Photographs from a small group of islands
Japan’s large number of love hotels are understandably lauded for their lively decor, but on the other hand, barely a mention is given to their equally imaginative monikers.
Okay, so some are admittedly far from subtle, but as far as the competitive world of entertaining euphemisms go, this one offers a very stiff challenge indeed.
(click image for double-sized ding-a-ling)
Japanese food is now well-known throughout the world, but much less mentioned is the nation’s really rather good range of beers; which, as well as regular lagers, also includes a few premium brews. The current favourite, according to the always well informed What Japan Thinks, being Yebisu.
Yet despite its huge popularity in Japan, the beverage of choice for many is still considered somewhat uncouth, with bawdiness and bad behaviour seen as its usual bedfellows. Along with, erm, bikinis.
Sake on the other hand is seen as much more refined, especially with its links to culture and religion, which is possibly what prompted one Tokyo bar owner to go as far as flaunting five (albeit rather vague) reasons for rejoicing in a glass or two.
Although whether ‘to refuse the future’ is meant as reflective or as a rash refusal of any resultant headache is very much open to question.
As far as clothes or indeed any consumer goods are concerned, cute is unequivocally king in Japan, with anything garnering a cry of Kawaii! considered good or even great. A look that this plain but pretty little one-piece initially appears to have perfected. Its perky little bow at the back presumably receiving the required response.
Yet in a move that may shock cute connoisseurs to the core, its designer has daringly adding a dash of foulness to the front.
A slogan that while seemingly meaningless, is at least mildly amusing, as well as being available in black.
Which is nice.
As far as decent restaurants go, Tokyo is definitely not lacking, with more than enough diversity to keep the most avid foodie frothing at the mouth for as long his or her chubby little chops could wish for.
Yet for the diner more concerned with cost rather than culinary credentials, it’s fortunately not all expensive eateries and mouth-watering meals — not by a long shot. In fact, one or two Tokyo restaurants are actually happy to openly advertise the sheer averageness of their offerings.
For the Japanese shopper wanting to add at least some sense of adventure to tiresome supermarket trips, there’s always the option of Alps to help conjure up images of boldness and breathtaking views as one stocks up on the likes of lager and loo roll.
Alternatively, anyone after nothing more than a bit of fun and frivolity as they forage for fish fingers need look no further than the bizarrely named but unashamedly jolly, Blooming Bloomy.
Although sadly the added option of a BBC card only offers bonuses rather than the benefits of impartial broadcasting from Britain.
