The Highschool I should have attended!

So one famous thing about the Japanese nightlife is the amount of host and hostess clubs available for business men and lonely women to visit so they can sit with a pretty looking well dressed person who serves them drinks and gets paid to flirt. Well, not only is this popular but so is themed hostess bars. For example if you are into nurses then there is a club for you. Whether you like school girls, office ladies, mature women, midgets, etc. there is a hostess/host bar out there for you. The picture above is of a hostess club catering to men who like either cute high school uniformed girls or naughty teachers. The name of the club is what really attracted me to this ad. T-back is Japanese-English for thongs. Maybe visit it if you are ever in Sapporo.

Do you want this all over your dishes?

I know people are skeptical about advertising and the subliminal messages that are added into everyday media but you can't get any more phallic than this.
This is a dish detergent that I am sure went over well with the obasan housewives all across Japan. Or should I say came all over.
Maybe in other colors the bottle might seem a little more...subtle but in pink the first thing I think of when I see this bottle is DIL-
What do you think?

Beating the heat! Unfashionably!

A human lamp!?

So summer is here. And like many countries Japan gets really hot and humid during the summer months. Usually Japanese people hide in underground malls, air conditioned spaces and generally stay out of the sun. However, this year because of the earthquake and energy crisis, Japan has had to find other ways to stay cool without using energy. So here are just some ways people survive the terrible heat.  The government has recommended companies switch to cool biz. This means men can work while wearing casual pants, short-sleeved shirts and no ties. But what about the housewives?

1. The ladies have decided to do what they usually do when they want to stay out of the sun; use sun umbrellas. This keeps their face out of the sun and provides the shade they need to stay cool.
2. Long thin gloves that go from your fingertips to your shoulders are also popular to keep from getting a tan. 
3. This year especially the trend is to buy giant metallic visors that look like you are part of a disco swat team. this covers your face completely from the sun's harmful UV rays.
4. A thin scarf like fabric which you insert frozen gel capsules goes around your neck and keeps it cool. It is quite helpful in keeping the humidity at bay.
5. And it wouldn't be Japan without some unbelievable technology that only the Japanese could figure out. This year the pharmacy's are selling out of a spray product that you spray on your clothes which somehow keeps your clothes cool and sweat free and detracts heat. Kind of like wearing a wet t-shirt without the discomfort and visible nipples. Pretty sweet.

How do you stay cool in the summer besides fans and air conditioners? Let me know.

Hitler's Moustache lives in Japan!

Hitler Thanks you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people believe Hitler is still alive. Others believe the government has his brain frozen and being tested. Others believe his DNA was saved and lives in a test tube in a basement waiting to be cloned. Well, I have found his moustache. It is showing up in the weirdest places in Japan. As the picture shows above, it was at an Izakaya welcoming guests. It only stays for a short time and then disappears. No one can trace it and nobody knows where it will show up next.

I was at the zoo in Japan and decided to ride the kids motor car ride. And as you can see from the picture below, Hitler's moustache showed up policing the riders.

I believe Radrey found an old poster  with Hitler's moustache pouring beer at a pub. Have you seen Hitler's moustache?
Only in Japan..

Food on a stick!

Meat on sticks!

Every country has food on sticks. You can get kabobs all around the world. Corn Dogs are popular in North America. There is ice cream, lollipops, Popsicles and cotton candy. But japan seems to have everything possible on sticks.

Two girls one squid (or two)

Yaki-tori is a popular food in Japan which incorporates meat on sticks. Wooden sticks grilled with chicken, beef and pork are a popular salary man food after work with beer.  But Japan goes one step further and has tons of non-meat non-candy foods on sticks. Here are just a few:

• Fish
• Squid
• Sausages
• Mochi (rice cake)
• bananas
• bacon and asparagus
• cheese

Can you think of anything else on a stick that I missed?

Boys with bananas

Got Mascots?

Every ninja town needs a frog?

The mascot for McDonald's...Ronald MacDonald. For KFC...Colonel Sanders. For Michelin Tires...the tire guy. That is pretty much about it. When you see ads on television or the newspaper in North America you see the brand name. You also see a logo. But very few products or services have a mascot. Many kids items do in fact have mascots (ie Tony the Tiger) but that seems to be the end of it.

Not in Japan. Here, there is a mascot for everything. For restaurants, stores, train lines, theme parks, shopping malls, tourist attractions, magazines, hotels, government agencies and even funeral homes. The picture above is a small theme park made to look like an old fashion town with ninjas, samurai and everyday folk. Even here, the mascots were a samurai dog and worker frog.

