Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Music

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Tokyo talent

Japan’s rapidly ageing population and stubbornly low birth rate have all sorts of implications, with economic growth in the future and pension payments probably topping the list. Yet these seismic societal shifts will also have a huge impact on the nation’s entertainment industry, which by and large supports itself with young ladies who make up for whatever they lack in ability with other, more eye catching attributes.

kumi koda

A change that some people argue may in the end be beneficial, as talent rather than titillation will eventually become the mainstay of the Japanese entertainment and music industry. But in a land where appearance is everything, poster and calendar producers in particular remain unconvinced, as regardless of the wonders of soft lighting and computer wizardry, images of guitar goddess Mari Goto and her ilk may simply not appeal to the masses — regardless of how old they are.

japanese guitar goddess

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iPod preservation

Japan may well be one of the biggest importers of timber, diligently decimating the world’s remaining rainforests, but in this more ecologically aware era, it’s nice to know that efforts are being made to at least use the wood more sensibly — these rather unusual iPod cases produced by Japanese company Asuka Koubou attempting to savvily save the environment by using up the scraps.

Cleverly combining ecological concern and cool.

wood ipod case japan


Or at least the former, as covering the iPod’s sleek contours with a piece of wood makes it look not too dissimilar to grandma’s old transistor radio — albeit a bit smaller.

wood ipod cover japan

Although that said, they are apparently very popular, so it just goes to show how much I know.

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Fan flam

“My friends and fans in Japan have been so supportive of me and my family for many, many years. My fans in Japan helped me achieve historic milestones in the music industry.” 


Michael Jackson thanking his Japanese fans and reiterating how much he’s looking forward to his planned ‘fan appreciation day‘ in Tokyo next month.

In fact, so grateful is the ghoulish gloved one, that the event he’ll attend on March 8th will cost an almost criminally cut-price 400,000 yen (1,680 pound) per person. And whilst those in attendance will only get to hear Jackson’s music on CD, they will be listening with the singer himself; plus there’ll also be a chance to meet him face to face for between 30 seconds and a minute — possibly even longer for those under 14.

michael jackson costume

A meeting that in many ways may not match the man’s musical milestones, but as far as mercenary money grabbing goes, it certainly takes some beating.

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Japanese Jackson

Found yourself forced into a fancy dress party but still struggling to find an outfit?

Or alternatively, as a huge Michael Jackson fan, are you desperate to look as much like the Peter Pan of pop as possible — despite his purported sexual practices?

Because if so — and you happen to be in Tokyo — then look no further than the incredibly authentic costume below. The hat, wig and glasses get-up immediately turning the wearer into the dancing one’s double.

michael jackson costume

Almost.

(click image for double-sized doppelganger)

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Tokyo tribulations

There’s no denying that Japanese second-hand goods outlet, Hard Off, has a comical and often commented upon name.

hard off

However whilst a variety of bargains can be had in such stores, there’s a certain sadness about the shops too, as although many people do unload the likes of consoles and computers after updating to faster and fancier machines, countless others are forced to sell due to financial problems or drastic changes in circumstances. Such partings being painfully obvious when precious collections, painstakingly built over long periods of time, are seen waiting patiently to be jerked off the shelves and taken to new homes.

plenty of porn

One particularly heartbreaking story is the case of the unique Doraemon-themed death metal outfit, Cataclysmic Cat. After early critical praise, the band seemed destined for greatness with their manga-inspired metal, but constant in-fighting regarding direction and favourite characters led to the group’s early demise. An event that hit chief songwriter Satan’s Spawn particularly hard, with the resultant emotional and financial problems forcing the young musician to sell his beloved Doraemon guitar.

doraemon guitar

(click image for double-sized Doraemon)

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Tokyo tourism

Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 hit single, Heaven is a Place on Earth, was a clear-cut winner, wowing danceable ditty devotees the world over. Yet whilst there can be no doubts concerning the record’s success, where exactly the song’s ‘heaven on earth’ might be found remains elusive, with Ms Carlisle’s frustratingly fuzzy lyrics giving little away in regards to a particular spot or even address:

Oohh baby do you know what that’s worth?

Oohh, heaven is a place on earth.

That said, somewhat controversially several potential locations have been highlighted in Tokyo, with this previously posted picture becoming a place of pilgrimage of sorts for many enthusiasts. A venue however that has now garnered some stiff competition in the capital’s western suburbs, with a recently opened establishment making a bold claim for the heaven on earth honour.

hostess club

And whilst the club’s saucy sirens may appear to cast aspersions on the 48-year-old singer-songwriter’s sexuality*, its name leaves little doubt in regards to its declaration.

hostess club heaven

(click images for heightened heavenliness)

*As of writing, Ms Carlisle has yet to return a call in reference to confirming a specific location — or indeed to comment on her sexual preferences.