Bobby Fischer (who is in an Ushiku detention centre while he fights a deportation order issued August 24th) has countered claims in Time magazine that as a fugitive he “might not sound like Mr. Right” to any potential love matches.

Alluding to the commonly held assumption that the possession of big feet means that a certain other body part is of equally enlarged proportions, boastful Bobby declared, “I wear size 14 wide shoes. Just keep that in mind when you say I’m not a dreamboat, or not Mr. Right.”

And if that wasn’t enough confirmation that he is more king than pawn, the chess champion recalled a visit he made to a public onsen (bath). A tale that he was at great pains to point out is entirely true.

Miyoko Watai, Fischer’s chess playing fiancé, was waiting in the lobby for her well-hung hero, when she heard two men commenting on an enormous member they had seen on a fellow bather. Then when Fischer himself strutted out, the two men apparently pointed at big boy bobby and said, “Hey, it’s him.” An incident that Fischer claimed was very embarrassing for his fiancé. Although perhaps not as embarrassing as having the tale retold to the assembled media.

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The future Mrs. Fischer eyeing up the goods yesterday.

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Autumnal arrival

The arrival of autumn means that the summer’s horrid humidity is something we won’t have to suffer anymore. Well, until next year anyway. But as well as enjoying a stroll to the station without perspiring like the proverbial pig, there is also the added bonus of Mount Fuji becoming visible from Tokyo once again.

And thankfully there always seems to be someone with a camera (and more importantly a good vantage point) to capture the sight far better than I could ever hope to do.

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Haruurara heaven?

On this site I’ve mentioned Haruurara before. The racehorse with a record now standing at an unenviable 113 starts and no wins.

Thousand have turned out to watch the horse’s lame attempts at securing a victory, and at the same time (somewhat predictably) snapped up much sought after Haruurara merchandise. One company even made a bra modeled on the hapless horse.

But the enterprising souls at Kochi Race Track have gone one step further and opened a Haruurara gallery. Rather imaginatively (or not as the case may be) named Haruurara In-The-Movie Gallery. Visitors will have the chance to see numerous photos, and it goes without saying, the opportunity to load up on Haruurara memorabilia. Yet perhaps the highlight of the exhibition is a real-life model of the hopeless horse itself.

But with 113 races (and counting) without a win, how long will it be before the real (and stuffed) Haruurara becomes the galley’s biggest attraction? It’s going to happen, I just know it. And lets be honest, it’s got to be better than Haruurara Glue!

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Congratulations or condolences?