Bite Me, Betch!

Red Bean Pepsi

2009-09-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

I know in my blog somewhere I must have written about the weird flavors of snacks/beverages this humble country has to offer. I remember cucumber Pepsi, and apple vinegar kit-kat. Today I introduce red bean pepsi. If it wasn't 7 in the morning right now, would it sound more appetizing?

Psychedelico

2009-08-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

A prominent figure in the Japanese underground art scene of the 60s-70s was graphic artist Aquirax Uno. He is famous for creating psychedelic posters featuring strange eroticism, bright colors, and elements of collage. Rad.

More posters available here.
via Pink Tentacle.

Belly button Festival

2009-07-31T03:54:00.000-07:00

On July 29, 2009, the city of Furano, Hokkaido held it's "Heso Matsuri 臍祭り” (Belly button Festival). In the street parade, children and adults danced with a variety of amusing faces painted on their bellies. Dancers make their “heso” (belly button) into a face, using paint, special costumes, and props. Competition is intense as dancers compete for prizes and glory in various categories.

The Hokkaido Bellybutton Dance began about thirty-five years ago. It was decided that a town festival was needed, in order to unify and energize Furano's people, who are spread over a large area. Inspired by Furano's location in the very middle of Hokkaido, the festival organizers came up with the idea of a dance featuring the bellybutton. In the first official Heso Matsuri, only 11 people joined the dance. However last year, over 5,000 people participated in the two-day dance, with thousands more gathering to watch.

Freaking awesome. Next year, maybe?

Post-its.

2009-07-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to finish up my thesis although I am hella nervous about having to defend it on the phone. By the end of this process I think I'll have an abundance of post-its left. This is an inspiring post-it stop motion clip made by an art student. He got his inspiration from all the notes and deadlines he had to work with.

Rice Field Art

2009-07-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

Awesome shyt. F crop circles. This is how we do it in the east:

They use different types of rice for the color and effect. The results? Amazing.

Politics

2009-07-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

With all this talk about the Happiness Realization Party running for elections here, I couldn't help but dig in further into the insane parts of Japanese politics. So because I don't have the right to vote although I pay my taxes and am a PR and all that BS crap, I will personally choose my own nominees for the most eccentric F-ed up people who are/were running as political candidates.

In no particular order:

Toyama Koichi (外山恒一). He is officially insane!!! He is a Japanese street musician, and a leftist political party. He is 39 years old this year and lives in Fukuoka. He actually got more than 15,000 votes! He wanted to be the governor of Tokyo in 2007. He was imprisoned for two years for political crimes.

In this video, he denounced Japan as being a horrible nation (最低な国）and doesn't offer anything. I loved it when he said, "Gentlemen!!! The only thing we can do now, is scrap and scrap..." and then he goes on to say, "Please give me a call. You can find my contact number on the posters." Finally, you gotta love the obscene gesture (middle finger) towards the camera at the end of the broadcast.

In this second video from 2008, he put on a monologue performance in which he claims the US as a global hegemony. He claims it is an injustice that although he is a rightful citizen of "America's 51st state", and was flabbergasted that he is not eligible to vote, nor to stand as a candidate in the last presidential election. I would have loved to see him go against Obama though.

2.
Mitsuo Matayoshi (又吉光雄）aka Matayoshi Iesu (Matayoshi Jesus) named himself, "The only God Mitsuyo Matayoshi Jesus Christ (唯一神又吉光雄・イエス・キリスト)." He is the leader of the World Economic Community Party (世界経済共同体党). He developed his own concept of Christianity, which was influenced by Eschatology and established the party in 1997. He believes that he is God and Christ. His first step as the Savior is to be appointed leader of Japan upon which he will reform Japanese society. Following this, the United Nations should offer him the General Secretary post. He will then reign the entire world. During his activities for his eccentric political (religious?) campaigns, he urges his opponents to commit suicide by hara-kiri (disembowelment); yes, hara-kiri and NOT seppuku (more polite). He blasts his slogans in his own kabuki-inspired voice. Watch this video if you can understand Japanese and this one for kabuki-voice . He is apparently in the top ten most eccentric people you didn't know list.