Why are these mascots necessary? My theory is a) they want to be able to sell souvenirs of the mascot to make money and b) to connect an object with a personality.  Japanese people love giving inanimate objects features to make it look more human or animal like. A box with a cute face or a robot with facial features. Everything looks more kawaii if it can be humanized.  Sometimes it is cute, other times annoying but always interesting to see how they can create the most random creatures to represent consumerism.

Only in Japan...

The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Sans Joseph

It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack

Japan is known to go through tons of fads and trends at an extremely fast pace.  Food, electronics, toys and fashion are constantly being introduced. One of the fastest and most interesting is all the fashion trends that young Japanese pick up.  There is always a growing number of fashion styles being introduced and upgraded. These include, Lolita, Gothic, Gyaru and Yamanba.

This picture shows two girls walking down the business district of Sakae in Nagoya. Many cool Japanese teens congregate here to show off their fashions, meet friends and hang out.  However, these two girls really stuck out as they not only dressed in vivid pink and orange but decided to dress similar. Girl power!

Only in Japan...

Would you like your sushi paper or plastic?

Looks teeth cracking delicious!

Look at that traditional sushi set up. Wooden tray, sushi displayed neatly, sliced ginger to cleanse your palate. The sushi sliced so perfectly ready to be dipped in wasabi-soya sauce and eaten. The only problem: It's made of plastic.

Japan is famous for all the restaurants that display samples of their foods in the window. Everything looks so fresh and tasty...and real. However, this is a big business in Japan. Plastic food factories are a major industry and even have tours for people to see how the food art is created. On a tour, people also have a chance to try and make some food.

I am sure plastic food can be found all around the world but the amount of detail and precision that goes into these displays is truly Japanese. One of my favorite things to do in Japan was to walk around looking at all these displays and touch the food. Not poke, but just slightly brush the plastic foam on the beer or feel the bumps of each individual rice grain.

Not only is it easy to order having these visual aids but you can see exactly what you will get. And trust me, it looks exactly the way it does in the display when it arrives at your table. Sans plastic.

Only in Japan...

Pop the cherry (blossoms)!

Cherry blossom attack

Besides Mt.Fuji and Sumo, the typical person who knows very little about Japan also envisions those pink flowers the Japanese love so much.  Though it is stereotypical, it is true. The Japanese love Sakura. So much so they decide to wake up early in the morning, reserve a nice spot under the sakura trees by placing their tarp on the ground and spend the whole day getting drunk and singing.  This sakura viewing picnic party is called Hanami.

Why is it such a big deal? Well, the cherry blossoms are found all over Japan, bloom late March or early April and only last a couple of weeks before the petals fall to the ground and blow away.  It represents the beauty of life and how short it is. It also is a beautiful sight that should be shared with all.  More than a tree, the sakura represents the celebration of life and death.

Because of the earthquake the government has recommended this year people should avoid having Hanami parties for the respect of those that have lost loved ones or have themselves been lost.  I respect and understand this idea. However, I also see the other side where people want to rebuild, move on and enjoy their lives because much like the sakura flowers, it is gone too soon.

Whatever your opinion, no one can doubt that Japan and the Japanese will always celebrate their sakura tree and feel it is a part of their country's foundation. No other culture in the world loves the sakura tree as much as the Japanese.

Only in Japan...

Samurai fights anime!

Old meets new in Japan

What the hell is this? Are you telling me there are real Samurai's fighting real life characters from Anime? Well, kind of.  For those of you who don't know much about Japan or who are American (just kidding) let's get things straight. Japan no longer has real life Samurai. That is an actor. And anime characters aren't based on real life people. Those are just cos-play fans.

This photo was taken in Kyoto at a theme park called Eiga-Mura which means Movie Village. It is the Japanese version of Universal Studios I guess.  The park looks like a replica of an old Japanese town with people dressed as locals, farmers, fishermen, Samurai and even ninjas. There is even a Godzilla in the pond.

The samurai walk around and take pictures with people. This one just happened to be taking a picture with 3 teenagers who dressed up like their favorite manga characters. I was lucky enough to be watching and grabbed a shot.

Kyoto is famous for temples and shrines but if you are looking for something a little more light and touristy then Eiga-mura is a fun way to kill an afternoon. They even have live shows filming in the studio and a cool "How to shoot a ninja" scene show.

Only in Japan...

I kept this seat warm for you!

