Hollywood vs Tokyo

Following Spiderman 3 and Pirates 3, Harry Potter premiered here on Thursday, the 3rd blockbuster this Summer to do so. Why this new trend? Apparently, it is the first time in 20 years that Japan is taking more money than America in cinema attendance. Why this is, I have no idea, but I can guess that the dumbing down of movies is a large factor.

Spiderman 3 was great but you didn't really have to understand the plot to enjoy it. As for Pirates 3, I haven't seen it, but from what I heard, not understanding the dialogue is an advantage.

And I'm Feeling Good

All better now. Just thought I'd show you what I was prescribed.

How kind of the doctor to initial the powder medicine, just for me!

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Humidity is a curse. It's one of those things that are impossible to describe, or imagine can be that bad, without experiencing it at that moment. Well, it's hot, and sticky. And not the good kind.

The Government here adopted "Cool Biz", now in its third year, as a way of saving on air con costs and subsequent environmental damage as well as letting businessmen survive without overheating. For the next few months, companies can opt for a no-tie and more casual attire.

Ice-cream does wonders too. My new favourite flavour: sweet potato.

(taken in Odaiba - 16th June, 2007)

Happy Birthday Keiko!

(and get better Grandma)

And The Winner Is...

After all four votes*, there was a four-way tie. The bonsai plant, pan set, message board all got a look in, but it was decided** that the magic sandwich maker was the most useful.


I'm sure we'll have many happy times together.

I miss my blender, and seeing as it's my birthday soon, hint hint nudge nudge...

*well, that's four more than I was expecting.

**in my head, just now.

What's In A Name?

My final pay-slip from the Nursery arrived today. Interesting take on my name. Definitely a silent 'h'.


The Kanji at the end reads "san" or more politely "sama", meaning "Mr/Mrs". But you never refer to yourself with the suffix. That's right, this whole year my blog has been a lie. Oh the shame...

Important Announcement

Keiko took her TOEIC test today, and she thinks it went fine. However, this notice was on each desk when she entered.

Very important - a whole minute longer!

The time difference threw her completely off. I don't know how she could time-manage effectively given this sudden change. What is the world coming to?

Lines Are Closing

The voting is nearly over. The winner will be announced on Tuesday. If you want to sneak in and make your vote count, now's your chance.

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Minding my own business in Shibuya, I saw a Westerner writing something in chalk on the road and then walk off. On further inspection, it wasn't so exciting. But still a mystery. How near exactly was the beer?

(taken in Shibuya - 12th June, 2007)

Under The Weather

Sorry about lack of blogs. In truth, I'm still feeling pretty bad. My head has felt like a constant explosion since last week. A few other people I've talked to had similar symptoms and still feel rough, so I guess the virus is pretty serious.

I'm hoping a few more good nights sleep will solve it.

Shout-out

A special mention to Andrew, who requested one.

I hope you find a house soon.

(Thank you for caring)

Now I've Been Everywhere

Sunday night, I started getting a headache but it wasn't too bad. During the night I was burning up and my body started aching. About 5 am I was too uncomfortable to sleep so Keiko and I walked to the convenience store to buy some vitamin drinks. My temperature was 38.4 and she suggested I go to the hospital but I didn't think I was too bad. So I took some pills and went to work.

I was getting worse and worse and couldn't concentrate. My legs and back seized up and then I suddenly began shivering and was freezing. I had an appetite but everything tasted bland. Eventually, I made it to my meeting in the evening at 7pm, which I managed to get through without any problems (although I did stumble in front of the guy, he might've thought I was drunk!). However, on the way home, I collapsed.

Keiko took me to hospital and they measured my fever - over 39 - and I saw a doctor straight away. Pretty amazing service at 9pm. He asked lots of questions and a few tests. At this point, I couldn't open my eyes because the light hurt them and my headache felt like an explosion.

He explained that many people around my age have had the same symptoms in the last few weeks and that it is a pretty serious contagious virus doing the rounds. He recommended three days off work (I've taken today off but I'll go in tomorrow) and prescribed me a lot of pills.

I'm pretty drugged up now, but my body still aches a bit and I'm too uncomfortable to sit still or lie down for a long time so I'm a bit restless. Keiko, bless her, made me some soup and meatballs for later in case I get hungry.

I'm feeling much better already, so don't worry.

Beachward Bound

I recently found out that a train departing from the station next to my home station goes directly to Odaiba; my favourite place in Tokyo. It only takes 10 minutes and, with the Summer approaching, is a blessing to have a beach and a get-away from the city so accessible. This weekend was so nice, we went both days.

Today, the clouds rolled in a little so we went to the cinema and saw The Prestige. Very clever, very detailed and one to watch when you have your brain completely switched on. I highly recommend it.

It's a shame that the weekend has to be ruined with a Monday.

Rainy Season, Over?

Rainy season is the worst time of the year in Japan. A month of rain with humidity ever-increasing just before the Summer season. It's terrible, and everyone is depressed by it.

On Thursday, the news announced that the season had officially begun and it suitably pelted down all day and all night.

However, Friday was beautiful and this weekend has been absolutely glorious with blue skies, and not a drop of rain in sight. Is this the shortest rainy season ever? People seem quite confused by it all. I think I'll jump on the global warming band-wagon.

Anyway, here are my favourite flowers; they're back.

And enjoying the sunshine. Me too.