Then of course, there is the Happiness Realization Party （幸福実現党）. I won't talk about a particular leader in this party but rather just summarize the party itself. It is the political wing of the Happiness Science religious movement (Koufukunokagaku, 幸福の科学). The founder Ryuho Okawa claims that all major religions originated from the same heavenly source. Some of their interesting prophecies include:

* Within the next 100 years, the United Nations will collapse. There will be war in the Middle East and Japan will be the next religious center (just like Mecca and Jerusalem).

* Angel Gabriel will be reincarnated in Bangkok, Thailand in 2050.

* From 2100-2200, the US will sink because it has angered the gods. BUT, if enough people convert then, there will be no sinkage.

* From 2200-2300, people will only have to work a maximum of four hours a day because robots will run almost everything. Half of Russia, and East Asia will sink into the Ocean. More specifically, Russia will fall into the core of the earth so the earth will re-create the continent of Mu, which will be at the current location of Indonesia.

* In 2300-2400, the new continent of Atlantis will be re-created because the US would have sunk and Martin Luther King and Nichiren will be reincarnated.

* Jesus will be re-incarnated between 2400-2500. Aliens that visited earth in the 80s will return and they will have more than 10 races by then.

As for their political wing, their sales pitch is:

* they will eliminate all sales taxes, they will double Japan's population to 300 million by 2030, and welcome 100 million foreigners. They will protect Japan from North Korean missiles, they will ban cram/prep schools, they promise 6LDK condos for the majority of people in their 30s, they will make English a "semi-official" language in Japan, and they promise a world-wide bullet train service.

Here are two of their propaganda videos. The first one is where they try to create paranoia by making a video of North Korea launching their missiles at Japan and the second one compares the Liberal Democratic Party and Democratic Party of Japan with the Happiness Realization Party.

ps: For those of you reading this post on FaceBook, click on "view original post" at the bottom.

All right then, they must think that we're stupid enough to think that we believe they think like that, or do they really think like that? WTF? Take your pick! I can't believe people say there isn't hope for Japanese politics. I see a lot of potential.

*** EDIT ***

I have to add another one of my entertainment politics favorite. It's called 日本スマイル党 or, the Japan Smile Party. Mac Akasaka who calls himself Dr. Smile, represents the aforementioned party. He wants to end the Self Defense Force, cut suicide rates, cure depressed people, and introduce Smile Education in schools. Instead of making boring speeches, he does the Smile Dance when he campaigns through the streets of Tokyo.

Girls are perceived to be skanks.

2009-07-16T06:48:00.001-07:00

So this poster can be found at some train station that I still have to be on the look out for. "So many girls... So many ways..." What does it really mean? Really? I'm secretly hoping that my sister's company is responsible for this advertising.

Marc Jacob Rules Again!

2009-07-09T05:37:00.001-07:00

So here is the link to a hand-drawn QR code for Marc Jacobs. I like. I must try.

Speaking of Saline Implants...

2009-07-02T05:31:00.001-07:00

Want bigger boobies but can't afford them? Here is a link set up by two cosmetically-conscious entrepreneurs of an online boob charity. It's called MyFreeImplants.com Here, people can create profiles, post pictures and videos of themselves, message & chat with friends, etc., and men/women from anywhere in the world can act as benefactors to these women who are looking for a way to fund their implants by donations made through PayPal. It's boob charity in exchange for online friendship. The catch however is that these "friends" are NOT to meet each other outside of the site.

Holy Sheit! Japanese Frankensteins!!!

2009-07-01T01:24:00.001-07:00

This is called Body Inflation. People with heads that have been intentionally distorted, kids who have deliberately disfigured themselves by experimenting with saline inflations. Gross!
Apparently this isn’t new, but it’s growing in popularity. This particular phenomenon isn't exclusive to Japan but the nature of Japanese subculture and the propensity for its people to take things to extreme levels have helped body inflation gain popularity. I do wish some of my students would be that extreme so we'd have more to talk about.

