12.31.2008

i'll be back

The year of the rat is about to go, and the ox will come soon.

Wishing everyone a happy new year!

Will resume, soon!

12.12.2008

Seinfeld lives in Japan

The Manssiere. aka The Bro. Men's bras!


Only in Japan. Buy from Wishnet.com! This has been making the rounds on gossip sites and tabloids. Apparently there is a booming niche online market for men's bras. Not gonna analyze this one - probably mostly for cross-dressers, etc., but most definitely weird.



11.18.2008

Ah, Christmas in Japan

Did you know that Christmas is, next to Valentine's Day, the most popular Date Night in Japan?

And that the most famous 'Christmas Dinner' is brought to you buy Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Well to show they've finally gotten the 'true' spirit of Christmas, Japanese are more and more discovering the joy of giving. Yes, commercialized Christmas is here.
So much so that consumer loan sharks (bank-like institutions that make individual loans for outrageous fees, kind of like a credit card cash advance) are now getting in the act.

I saw this shocker on the train this morning:

(Children never forget what they got from Santa.)

(The memory of being stiffed by Santa lasts for 3 years.)

Merry Christmas. Suckers.

11.13.2008

Anime Character for Your PC

It's not a screen saver or wallpaper; it is in a 3D format.

Buffalo, a computing peripherals manufacturer, will launch a Gundam USB flash memory in late November. It is a 4GB memory for 3980 JPY (about 40 USD), a
nd a limited manufacture of 5000 pieces. It was originally a web-only sale, but with the popular demand, they are accepting pre-orders at PC shops in Akihabara.

Now you may think; "Who'd wanna pay 40 bucks on a 4-gig memory?" Well, don't underestimate the power of anime kyaras (=anime characters). Last June, they sold 3000 pieces of Rei Ayanami version and sold out in hours.

Rei Ayanami ver.

What's interesting is that Buffalo is never 'greedy'; they don't increase the production, period. I think it's a great sales strategy of (presumably) a high-margin product; 1)You just need to pay fixed fee amount on the copyright, 2)You can secure the sales by creating the sense of 'hunger' among the target, and 3)You can sustain the consumer interest in the product for the coming versions. Plus, it just looks cute as it 'sits' by your PC when in use (e.g. Rei Ayanami). Along with Gundam, they are also launching Lupin III version as well.

I shall now take off to Akihabara and get one...

Lupin ver.

11.10.2008

Pitch-dark Restaurant?!

I was reading the Sunday edition of Nikkei Marketing Journal (newspaper though), and saw an interesting article. The "Kurayami Shokudo" ('Pitch-dark Restaurant') is becoming popular among hip urbanites of Japan.

For 3 days once per season, an event company in conjunction with Hakuhodo (2nd largest ad agency in Japan) hosts a reservation-only-crowd to offer Kaiseki (Japanese traditional dishes). Only 40 persons are allowed to per day at a cost of 10,000 JPY (=100 USD).

The aim of the event is to enjoy the meal at its best without relying on eyesight; in this manner, according to both host and participants, one can truly enjoy the genuine taste of the food.

To achieve Pitch-darkness, participants are required to wear eye masks and groups coming together are seated separately.


In other words, you sit with a bunch of strangers in total darkness; what a bizarre concept for a restaurant, right?

However, you are welcome to converse with those around you. Hence, you get to 'meet' your fellow participants during a 2-hour meal and sight-less conversation; this must be a funny feeling.

The event has become popular through the word-of-mouth, though I personally prefer good food and talk with my eyes open...

11.09.2008

808 baby! Canned T-shirts from Uniqlo.


UT WEB is an online store run by UNIQLO that only features T-shirts. Its collection is huge; you would really enjoy just browsing. New items are added weekly, most of which are collaborations with famous artists, cartoon characters and manufacturer logos.

Last week, they launched a collaboration with ZTT records. Who could ever thought of that?! As my Japanese blog is named as an homage to 808 State, I HAD to get their '90' album artwork.


I bought two; red for daily use, and grey, same as the original work, for keeps. Fortunately, my new work place is close to their only 'offline' store in Harajuku, so I don't have to wait for shipping.

