Odd

Sep 02 2008 2 Comments

Extreme Japanese embroidery?

In ferociously fashion conscious Japan, or indeed anywhere else for that matter, having a jacket or one’s jumper emblazoned with a badge or a bit of embroidery is far from fetching, let alone fashionable.

Still, men of a certain age and persuasion do have a decidedly perplexing penchant for such panderings, which presumably accounts for the existence of this establishment, where patrons can happily purchase the likes of polices badges,

and mock security symbols.

Or, for something a bit more sinister, a swastika.

(click image for full-sized fascism-based fashion)

Aug 27 2008 10 Comments

Disturbingly altered dolls

With digital cameras of one description or another now commonplace, there’s the ever increasing problem of what to do with all the resultant pictures — bar printing off the odd one and leaving the rest on the computer until its hard disk dies and neatly nixes the problem.

An issue that Japanese company Sha@Lark hopes to solve with its Purimen Gurumi (ãƒ—ãƒªé¢ãã‚‹ã¿) effigies.

A product that allows people to cut the faces out of pictures and have them placed onto disturbing looking dolls.

Beastly abominations that arguably make the horrors of hard disk failure a little less worrying.

Welcome even.

(via the FG Forums)

Aug 26 2008 7 Comments

Preposterously pampered pooches

In a desperate attempt to revive Japan’s decidedly drooping birth rate, the government is looking to provide further financial help for check-ups and the like. However, despite such measures, many people seem to be increasingly turning to pets instead of progeny, with miniature dogs seen as most desirable.

A trend that in turn has meant the pets themselves have to be, erm, trendy, with a gargantuan range of garments now available. Like this previously posted apparel for example.

But with plenty of festivals to attend in the summer, something more traditional is often sought after, such as this suitably seasonal yukata.

A, ahem, bow for a bow-wow if you will.

And, to further enhance the family feel, meals can now be taken together too, with a whole range of decidedly un-dog-like delectables,

from a mini omu-rice,

to cannibal-like cookies.

Kids, it would seem, simply can’t compete.

Aug 05 2008 5 Comments

Tutankhamun tech

There’s no denying that sleeping bags are handy things to have, but for true versatility, a Tutankhamun version is truly the type to try.

As, not only will it keep one warm in all kinds of weather, but it is apparently the perfect companion for a whole host of people, all the way from the common camper to the pooped passenger.

Jul 07 2008 9 Comments

Japanese cosplay contrast #2

As previously talked about on Tokyo Times, taking a pot shot at people with a penchant for complicated costumes isn’t terribly taxing, but for those who can actually pull it off, the results are often positively appealing.

Plus, rather strangely for an activity as in your face as cosplay, a little left to the imagination can make the look even more alluring.

A sense of subtlety, it has to be said, that this stormtrooper would have seriously done well to simulate.

And then some.

(super sexy stormtrooper via Neta)

Jul 04 2008 2 Comments

Tat for Tokyo tourists?

The Japanese discount empire, Don Quijote, which, among other things, is ideal for foreign foodstuffs and naughty novelties, is apparently intent on attracting tourists; announcing that it will introduce maps in different languages, as well as simple instructions for subtracting sales tax.