This is how it works by:

Body mod pioneer Samppa Von Cyborg.

The professional body piercer will use a saline bag, tube and needle. It works in a similar way to a hospital drip, so the bag needs to be raised above the body part picked for puffing.
* Body inflators never make their own saline solution and steer clear of tap water, due to the risk of infection.
* The needle is placed under the skin but not in a vein – or the build-up of pressure could mean exploding blood vessels all over the show.
* While it’s not that dangerous, some people who’ve done it regularly have found their skin has permanently explanded.
* The most interesting place to inflate is the forehead, as the taut skin means the effects are extremely obvious.
* Inflatees can prod the inflated lumps to make them look more interesting.

TK Artist Lofts

2009-06-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

I share with you today because I am touched and amazed that actually organizations, people, governments out there do support artists. The Tashiro Kaplan Artist Lofts in Seattle provide housing for low-income families/households with working artists that need work and studio space.

1. Because...

2009-06-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

I can layer...

Aww, I like.

2009-04-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

An adorable music video by Tanya Davis. Oh so cute. Oh so inspiring on a blah day.

Homo Milk, Anyone?

2009-04-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

So a couple of months ago, M and I had Homo Sausages for breakfast. Refer to older post. Yesterday, we found the perfect glass to drink our milk in. Homo Breakfasts will rule.

Do you judge her to be a slut?

2009-03-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

The アサヒ　スラット (ASAHI SLAT) is a new low calorie alcoholic drink launched by Asahi Breweries. It's commercial on TV features Ai Otsuka. There's the lemon chu-hi and grapefruit chu-hi, both claiming to contain only 88 kcal in one can (350 ml). Now run along and get me a slat!

Do you JUDGE her to be a good LAY?

2009-03-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

While doing research for a class discussion paper, I came across many articles that talk about the new lay judge system that will be introduced this year. Come May 21st, the jury system will be implemented nationwide. HAVOC! CHAOS! OMG! A new system! What on earth or how on earth will the people keep up with this? How could anyone possibly think that getting rid of OUTDATED and SLOW processes be good for this "island country?"

Anyways, corporations and companies always seize the opportunity to be selling new useless shyt while crossing their fingers, hope to make heaps of profit off of them from ignorant people. This time, Triumph International tried to provide some eye-candy for the men to celebrate the new jury system. It's called the “Jury System Bra” which was created for the company’s 2009 spring/summer collection.

Hooray for Triumph International for making me chuckle and providing somewhat of an eye-candy for slanted guys. Triumph International Japan annually creates a unique bra to reflect a current social issue. Mayhaps I should start a new blog thread about their "social issue bras." They are expecting the Jury System Bra to raise public awareness of the lay juror system. How about some public awareness for gaijin problems. Hmmm... I could design a face of a white man on my left cup and the face of a black man on my right cup.

Quote #1

2009-03-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

"It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's the place in between that we fear... It's like being between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to."

-Marilyn Ferguson-

Black is the New Black #10

2009-02-16T05:36:00.000-08:00

A new line of Seven Stars cigs from Japan Tabacco, introduced in February 2009. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Seven Stars. This particular line aims for a more satisfying taste and provides more impact with richer and fuller flavor. It costs ¥300 for 7mg of black tar.

Black is the new Black #9

2009-02-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

Kurobe Banana.

A BLACK version of the Tokyo Banana, which is a popular souvenir that can be bought in places like Tokyo Station and the airport. It is a spongecake sandwich with banana in the center. However this BLACK version, has chocolate spongecake, with a banana flavored custard cream in the center. Quite yummy to me!

Black is the new Black #8

2009-02-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

Muji's Black Sesame Baumkuhen.

It has many good reviews of people saying how tasty it is especially for those who love the taste of black sesame. It also contains bamboo charcoal for health (?). It is high in calories, obviously.

100g has a staggering 427kcal!

Black is the new Black #7

2009-02-10T08:05:00.001-08:00

Black 肉まん from Family Mart.

It's just them meat dumplings with shyt loads of black pepper. Not recommended for those who can't stand spicy/hot food.