Refreshing In A Face-Wash Kinda Way

The Japanese love their gimmicks. Every week, you can find a new drink, or at least a new flavour of a famous brand, in the conbinis*. These can range from the subtle to the truly bizarre. None so much as this one that I found last week just in time for the humidity.

Ice Cucumber, for as disgusting as it sounds, was actually decent. It has a slightly mositurizing after-taste to it, but it does make your throat all cool.

*convenience stores; newsagents on a large scale

Getting A Fix

Look what was waiting for me, when I arrived home on Thursday!

I smelt it as soon as I opened the door.

Who Decides? You Do

"I do". Rather, "I don't". Japanese weddings sound like an absolute nightmare. There are many parties, for different levels of acquaintance; a formal party for family, then an inner circle of work, one for friends and so on..

The presents are extreme too. If you are invited, it's expected to give a lot of money. A friend will give 30,000 yen (£150) and your boss 50,000 yen (£250). The number is always odd, signifying that the couple should not be able to divide it easily and stay together.

However, the couple does not keep it. They spend the large part of the gift on the celebration. But here is the strange part.

A while after the wedding, guests receive a book, full of products. They can choose any of them, for free, as a thank you. Items range from camping equipment to jewellery to food. It's like a wedding gift list service in reverse. Crazy.

Keiko's parents recently attended a service and sent us the gift book - which can later double as a photo album - to choose something from. We decided that the blogging population should have their say. We'll order whichever item featured (beneath) gets the most votes.

Oh, and since all three of you comment on this blog, it's pretty likely that if you do vote, you'll win.

So, do you want:

The lamp (in the middle) or the bonsai plant (on the left)?

The ball game (left) or the message board (right)?

The 25 tarts (left) or the chocolates (right)? - both Keiko's choice.

The magic sandwich maker (middle) or the 11 bagels and mug (left)?*

Or my favourite , the chair (left)?**

The voting is officially open.

*Keiko again
**As I want one for our balcony

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(Tokyo Skyline, taken from Odaiba - 16th June, 2007)

NOVA Does The Stupidest Things*

They've been treating their staff badly.
They've been ripping off instructors.
They've been short-changing students.

With over 9,000 complaints, NOVA finally got their comeuppance.

They are not allowed to make any bulk sales to students for the next six months, which is really going to dent their profits. And their ego.

*I miss the "stupidest things" entries

Home Comfort

I really craved a baked potato today and, while they don't have big potatoes in this country, I managed to find a substitute. One of the family diners - Jonathans - sells them. They're pretty small, but it filled a widening gap.

No sign of tuna mayo though, instead they opted for cod roe. These things I'll never understand.

Next to my Shakeaway, maybe I should open a takeaway jacket potato stall; beans, cheese, tuna mayo. Sweet dreams....

I Thought I Put Those Days Behind Me

Everyone should experience working in a supermarket during their youth. It's the lowest of the lows, but makes you appreciate one very simple rule:

The customer is always wrong.

I was in the local supermarket this morning minding my own business, when I realised an Indian man was following me around. Finally, he approached me and, in English, started asking me specific information about the goods in his basket. Is it 100% fruit juice? How do you cook these noodles?

I helped him as far as my Japanese could take me - suprisingly far enough - and then he asked me where the washing powder was. I took him to the section and he wanted me to explain which was which. He thanked me, and as I walked off, a voice behind me:

"Shampoo?"

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They've* just installed a vending machine outside my block of apartments. It's a bit cruel though, because if you drop any money, it's gone. Stupid grate.

(taken in Gotanda - 2nd June, 2007)

This might seem a little on the dull side, but actually vending machines here are fascinating. I think everyone that has visited will agree that the drink machines are a thing of convenience, found everywhere: in temples, on top of Mt Fuji, everywhere. In fact, I once read that there are 2.7 million drinks machines in Tokyo alone. With a population of 30 million, that means one machine for every 11 people!

This website shows all the purposes and uses of machines in Japan, including:

eggs, umbrellas, popcorn, rice, phone charging, toilet paper, beer, reverse**, porn, batteries and beetles.

Yes, that's right - beetles. Kids love them here.

Sticking with the porn link for a minute, here is a picture of the infamous*** used school-girl knickers machine!

Prices range from £5 to £15. How this is decided I have no idea.

*Who is they? I don't know, but they definitely did it.
**Put cans in, get money out!
***Everyone knows it exists, but this is the first time I've seen a picture. I still don't know where it is. And not sure I want to.

I Went To IKEA And All I Got Was This Cup

Yesterday, we went East to the Chiba area, home to Narita Airport and Disneyland. The area was quite nice, with a little Japanese garden. However, the trend with beaches around Tokyo followed suit; it was pretty grim.

We also saw Relakuma - a popular character in Japan, the name being a mix of "relax" and "kuma" which translates as "bear". Cute.

One other attraction that has recently opened up in Chiba is IKEA. I've never been to one, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't again. It's was vast: aisle after aisle, and showroom after showroom. However, I did like the tv in the bedroom, and the fun way to enter the kid's room.

Imagine if Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen had designed hell, every corner turned was more cheap, mostly tacky furtniture and junk; like these hearts and dragons which every modern house needs.

When we were sufficiently bored, we tried to leave but it took another ten or so minutes to find the way out. I think you are supposed to put your hands in this cushion, but I'm not sure. Any other uses you can imagine?

The result of our trip: a 25p cup for Keiko's new job.