Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

Odd

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Teacher trouble

A school principal in Ushimado, Okayama Prefecture, has been arrested for circulating composite photos of a former colleague.

Tsuyoshi Hashimoto was apprehended after police caught him distributing the pictures on a road near his 34-year-old victim’s home. Mr. Hashimoto, who it would appear is a skilled user of Photoshop, had attached the fellow teacher’s face to a nude body. And if this wasn’t enough, the photograph contained the woman’s name and address, the message Come to my house, and several obscene statements which sadly weren’t disclosed.

It seems that the police were on the lookout in the area, as the victim had complained that similar pictures had been found around her home since December of last year. When questioned about his motives, the peeved principal said, “I was angry at her attitude and her language.”

The vice principal at Mr. Hashimoto’s school was shocked to hear the news, but rather surprisingly claimed, “He doesn’t have any trouble with the teacher now.” The teacher in question would perhaps beg to differ.

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Y for yamamba

Now I’ll admit that I’m no style guru. Give me a t-shirt and a pair of sneakers (oh, and some jeans I guess) and I’m more than happy. But even with my limited knowledge of style, I’m well aware that yamamba fashion is neither cool nor stylish. Take a look at them.

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Yet as bizarre as they look, I do find them fascinating in a freakish kind of way. And whether you like it or not, they’ve certainly gone through a lot of trouble to achieve their desired look. The hours spent down at the tanning centre alone must measure in the hundreds.

Sadly though their numbers are slowly dwindling, and pretty soon they could well be extinct. So this may be your last chance to jump on the Yamamba bandwagon. I’ve already bought the white eye make-up and hair dye, but the only problem now is my pasty white skin…

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Q for Queen

Due to a popular drama’s use of a Queen song, the big haired and spandex clad rockers are back. With a vengeance too. Not only do the music charts once again have Queen albums amongst their numbers, but fashionable shops are even selling Queen T-shirts.

Has the nation gone mad?

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P for panties

Yes, you read that right. Panties.

Whether it’s used ones for sale (or not for sale as the case may be), men trying to get a glimpse of them, or thieves attempting to steal them (even when they are being worn), there seems to be an unhealthy interest in all things panty in Japan.

Although I guess it could be argued that I’ve caught the disease myself, as a disturbing number of posts seem to be underwear related. Heck, I’ve even devoted a category to this fetish. It’s either that or it’s good for bringing in Google searches!

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H for Hide with Spread Beaver

Yes, Hide with Spread Beaver. How’s that for a pop group’s name?

The first time I saw somebody wearing one of the band’s t-shirts, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Ok, some of the fashion industry’s English can be a bit dodgy, but still, Spread Beaver!?

Hide was the guitarist of the relatively well known X Japan, and his collaboration with, ahem, Spread Beaver was one of his side projects. Unfortunately Hide died at a wastefully young age in 1998, and in true rock ‘n roll style, his death is shrouded in mystery. Some people claim it was suicide, whilst others insist it was an accident.

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But either way it wasn’t good for Spread Beaver, who/it hasn’t been heard of or seen since. A pity, as I’m sure I could have got plenty of mileage out of it.

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E for employment

As the Japanese economy continues to struggle, finding oneself suddenly out of work is a distinct possibility. And should this unfortunate situation arise, you’ll find yourself down at the Hello Work office.

Yes, as serious a situation as unemployment is, the place dealing with benefits and charged with helping you back into gainful employment has the comedy name hello work.

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How on earth did they come up with this name?