I rule my kingdom from this throne

So you have heard everyone talk about the amazing technology Japan has to offer. Probably about robots, sliding doors, vending machines and talking elevators. Well,  I am here to tell you about my favorite Japanese technological advancement: The Toilet.  I used to be one of those people that would never use a public toilet for number two. But now, feeling that movement in my bowels brings excitement knowing I will be using one of these amazing toilets.  Here are just a few of the amazing features:

• the seat is pre-warmed for you (by an internal heater not by someone else's butt)
• there is a bidet attached to help you get that fresh feeling
• after wetting your bottom, there is a drier to ensure your fanny gets...fanned
• bidet is available in boy and girl zone. I hope I don't need to explain that
• for shy people, there is a button attached that has either a flushing sound or music while you go so no one can hear you do your business

If these reasons didn't convince you than maybe the fact that the toilet seat rises and falls automatically using a sensor should convince you that this is one of the greatest inventions for humanity and harmony.

Pretty in Pink!

Established in 1952 by Barbie

No, this is not a photo with trick lighting. This pink monstrosity really is a chain store in Aeon Jusco malls across Japan.  This is not a candy store. This is not a kids shop. This is an adult woman's fashion and accessory shop. 
Not all clothing shops in Japan look like this. But I am pretty sure these extremely bright, eye sores are more common only in Japan.  Japanese girls love pink. It is "kawaii!" so where there is a demand there must be a supply.  Who knows maybe I might end up getting pink fluffy slippers and join the kawaii crowd.

Only in Japan...

I'd like to thank the Academy!

I'd like to thank my parents!

So I was looking through my pictures of Japan and I came across this jewel...well actually gold.  And since the Oscars just happened,  I thought'd be perfect.  This life size Oscar trophy is actually a girl wearing nothing a but a thong bikini painted in gold.  Yes, she is topless. And yes, those are real ( as if there were any doubt).

This picture was taken in Osu at a street festival. She was part of a group of men and women who were involved in a modern dance show.  After the show they were walking around asking for donations and taking pictures.  I couldn't resist.  And that pose was all her idea.

Only in Japan....

Poon's R' Us!

Must be this tall to ride!

Another example of bad English. However, this time it was grammatically correct (in texting slang) but maybe not quite appropriate.  So when you see this slightly racist statue of a little kid with an Afro (avec pick) in his hair wearing a t-shirt admitting his love for female genitalia you wonder what's beyond. 

Is it a strip club? Nope.  Is it an adult video store? Nope. Is it a sex shop with paddles, whips, dildo's and other paraphernalia? Wrong, wrong, wrong.  This statue is in Osu, a shopping arcade in Nagoya, and sits at the bottom of the steps to a store that sells...wait for it....children's toys. 

Stuffed animals, Lego, dolls, Naruto, Dragonballz, Hello Kitty all reside in this toy store along with a cute welcome figure of a boy on the search for some fem-crotch.  When there is a line, somehow Japan seems to not only cross, but leap over it. 

Only in Japan...

I've got one hand in my pocket and the other's...

If I rub it will a genie appear?

No, this is not in Vegas at the Annual Adult Industry convention. This is in Japan. This is part of the penis festival which takes place every year.  The Honen Matsuri takes place in Komaki city.  Tons of people of all ages and backgrounds gather to watch a giant wooden penis being carried.  Even the Shinto priests walking along have these hats that kind of remind me of a phallic symbol.  The festival has tons of food stands which all try to cater to the celebration of fertility.  Dipped chocolate bananas with marshmallow heads, phallus shaped candy, cookies, etc, etc.

There is also a festival dedicated to the women's southern region but I have not yet been to that one.  The festival which sounds odd is actually quite fun. It's not just a bunch of perverts getting drunk. In fact, the female to male ratio might be higher.  It is a good time where one can enjoy drinking, eating delicious food, meeting happy and friendly people alongside giant wooden male parts.  And women often rub the testicle region when trying to conceive.  Only in Japan...

Inappropriate Japanglish...

Everyone knows about all the bad English that is found in Asia.  Whether it is on t-shirts, signs, billboards, brochures, menus or magazine, Japan is filled with bad grammar.  It is also very interesting to see how popular phrases that would sound fine in Japanese when translated comes out strange and sometimes profound. 

I took this picture above in Nagoya in the city centre (Sakae).  A nice young couple walking along the shopping district with their little daughter. A perfect Sunday in Japan. Except for the T-shirt that asks in big red letters to "Touch Me Now".  I have seen worse but I didn't have my camera.  At first it was shocking. Now its just funny.  In fact, I try to find the weirdest ones I can find and send them back to my friends back home.

Only in Japan...

2 Geisha's 1 Cup!

These are actually tourists dressed as Geisha...sorry!

So one thing that definitely is unique to Japan is Geisha.  Sure other countries have women who have had similar roles such as courtesans or escorts but the actual Japanese women who are trained in the music, art, kimono, make up and role of Geisha are unique to Japan.  Once, one of the major parts of Japanese society, Geisha were regarded as upper class, elite individuals with high intelligence and dedication.  They were set apart from "regular" Japanese women.  They were also high above the working girls hired out for prostitution.

The job a Geisha was not only to entertain the men who visited them, but to enhance the atmosphere and bring intelligent conversation and provide cultural entertainment such as dance and playing Japanese instruments like shamisen and koto.  Now, it is rare to see Geisha walking the streets in Kyoto as this form of employment is in decline. It still exists but is very hard to seek out.  Instead, girls are now "hostesses" which are girls who are paid to pour drinks, sit with men and create a pleasant atmosphere. The hostess is the modern Geisha who instead of sharing musical talent and intelligent conversation is more an object of beauty to admire and to stroke the men's egos.

The thing I find interesting about Geisha and their modern counterpart hostesses, is the fact that men will pay much more to be with these type of women than with normal prostitutes. Even though the prostitutes are cheaper and provide physical pleasure.  Geisha and hostess rarely have any physical relationship with their clients. And if they do, it doesn't come cheap.  Only in Japan...

Oh Deer!

Scarier than they look...

So you are wondering what is so scary about deer? No one was afraid of Bambi. In fact, deer all over the world are considered a timid animal that it is nearly impossible to get close to. Also, deer are found all over the world, how could this be unique to Japan?

Well, the deer in Japan, specifically in Nara, are much different than the typical deer.  Years of walking free through the town, mixing with tourists, roaming free much like the cows of India they fear nothing.  It also doesn't help that all around Nara there are food stands that sell sembei crackers to feed the deer.  They breed, run around everywhere and sometimes even attack children.  But despite all that, they are cute!

It was interesting to me that I would walk through the temples and see a family of deer just hanging out by the tori (gate).  Or when I was thirsty and was getting a can of coke from the vending machine a deer stood by and watched me struggle with my change.

So if you ever go to Nara, make sure you have no food in your pockets unless you want to get harassed by a swarm of deer. And don't forget to take a picture with the deer because in almost every other country you might not have the chance. Only in Japan..

Travel in a Coffin!

Object looks bigger than it is...

So many people who have heard of the busy city of Tokyo will hear of strange bars, cafes and hotels.  Something that is popular with the travelling businessman is the capsule hotel.  The image people have is a small, stuffy, box like a coffin where they shove humans.  However, I stayed in a few capsule hotels during my travel in Japan and I enjoyed the experience. 

Imagine a shower stall at your local YMCA or a Port-o-potty. Now knock it over. That is about the size of a capsule. And there is usually a long corridor with these capsules lined up. There is also a capsule above you so its almost like bunk beds.  The interior is that plastic/PVC material and there is a small futon as a mattress.  Above you on the "ceiling" is a small TV with a couple of local channels and a 10 second preview for an adult film. You need to insert coins I guess for it to unlock the channel.  Next to you against the wall is a ledge where you can put your watch or wallet. It also has an alarm clock, light switches, heating/cooling switches and a radio. Not bad!

Now if there was a full on door, I am sure most people would pass out or die from the lack of air. So instead there is a blind that rolls down for privacy. Laying there knowing I wasn't trapped and could simply open the blind I felt much more calm than I expected to feel. And since all my luggage was in the locker provided I felt free from worry.  The communal shower room was pretty clean and had an onsen (jacuzzi) and the lobby had a nice cafeteria with cheap but delicious food.

The price wasn't bad at all. The capsule I stayed at was in the heart of Tokyo, next to the train station and only cost me about 2500 yen.  I would definitely stay there again.  Usually capsule hotels are only for men but this hotel had different floors so women were on a separate floor. 

If you would rather spend money on sightseeing and the awesome food Japan has to offer and don't really care about where you sleep as long as its comfortable and safe then I highly recommend a capsule hotel. Plus its a good story to tell all your friends who have never been to Japan.  "I stayed in a coffin size box called a capsule hotel in Tokyo!" . Only in Japan...

The Polite Construction worker!

The Japanese have a reputation of being polite. This has been exaggerated and in all honesty it is not entirely true.  Yes, the language itself has been built with different levels of politeness and there is a hierarchy of standards required when speaking and communicating with people but Japanese are people too.  Some are more polite than others. Everyone can be rude, mean, pushy, aggressive or cruel.  No one can be polite all the time.  That being said, on the surface Japanese culture is very considerate and polite of others; especially in public.  So signs and posters will frequently have cute mascots or polite looking people apologizing for everything. 

This picture is of my friend Jason and I in Nagoya while walking around. Of course there are many construction sites with many signs warning of construction ahead and apologizing for any inconvenience. We just found this sign a little funny as the cartoon of the construction worker bowing amused us.