Odd

With their bright colours and comedic clobber, some Japanese scarecrows are simply a bit silly. Others, however, aren’t anywhere near as appealing; quite possibly putting off both passersby and the pests they are there to protect against. And whilst admittedly they do sometimes seem serene.

They also appear sad,

sullen,

as well as suitably sinister.

With the odd one even appearing almost semi-sentient.

Sort of.

Top of the range and terribly expensive racing bikes are all well and good, but for any seasoned cyclist looking to really stand out from the crowd, a penny-farthing is not only preferable.

It’s practically a prerequisite.

Arriving back in Japan from Britain, the contrasts between the two countries are considerable, such as the torturous heat of Tokyo compared to northern England’s almost negligible nod at it, and the fields being full of rice rather than rapeseed. Plus how, at least as far as the latter is concerned, the crop is cared for. With Japan boasting creations all the way from the colourful,

to the covered.

And even curvaceous.

Along with a few others that sport kimono-like clobber,

or a somewhat comical countenance.

With some even looking suspiciously like characters from comics.

And last but not least, the odd creation that could well be considered a little cruel.

The predilection for pampering pooches in Japan is well documented, but whereas food and phenomenally fancy outfits are fine for more than a fair few, pushchairs for such pets is possibly, ahem, pushing things a bit too far.