Tokyo Times

Aug 03 2004 5 Comments

G for groping

It would seem that whist some people list sport, reading, or music as a hobby, a certain section of Japanese society could quite legitimately list groping as theirs. Or if not as a hobby, at least as a pastime.

Reports of gropers abound, with the majority of perpetrators preferring the nation’s packed trains to practice their art form. But whilst most gropers see it as a purely solitary pastime, others have actually gone as far as creating a club in order to share their stories and learn new techniques.

Thankfully women are beginning to fight back, but certain train companies have resorted to having ‘women only carriages’ in a desperate bid to reduce the problem. But with a steady stream of groping stories appearing in the newspaper, the battle is far from over.

Groping heaven?

Aug 02 2004 12 Comments

F for Fujiwara

Norika Fujiwara that is.

When I first arrived here, Ms Fujiwara’s face was everywhere. On the rare occasions she wasn’t on TV, she could easily be spotted advertising mobile phones, cameras, airlines, and drinks. And as she’s especially pleasing on the eyes, there were no complaints from me.

But a rumoured affair with K1 fighter Andy Hug (who died at the obscenely young age of 35 from leukemia), and a change of hairstyle and manager, sadly meant that Fujiwara-san began to disappear from our TV screens and advertising hoardings. Also, in age conscious Japan, Fujiwara is getting a bit old. She’s now 33, which for a Japanese model means she’s way past her best. And I mean way past it!

But I’m glad to say that of late Ms Fujiwara has somehow bucked this trend, and is once again a force to be reckoned with. She’s thankfully sorted out her hairstyle, possibly lied about her age, and the advertisers are once again flocking around her.

But she’s not just a pretty face, as the ever-young model has taken up the cause of helping Afghanistan’s poverty stricken children. Traveling over there, talking pictures for an exhibition, and generally alerting people to their plight.

Of course it’s this aspect of her personality that has always fascinated me, and why she’s remained my favourite Japanese celebrity. Although as a side note, it has been rumoured that Fujiwara-san will be releasing a nude photo album some time this year. Which I’m sure will be, ahem, very tasteful and artistic. And providing proceeds go towards her humanitarian fund, I’ll be sure to pick up a copy.

Jul 30 2004 1 Comment

E for employment

As the Japanese economy continues to struggle, finding oneself suddenly out of work is a distinct possibility. And should this unfortunate situation arise, you’ll find yourself down at the Hello Work office.

Yes, as serious a situation as unemployment is, the place dealing with benefits and charged with helping you back into gainful employment has the comedy name hello work.

How on earth did they come up with this name?

Jul 29 2004 6 Comments

D for dogs

Even coming from Britain – which is supposed to be a nation of dog lovers – the current fad for all things dog related in Japan has taken me completely by surprise.

It has to be said that doggie clothes of all descriptions and prices have been available for a long time. As have restaurants offering dog menus – compete with mineral water and special dishes. Plus for the truly demented dog lover, wedding services are an extravagant option. I’m not joking either. The dog wedding I witnessed on TV had the full works. Including dog guests, an aisle (of sorts), and a foreign ‘religious man’ to oversee the proceedings.

The latest craze however is renting a dog. For a rather steep 1,575 yen (7.5 pound), you can take your dog of choice (so long as it’s a cute Chihuahua, toy poodle, or miniature dachshund) for an hour’s walk. Puppy the World in Odaiba – one of the shops that offer this service – supplies customers with a leash, some tissues, and a plastic bag should the dog need to do a spot of business along the way.

Now personally, if I was paying that much just to take a dog for a walk, I wouldn’t expect to be cleaning up its excrement too. However the shop’s happy customers don’t seem to mind this one bit. On the contrary in fact, as it all seems like an enjoyable part of the experience. A 25-year-old woman called Akaike saying, “I want to raise a dog in the future, so this is like practicing.”

And for those who want to do some serious practicing, for a hefty 10,500 yen (50 pound), customers can take a dog home for a ‘sleep over’. With the kind people at Puppy the World supplying a day’s pet food, a water dish, and a cage for the animal to sleep in.

If this is all too sickly and sweet for you, I should add that despite shops such as Puppy the World, dog rearing in Japan does have a darker side. Dog fighting is still legal here, and whilst it’s not as popular as it used to be, fights are still held annually. For a bit more information, click on the picture of the cuddly little Tosa below.

Jul 28 2004 4 Comments

C for cooking

Or more accurately cooking programs. Well no, that’s not clear enough either. I guess food based television entertainment would be a better description. But seeing as I had another idea for F, cooking will have to do.

Now I must admit that I don’t watch a great deal of Japanese television. For one I have cable, and secondly I don’t share the nation’s intense love affair with food. And whilst a slight exaggeration, it’s fairly true to say that most programs just consist of people obsessing about food.

Whatever they do, or wherever they go (or even if they are just in the studio), tasting different food seems to be the main (and often only) focus. Even if it’s a travel program, all we ever learn about the country is its food. Ok, I know it’s an important part of a country’s identity, but generally there are other places and points of interest too.

But at a pinch I can deal with this. Ok, I can’t (as is probably quite obvious), but it would be a lot more tolerable if it weren’t for the constant and almost orgasmic cries of delicious every time the slightest morsel of food is placed into a presenters mouth. If just now and again they spat the food out and said it was repulsive, I’d be much more inclined to watch. But sadly I fear I may have a very long wait.

Even this would be greeted by cries of it looks so delicious. I kid you not.

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