And to think that some critics accuse the Japanese of being superficial and obsessed with appearance. Where on earth do they get such ideas from?
Back to the drawing board
In a bid to produce environmentally friendly energy, the government has been increasing the number of wind-powered generators in Hokkaido, northern Japan. A positive move most people would no doubt agree.
However some natural conservation organizations think differently, as last week an endangered eagle (designated a natural monument no less) was found dead near one of the generators. Apparently severed by the blades. Due to this, the groups have urged caution in building more wind-powered generators. Claiming that during times of poor visibility, birds can’t always see them.
Looks like it’s back to burning coal then.
Beckham in Japan
I’ve mentioned before on this site how David Beckham has managed to attain god-like status in Japan. He’s the lord of fashion, a hairstyling guru, and at times even a half-decent footballer. But in an attempt to embellish his CV even further, he’s recently taken on the role of chocolate covered foodstuff promoter.
Now Mr. Beckham has made some pretty woeful commercials for Japanese TV, but his latest offering in support of Fran chocolate is arguably his worst.
Brace yourself, and then click here for the full ad in all its misconceived glory. And as David philosophically suggests, be sweet!
Learn Japanese. And have fun!
This animation is very funny. It starts off slowly, but soon picks up. Even if you don’t know any Japanese, I think the humour will still shine through.
A lot of the words are simply places in Tokyo. With the odd bit of food thrown in for good measure.
Segway. No way!
On Thursday, the Tokyo police sent papers to prosecutors on a businessman’s use of the U.S. made Segway on a public road. During a promotional event, the 42 year-old import company president drove the Segway along Takeshitadori Street, in Tokyo’s fashionable Harajuku district.
Not a major crime you’d think, but the Segway is classified as a motorcycle under Japanese law. And as it’s not sufficiently equipped with brakes, lights, and indicators, it’s illegal. This means that the Segway can only be used in parks and University campuses.
An imported Segway costs somewhere in the region of 850,000 Yen (almost 4,400 pounds). It has to be said, that’s a lot of money for a quick race around the local park.
A dog is not just for Christmas. Or is it?
Take a look at the latest Aibo.
Now I can understand people having misgivings about electronic pets, but believe me, Sony’s Aibo has something special. What that something is I don’t really know, but from a recent experience, it seems that the plastic pooch can produce the same reactions in people that a real dog does.
In the shop I found myself happily stroking Aibo, and after stepping back and observing others, the electronic dog produced the same reaction in everybody else. Without exception. People smiled, petted it, and in the end were reluctant to leave.
Strange? Maybe. True? Surprisingly, yes.
And not once did I see it attempt to sniff someone’s groin or hump a passerby’s leg.