Black is the new Black. #6

2009-02-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Suntory Black Oolong Tea.

Launched in 2006, it is oolong tea certified for health benefits. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has classified it as a Food for Specified Health Uses... whatever that means. Apparently it helps by blocking fat absorption, and suppresses the increase of triglyceride after meals.

Black is the new Black #5

2009-02-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Marlboro Black Menthol.

Strong and intense menthol cigarettes with 6mg of nicotine and 8mg of tar sold only in Japan. Launched in August 2008 and I'm guessing cost ¥320?

Black is the new Black #4

2009-02-10T07:45:00.001-08:00

Shu Uemura's Phyto-Black Lift.

It is one of their skin care lines which apparently Shu calls the key to ageless skin. The products are supposed to firm the skin and reduce wrinkles, having with it a lifting effect on skin. Some of the ingredients include Black Tea and Black Sugar. Would love to try the line though. Those who have say that they are amazingly lightweight but totally powerful.

Black is the new Black #3

2009-02-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

Black Black.

This of course has been around for some time. Chewing gum called Black Black. It is intensely caffeinated, and apparently contains Vitamin B3, Ginseng, and also Oolong Tea. Good to chew on when bored and unstimulated in class or at work.

Black is the new Black #2

2009-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Black Thunder.

I actually like this one, recommended by DJ POL Style at work one day. It's like ¥40 if I remember correctly. It's a bar of chocolate with puffed rice and cookies on the inside. Yummy!

Black is the new Black #1

2009-02-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

I decided to start a new blog list. And this one is obviously about the color BLACK. The media has started this new hype since inauguration day. Companies are busy creating, producing, innovating new products and services that are black. Watch out Tokyo, here comes the smog.

Tokyo Black Porter.

Made by Yo-Ho Brewing out of Nagano. It claims to have a toasted malt taste, looks thick, and is of a light tan color. The smell is weak and there are notes of coffee here and there, minus the hop.

Femmes

2009-02-06T01:34:00.000-08:00

I hate a large portion of womenfolk. I find plenty of them annoying. I'm not a feminist either. However, if you wanna be a real woman, I think the only way would be to collect all these female merit badges that illustrate "rites of passage" and the physical manipulations women have to go through to attain cultural ideas and values of beauty. Mad props to Mary for these tiny hand-embroided merit badges!

Then, you have all my respect. I worship you.

(via izreloaded).

Cat Incense

2009-01-29T20:59:00.000-08:00

Another ritual trip to Tokyu Hands to get necessities for a distracted life. What did I find? Incense for cats!!! Helps them relax... you know cause my kitties are so stressed running around together, biting and licking each other, worrying about being fed, wondering who's gonna clean up their litter box, what new toys they get next time, not enough sleep and the long urban list goes on.
I guess Maya gets the rose one.

I heart Tokyo

2009-01-26T04:59:00.000-08:00

My favorite is actually chicken franks. Can't really find them around in Tokyo so I settle for the next best thing: HOMO SAUSAGE.

oh. my. god.

Happy New Year, Betches!

2009-01-20T03:01:00.000-08:00

Start a'writin' again. Cringe your breath.

x

Scratch n' Sniff

2008-12-22T07:13:00.000-08:00

Scratch n' sniff what? Say whaa?

Panties n' thongs!

If you scratch it in all the right places, it could smell like... cherry ice cream, fortune cookie, lemon lollipop, blueberry muffin, bubblegum, strawberry, cherry pie, chocolate cake... and mystery: stank puss!!!

You can snag them for about 15 stones a piece and size ranges from s-xl.

dirtybitches...

Christmas List #2.5

2008-12-15T03:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

If the mooning garden gnome I asked for yesterday is too raw for the neighbors, then I ask you to send along with it: Moony Man from Unicharm.