The Harajuku store is uniquely designed; The concept of the store is "Futuristic T-shirt convenience store."


It's like a 21st century version of Stanly Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange." The displays are also uniquely done; each T-shirt is placed in a plastic bottle. Each bottle is transparent so that you can see the design of the T-shirt, but also has a lable to show variations within the same series. The shelf is like that of coffee beans or canned drinks; definitely looks like convenience stores.
So, if you are ever visiting Tokyo, pay a visit to UT store for a futuristic shopping experience.

11.08.2008

The Power of Double Meanings


This is a little old but just ran across it going through some stuff at work.  (this is not our work, of course.)

11.04.2008

George Clooney is Stayin' Alive

More from Honda Odyssey with George Clooney. Man he's hot. What's that car he's drivin'?




This is not to be confused with Brad Pitt for Softbank mobile phones, part of a trend of "Famous Hollywood Star + Retro Cool Music" ads here in Japan:




Or my fave, Cameron Diaz:

10.21.2008

I like a good car, cuz I'm a man


George Clooney in the latest ad campaign for Honda's Odyssey. The copy reads "I like good cars. Because I am a man."

9.30.2008

Crunchy Sweetmeat

I've tried to avoid the usual 'funny Engrish' stuff on this blog - best to leave that to places like engrish.com and the plethora of gaijin blogs and boards. In fact, after 12 years in-country I hardly even blink when I see "Cock's Specials" on a menu or "Room Saniterizers" in a hotel or "Spank Me Like a Monkey" t-shirts on little girls. These I get. A "Cock" is a misspelled "Cook". "Saniterizer" is a cute error on "Sanitizer" - nice try! And the t-shirts, hey, they look nice and no one reads/understands English but us gaijin anyway.

This one caught me off guard, though. A co-worker was handing these out as 'omiyage' (gift from a trip):






To be fair they were sweet.

9.29.2008

Behavior modification ads - Japanese style

From Tokyo Metro (which runs most of the city's subways).
Reminding people (note that the offenders tend to be young people) how to behave in a way that doesn't make them want to mis-behave:





9.17.2008

Mode Japonesque

Ok, GK still thinks that I have not done enough to compensate my dormant period, so here is another one. He wrote about a disastarous Japanese car ad, and here is my counter offer.

Nissan makes various car ads (duh), and each always has a theme as 'SHIFT_XXX.' Here is one for TEANA with 'SHIFT_hospitality.'



Filming is beautiful, and the actress (Rei Dan) is breath-takingly stunning, but beyond that, the creative concept is concise and true to the functional offers of the car. The narration takes functionality to a higher level of emotion:

"Sitting in this space, my spirit becomes soothingly liberated."

"Omotenashi"

"Welcome to New TEANA"

'Omotenashi' is a translation of hospitality and it is well woven with the tranditional Tea Ceremony and its spirit. One may argue that it is too 'cultural,' but isn't that exactly what we want to
(or should!) play with to make better communications? Plus, I like the track choice; it is the Japanese version of 'Waltz for Debby,' making the whole impressions gently powerful.

I think it's about a time for me to let go of my German wagon...

Yodobashi-Akiba goes International

GK nags me that I have been a total slacker, so here is another hommage to 'Akiba.'

I have previously talked about 'Akiba' a couple of times, and I am more and more feeling confident that Akiba is a must-see place if you ever make a trip to Tokyo.

Previous goverment had promoted 'Yokoso Nippon' ('Welcome to Japan') campaign to vitalize Japanese economy by encouraging foreign travelers to this land of Rising Sun. It has actually been a success; the latest news reported that visitors to Japan has increaed by 160% in the last 3 years. At the same token, Tokyo is yet to be non-Japanese friendly; English is still hardly spoken at local restaurants and shops. I personally find it very interesting to visit local restaurants when travelling abroad, so I wish Tokyo will be more international to be truly visitor-friendly.

However, you will be in good hands in Akiba; Yodobashi Camera (one of the largest electric appliance store chain) in Akihabara decided to make it mega vision multi-lingual. It will feature product guides and store guides in English, Mandarin, and Korean
(source: Akiba Keizai Shimbun). Overmore, store clerks are multi-lingual too! So, once you visit the store, you can not only buy the gadgets you always wanted, but also ask them travel tips and places to hang out!

