The constraints of space and increasingly time in Tokyo make the notion of ‘convenience’ the norm rather than something noteworthy; however given the added option of either cut-price cost or comfort, the former always seems to be favourite.
Archives for September 2007
Tokyo interpretation
The fairly recent clamour for a change in Japan’s constitution may well be worrying for some, but with cute characters and fresh faces to the fore,
the future envisaged will hopefully be the polar opposite of the past.
Tokyo tinned treats
As far as convenient food to go with a cup of coffee is concerned, the Japanese introduction of bread in a can a few years ago seemed to cover all bases, being little, light and long-lasting.
Yet believe it or not even this has been bettered by the arrival of bread, in a can,
in a vending machine.
Lunch and light snacks may never be the same again.
Update: Now available in a limited edition anime version. Yes, I kid you not.
Japanese grape growers
Tokyo, it has to be said, is not exactly blessed with greenery, but in neighbouring Yamanashi Prefecture, they have a veritable glut of the stuff.
Although thankfully for the purist, there is a generous enough smattering of concrete accommodation to give it at least a hint of that traditional Tokyo-like topography.
Somewhat surprising however is that a large amount of the colouring comes from grapes, with this part of Yamanashi in particular positively bursting with them. A crop that, considering the Japanese love affair with packaging, thankfully comes complete with wrapping — or at least a preliminary part of it.
Such an abundance also means that the region is blessed with wineries, making the thought of a trip all the more worthwhile. But despite the use of foreign names,
and complicatedly carved barrels,
the end product could be politely described as poor, unpalatable even. The labelling of one particular tipple as ã™ã”ㄠワイン (great wine) arguably taking optimism to previously uncharted territory.
And then some.
Hello Kitty control?
Through Japanese eyes at least, the cuteness of Hello Kitty is utterly unquestionable, with practically every product known to man boasting a ‘special edition’ bearing the feline’s almost featureless face. A money-making phenomenon presumably matched only by a certain mouse and his minions as far as merchandising is concerned.
Yet frivolity it seems can quickly turn to fear, as the initially fun for all the family fan pictured below is, on closer inspection, a bulging, big-headed and overbearing Big Brother-like beast that undoubtedly bullies little children into buying more Kitty goods.
Either that or I need to get out more often or at the very least have a little lie down.
(click image for full-sized feline forcefulness)
Tiny Tokyo transportation
Monkey (or mini) bikes, as the name implies, aren’t exactly massive, but presumably this little machine,
is about as miniaturised as motorbikes can get.