The Cutest Ship

2008-12-15T03:19:00.000-08:00

From the makers of your 懐かしい & 美味しい　snacks like:

カッパえびせん：
サッポロポテト：
じゃがりこ：

They bring you the most adorably named 499 ton cargo ship that specifically only freights potatoes:

Calbee Potato Maru

Christmas List #2

2008-12-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

Could you please get me this gnome for my new balcony garden?

xxx

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-12-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

#93

The world of Bollywood. Sundays are reserved for family Bollywood time. Bring out them boxes of kleenex and make tea during their long music videos. Although I must say, this is one thing in life that I will accomplish:

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-12-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

#94

Natalie Dee.

Born in Ohio, she publishes a webcomic. Her husband Drew also has his own webcomic, "Toothpaste for Dinner." What's even more awesome is that they two write a collaborative webcomic, "Married to the Sea."

Her stuff is so awesome and cutesy!!!

That's just like moi.

Christmas List #1

2008-12-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

Not in any order.
Will post as it comes to mind.
No pressure.
Just a wish list to enjoy.

#1 - Get in Shape Girl.

Freaking awesome! Will definitely inspire me to get in shape, girl. It's pink, it comes with a cassette, a cassette player and the bar which I can attach to my wardrobe door! I would also like the outfits they are wearing for my 80s loving 90s butt. Much more inspiring than my Wii Fit at the moment.

I'm just a mops

2008-12-01T05:15:00.001-08:00

There are many things that leave me frustrated and annoyed about this little city called Tokyo. I must admit a lot of it probably stem from comparisons. Comparisons I make to Colombo, comparisons I make with Singapore, and not forgetting the comparisons I make with 昭和 (Showa) Japan of the 80s. My memories of being in Japan in the 80s are scarce, but vivid I must add.

It was awesome being here then... from the toys, to TV, to people watching. Seeing all the crazy rockabillys dancing their hairs off at Yoyogi park, Yankee boys hanging out in the neighborhoods, wild 80s pop looking office ladies... There's lots to blast from the past but here is an awesome link to some 昭和music that I have forgotten about that were pretty much the BGM of my childhood in monthly apartments of Tokyo with my parents.

60s Japanese Garage-Psych

'When I come back to home
My mother says I'm a mops
But I don't care about them
Cause I'm just a mops..."

F-ing brilliant. It's good to know that 40 years since that song, my students still speak like that, although it's unfortunate that they aren't as creative as to write songs like that.

Associations in Japan #2

2008-11-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Pizza Association of Japan.

I found this while I was looking at them pizza crusts at the supermarket. How interesting. It was established about 14 years ago and I guess their purpose statement talks about how they want to improve quality, increase consumption, exchange business information and ideas between pizza-related businesses, and to develop the pizza industry. Currently there are about 39 member companies and these are their symbols:

Their website also talks about the nutritional values of pizzas and the "pizza market."

Rascist Eraser

2008-11-24T03:33:00.000-08:00

My 16 year old cousin just returned upon her trip to Paaralang Pantao in Quezon City, Philippines. Paaralang Pantao is a free school at the foot of Garbage Mountain and the children around this area are deprived of opportunities and live in poverty. Apparently many of them don't even have a birth certificate.

While I was worried about the 17 year old having to breathe in methane-filled gases in the air, and getting bitten from dengue mosqutioes, among other things, I am glad that she's learned how to bathe, shyt and be, au naturale. Next time Î shall take her camping in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

Anyways, she took awesome pictures and I came across a little picture of those 10cents eraser that we used to have in primary school in Singapore. They measure 3cm x 2cm and there is usually an alphabet with a picture of a word that begins with that letter. Like "A" and then a picture of an apple. However, this eraser on the other hand...

I feel guilty for finding it endearing.

11/8: Tanuki's Day Off

2008-11-24T00:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I missed Tanuki's Day off!

The town of Shigaraki in Shiga gives Tanuki a break on November 8th. The tanuki is the town's favorite creature, and is the tanuki statue capital of the nation. It is the Tanuki's well-deserved day of rest and relaxation.

The tanuki has been part of Japanese folklore since the ancient days. is a symbol of fortune and good luck and can be seen at the entrances of business establishments. They are reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise but also gullible and absent-minded.These statues often wear big, cone-shaped hats and carry bottles of sake, and an empty purse in the other hand. They have large beer belles and also show humorously large balls, or nutsacks, typically hanging down to the floor.

Organizers chose November 8th for a bunch of reasons. According to Wikipedia, the eight traits of the tanuki are: (1) a bamboo hat that protects against trouble, (2) big eyes to perceive the environment and help make good decisions, (3) a sake bottle that represents virtue, (4) a big tail that provides steadiness and strength until success is achieved, (5) over-sized testicles that symbolize financial luck, (6) a promissory note that represents trust, (7) a big belly that symbolizes bold decisiveness, and (8) a friendly smile.

Pink Tentacle

Abandoned

2008-11-23T23:11:00.000-08:00

Stumbled upon this post from izreloaded and I so wanna go! This site that he was talking about features pictures of abandoned amusement parks near Seoul. We are going to Disneyland and Sea from tomorrow and the thought of having to spend a bunch of money that I don't have is giving me a stomachache. Also since the won has dipped so low, I feel we should all just buy that Korean Air ticket to head over there. They all look pretty freaking awesome. I would do the entire tour to forfeit other commercialized theme parks!

Cocaine in a Can

2008-11-20T08:05:00.001-08:00

Wow... is this forrealz? Has anyone tried this? How much is it? Where is it canned? Wow...just imagine the wonders...

Gender Discrimination

2008-11-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

I went to a little store the other day to get me some dessert after lunch. The first thing that caught my eye was Chocopie. Well this time, there was something different about them individually packaged ones. It was dark green and the picture looked うまそう！I had chosen Chocopie for men!!! Hmmm what is that like you ask? It's chocopie with coffee cream and bitter caramel. Anyway the dude beside me was like, "You can't buy that. You're not a man. You gotta get the lady's version." So I looked at the pink packaged Chocopie and it said, "Chocopie for Ladies." The first problem I had with it was that it seemed gross: It's Chocopie with rose flavored cream and rose jam. Yuck. The other problem was how I stopped to question myself it it really was OK for me to get the dude version.

I also remember Pocky doing the same shananigan: Pockymon... no, Men's Pocky
or this site gives you instructions on how to make Men's Pocky with EXTRA NUTS.

Sati's

2008-11-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

OK, so obviously I'm doing some mega procrastinating. The project is driving me nuts. Anyway back to the subject of Sati's. Sati's Ltd., is a legendary clothing store in the middle of Okinawa Island owned by Paul and Neeta Daswani. Freaking aaawwweeesssooommmeee!

Need two-toned shoes like these?

Need bowler hats like these?

Need zoot suits like these?

Then just head over to Sati's!

Can't fly to Okinawa? No problem! Call or e-mail them! They ship all over the world. And yes, they make ladies' suits, too! They visit Tokyo and Osaka a few times a year--that's where I saw them recently---so it's possible to meet them in those cities, too. They take clients' measurements and ship the suits to them later.
Sati's is closed for renovation between October 27th and November 11th.
Sati's address: 1-Chome 3-50, Uechi Okinawa City
Okinawa, Japan 904-0031
Tel: 098-933-2853
Fax: 098-933-9266
satis@sunny-net.ne.jp

Pictures and information taken from here.

Monsieur Chat

2008-11-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

About a year and a half ago, Mister Cat was arrested for tagging a building. He has been tagging places starting from Paris to Geneva and New York for over 10 years, with the most endearing yellow cat with sardonic smile. Personally, I don't think it's fancy graffiti but it would brighten up my day if I saw the cat on the gray walls of asbestos filled buildings in Tokyo. Anyway this former fine arts student actually runs an art workshop for disadvantaged children!

Apparently in the 2002 protests in Paris against the war in Iraq, the cat's image was used in the protesters' placards! A documentary made by French artist Chris Marker entitled Chats Perchés ('The Case of the Grinning Cat') brought international recognition to the yellow cat. Read more about it here.

Now I can't wait to get me a yellow Murphey cat!

Democrat? Republican?

2008-11-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

Find out which companies contribute what kinda money to which side here. Some to me were predictable; