Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Odd

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Japanese jig

The devotion some Japanese men show towards dodgy dolls is definitely well documented, but perhaps a little less well known is a similar dedication when it comes to dancing; however as an art form it’s a fair old distance from the foxtrot, with anime and outfits the guiding force.

Japanese otaku

Like this young man for example, who is somewhat alarmingly aping the routines and regalia from the anime Lucky Star. And perhaps even more disturbing, he’s really rather good too, albeit in excruciatingly bad fashion.


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Japanese jokesters

With the brief cherry blossom season practically upon us, residents of Tokyo will soon move en masse to parks and opens spaces throughout the capital, sloshing down beer and slurring their way through impromptu sing-alongs.

Yet due to a spot of ‘nude but not nude’ controversy that was broadcast on TV over the New Year holidays, parties in the park may well be brightened further this year by an invasion of body suits.

Japanese body suits

Outfits of such breath-taking realism that they are set to both delight and dazzle revellers the length and breadth of the city. The manufacturers rather optimistically labelling them ‘sexy body suit’ and ‘powerful body suit’.

Japanese body suits

I’ll let you decide which one is which.

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Japanese fashion and fetishism

It’s not necessarily unusual for a Japanese TV talent or idol to have very little of the former — a particularly prominent body part (or two) often enough to secure someone fame and fortune. The point perfectly proven by the Kanou sisters, with their super-sized breasts earning them regular media exposure.

Yet whereas bulging boobies are one thing, garnering a reputation for merely wearing a hay fever mask is arguably another; however that’s exactly what young Anna Nakagawa appears to be doing, whilst at the same time earning herself the moniker of ‘mask idol’.

anna nakagawa

That said, there does seem to be a Japanese market for such facial fashion/fetishism, with an upcoming DVD called ‘Mask & Musume’ competently covering such, erm, coverings.

Japanese DVD

A quality release that will apparently feature mask-wearing maids,

Japanese maid

bikini babes,

Japanese bikini model

and the odd obligatory high school girl.

Japanese high school girl

Fun for both allergy sufferers and the appearance conscious alike.

(via the FG Forums)

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Food-based facial fashion

Whilst spring may bring warmer weather and the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom, for many Japanese it also heralds the start of hay fever season — a time of misery for most, except money making medical men and mask makers. The work of the latter in particular resulting in a tremendous amount of Tokyoites trotting around town wearing these.

Japanese masks

Yet for the more fashion conscious sufferer, the Japanese site Daily Portal Z suggests popping down to the local sewing shop for material to make your own. A prettily patterned protector perhaps perfect for a big night out.

Japanese masks

Or alternatively, if a night of naughtiness is on the cards, this lacy little number could be ideal.

Japanese masks

For the food-loving fashionista however, a trip to the supermarket and the purchase of some seafood is deemed necessary.

Japanese seafood

Shell size it seems is the only concern, and once bought the insides can be either made into dinner or discarded. Then, after a quick dab of paint and the attachment of some elastic to hold it in place, it’s ready to wear.

Japanese masks

With considerable pride.

(via Japan Probe)

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Fending off foreign fiends

With certain parts of the Japanese media seemingly intent on exaggerating the amount of crime committed by foreigners in Japan, and a Tokyo governor dedicated to bad-mouthing non-Japanese on an almost daily basis, it’s perhaps not surprising that some sections of society are a little scared by such sensationalism. A situation that has prompted one production company to produce an educational/language video to teach terrified Tokyoites how to survive such an attack.

japanese video

When manhandled by a foreign man with a mask on back-to-front for example, the best way to deal with the situation is to let him have everything you’ve got. The correct delivery of such a phrase charmingly chanted by some lycra-clad young ladies.

japanese video

However should things get worse and the brute brandishes a knife, confrontation is definitely not the best course of action. Instead, calmly appealing to his conscience is considered correct.

japanese video

A method that may well involve the loss of material possessions, but luckily not one’s life, allowing a report to be made later at the local police station.

japanese video

Educational TV at its best it has to be said, with such life saving language applicable to people the world over and not just the Japanese. Simply look and learn.


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Ministerial manners

With what appears to be a bid to boost the already oppressive nature of a Japanese government building, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Tokyo has disallowed discourse in its elevators. In fact, even a wary wee whisper is considered out of line, as silence only is suggested.

japanese manners

A move that has allegedly been watched with interest over at the Ministry of Culture, with rumours abound that it is all set to ban smiling and eye-contact in its building from April.