Yokoso Nippon!!

9.15.2008

On my way home from work

A great thing about Tokyo is you can pretty much walk around anywhere, anytime.

So that's what I do.

Well, within reason - have to be home for dinner most nights....

Here are some of things I see. Sorry for the quality - these are either taken from my cell phone or regular old unpro digital camera.

Tsukiji crossing

Tokyu Stay Hotel (Higashi Ginza):

One of many bridges (Harumi) along Sumida River. Fairly ugly during the day but lit up all nice and pretty at night:

Hmmmm. Mysterious creature in Hibiya...

Hmmmm. More mysterious creatures in Hibiya:

8.26.2008

Japanese Car Ads

Car ads in Japan are a constant source of entertainment - and bewilderment. This one made me choke on my coffee this morning.

The brief:
Product/Brand: Mazda Demio
Message: New Orange color!
Idea: New Mazda Demio Orange will make you want to dance. Even if you can't actually dance.

7.26.2008

Train jackin'

Saw this on a train in the residential area of Western Tokyo. It was a 'Train Jack'.

That's when an advertiser buys all the space on an entire train and plasters its own ads all over it. (thus hi-'jacking' the train with ads)

This one was for Lenor, a P&G fabric softener.

The cool thing is that they hung these shirts up (real shirts - it's Japan so no one steals or vandalizes them!) with 'sweat' dripping. On the sweat drop, and on a puddle sticker on the floor, the ads talk about preventing sweat smell on your clothes with Lenor.


Brilliant idea for the sweaty summer Tokyo rainy season.

6.21.2008

Nude Jewelry

From the land of Yakuza body tatoos comes the latest trend(?) in jewelry/body art.

While 'skin jewelry' is basically trinkets taped to skin or glitter spry, Nude Jewelry takes the concept to a higher level by setting pure gold or platinum directly on the skin. It lasts about a week and can cost several hundred dollars depending on the design.

6.08.2008

Just Looking!

Here's a new DVD for shy people, called "just looking."


50 people, 96 minutes, just looking.

6.07.2008

Bay-ge-ru (Bagels in Tokyo)

I was never 'spoiled' on bagels - I wasn't born with an innate birthright to claim "you can't get real bagels here."

As a Jewish kid growing up in California, bagels were a staple part of my diet - especially on weekends or at Bar Mitzvahs. But as our relatives from back east (New York) constantly reminded us, "you can't get real bagels in California."

That was probably true in the 70s and 80s. But at some point in the 90s, Californians learned how to make passable bagels. I know this for a fact because I can clearly recall my Aunt from Long Island eating a bagel with us somewhere circa '92 and saying "this isn't half-bad, where did you get it?"

And thus, California bagels were now "real."

Then I moved to Japan. At first, oh about 1994, there were literally "no" bagels. The best I could do to satisfy my cravings was a Kaiser roll. I was able to get my hands on Philadelphia Cream Cheese (stick only, no whipped) and of course this being Japan, smoked salmon (or any other sea creature) was not an issue. So there I was back in the day, eating my Kaiser Roll with lox and cream cheese (and a hole cut in the middle to complete the fantasy) and longing for them good ole' California bagels.

Fast forward to the early 2000's and Tokyo has changed. Internationalization or globalization or whatever has kicked into gear and before you know it there are not only McDonald's in every station and Coke machines on every corner, but we also get Starbucks, Subway, Tropicana, Frosted Flakes ("corn frosties"), Crystal Geyser, Cold Stone Creamery, Costco, Ikea, Krispy Kreme, blah blah blah.

And bagels.

Bagels became a hit with the OL's around 2001 and were then firmly added to the cultural culinary landscape. A chain of bagle shops (aptly called "Bagel & Bagel") spreads the word and even Doutor has "bagel sands" (I can't think of an appropriate North American cultural assimile for Doutor other than to say it's like Winchell's back in the 80s when people still smoked, only without the doughnuts).

The truth is, though, bagels in Tokyo are no better than the ones in California back in the 70s and 80s. Mostly they taste like white bread in the shape of a doughnut. Occasionally I find one that is marginally better than Safeway brand bagels (6 in a bag for 1.99), but I try not to be too elitist - I know what it's like to have your bagels bagged on.

So until recently, we used to 'import' bagels by the dozen (take 'em on the plane with us and put 'em in the freezer. We used to do the same thing with tortillas before you could buy them here too - but that's another post.)

But having kids and the high cost of fuel has limited our ability to import our own precious bagels. Luckily, for those living in Tokyo and craving bagels, there is a place called 212 (which is somehow connected to H&H Bagels from New York, so it must be good, right) which is leading the charge to make Tokyo like California in the 90s. The locations are out of the way - Harumi Triton Square is nearest to us and we make a pilgrimmage about once a month (go early to get them fresh baked and before they run out).

L'Chaim!

Nice Melons

Japanese love fruit and approach the production of fruit with the same care, passion and dedication to quality as any Toyota or Sony or Nikon.

Which is why I'm somehow not surprised to hear that someone paid 650,000 Yen (a little more than 6,000 USD) for a watermelon.



It's black, weighs about 10 kilos (22 lbs), and is a variety only grown in the northern part of Hokokaido. Basically, some rich guy wanted to make a show and support the farmers - the price wasn't driven by any real market factors. But melons are serious business here, often selling for hundreds of dollars.

They even make square melons, ostensibly to better 'fit' into space-limited refrigerators:


5.21.2008

Meaningful Innovation 3

The Japanese government officially announced that Japan is a "full-fledged" aging society today, highlighting data that 10% of the population is at least 75 years old. With the lowest birthrate in the developed world (less than 1.3), Japan's population is not only facing a downward trend but a severe case of silveritis as well.

Enter the robots.

Japan is well-known for its robots - mostly from anime but also in factories and real-looking-hot-chick-auto-receptionists - but this may be one of the more useful applications.

Robotics for seniors. This is the aptly titled Experimental Walking Assists Device by Honda. (Assimo is finally paying off?)


And this baby is the HAL-5 developed at Tsukuba University (a Japanese University actually came up with something!). Part of the idea was to help senior and disabled caretakers move their patients around (better than putting in ramps in all those buildings I guess).


HAL-5 retails for about $15K plus maintenance.

5.02.2008

Meaningul Innovation 2

Ever wondered what spy gear would be like now that we have digital cameras everywhere? You know like those cigarette pack cameras in old spy movies?

No? Well somebody has... A company called Hanwha (a Korean company but I found this in Japan) is now selling the Pen Camera. Not impressed? Saw that in an old episode of Get Smart? Well there's more... It's a Digital camera with a 1 mm radius lens in the ballpoint that can snap photos and take video (2GB flash memory). With sound. Data can be transferred to your pc with a USB.

It writes too.
Check out sample videos, and order one for yourself, here.
Happy spying!

5.01.2008

Japanese Technology in the Toilet

Some of most impressive ideas I've encountered in Japan have been in the bathroom.

OK, that didn't sound right.

Still, Japanese toilets are impressive. First there was the heated seat. Then the washlet/bidet. Add temperature control on the water. Then you got 'malodor removal' (air freshener) activated by sitting down.

Here's the adjustable washlet spray explanation visual from Toto.


While Americans, typically, want more Power -as in Flushing Power? - Japanese manufacturers continually innovate on usability, comfort, convenience, and, of course, space-efficiency.

Well lately the craze is full no-touch automation. Market pioneers Toto and other household appliance brands like National (Panasonic) and Hitachi are now pushing the latest in bathroom luxury with features like:

-motion sensor activated toilet seat lifting/dropping (sorry, I don't know the lingo but you know, the seat goes up and down without you touching it.)

-automated flushing

-pre-programmed muzak with speakers, also motion-sensor activated

Here's the wall-mounted remote with all the controls you could ever dream of for the potty:

And of course, for those with the Capt. Kirk thing:


"Would you like me to wash your dick for you sir?"


Click here for a full reading on the history and etiquette of Japanese toilets.

4.22.2008

A Fly in my Soup!

Meaningless rant post alert.

So today I went to lunch at a nearby Chinese place with our Planning Director and another Planner Guy. A planning lunch, as it were. As I was eating my katayakisoba, (fried chow mein with starchy vegetable soup), I noticed there was, indeed, a fly in my soup.

While not opposed to a little extra protein, I couldn't resist the old line.... But, this being Tokyo, I couldn't say "Excuse me sir, there's a fly in my soup." Wasted opportunity. I had to settle with something that translates as "Uh, there's like, a bug..."

I actually did get a free lunch, which is unusual here in Tokyo. In most regular joints, the staff just aren't properly trained/motivated to deal with these kinds of issues. I mean, they come out and say "We are so very very sorry" and stuff, maybe toss you a free drink or cookie, but... they don't mean it.

Thus ends this meaningless rant post.

Guide to Akihabara



I have posted some Akihabara news in the past (1, 2), and I wonder how many of you are by now REALLY interested in Akihabara, Japan. Not yet enough to get yourself a ticket to make a pilgrimage to the 'Otaku' Holy Land?

Here is the book to get you in the mood: "Guiding Your Friends Around Akihabara in English." As the title suggests, it is designed for Japanese audience, but wirtten in both Japanese and English. So you can self-guide the tour in Akihabara! The book doesn't only cover the Akihabara itself, but also other spots in Tokyo for great food and travel tips.

How do you like 'Akiba' now?

4.01.2008

Back to School, Boys!!


"Welcome home, master!"
Akihabara (the Otaku, or 'geek', capital of Japan) hosts a number of 'Maid Cafes' where - well, the picture above pretty much says it. (No these are not sex shops. If you Googled 'Maid' and 'Sex' then sorry please return to your search results).

Akihabara culture and Maid Cafes have already gone mainstream - just check out this canned-coffee ad featuring Tommy Lee Jones (follow the links for more in the series):



So to keep ahead of the real world, the wonderful otaku have come up with a new 'cosplay' (costume play) cafe motif: School.
Last week, a new maid cafe opened in Akihabara called "Akiba School Maid Class" decorated as a classic Japanese classroom where maids and customers are 'classmates.'

The twist is the role-playing not only of children but of childhood boy-girl relationships. What otaku/geek wouldn't love that - especially since this time the girls (act as though they) like you.
For the record, "Akiba School Maid Class" world does not offer any 'extras'.

3.26.2008

English Friendly Japan?!

A recent internet survey reveals that English conversation is the most popular extracurricular activity among working Japanese women. According to the study, 24.5% of working females 20-34 are taking English conversational lessons after work or on weekends, followed by going to the gym (22.5%), Yoga/Pilates (22.2%), and cooking classes (15.0%)... What does this mean?

If I read the data right, acquiring English conversational skill is as meaningful as physical wellness or cooking skills. So are Japanese women aspiring to be the perfect cosmopolitana to fulfill intenational men's fantasy of Asian 'chic mystique'. To wit; here is a TV commercial by a language school:



No, I shall be politically correct: The research indicates that foreign language skills play a significant role in the concept of well-being for Japanse women; that sounds better.


Besides that's just advertising, probably by some dude.

3.25.2008

Total Luxury

So Japan (Tokyo's Ginza and Omotesando, to be precise) is the lap of luxury - brand shops galore, expensive sushi, kobe beef, etc. - nothing new. In the 80's, Japanese tourists in the US were identified - and at times parodied - with their eyeglasses and big cameras. Nowadays, it's Louis Vuitton, Prada and Hermes that give them away.

The big French and Italian brands make big bucks here - According to a Jetro report, Japan is "the world's most concentrated source of income for luxury brands." Even during the economic malaise of the 90's there was no shortage of custom hand crafted leather with a (take-your-pick) brand badge on the buckle.
(From Jetro

Well the brands are showing their appreciation and investing even more in their presence, making Tokyo (in particular Ginza) the brand flagship building capital of the world. More so, they're taking the whole concept of Luxury up a notch. New buildings from Bulgari, Armani, Chanel, etc etc etc, are propping up all over Ginza with their own Michelin-starred restaurants, private lounges and even (in Armani) a posh spa.

It all started with Hermes:


Dior:

Armani (with the world's only Armani Spa):

Even Mikimoto:Gucci: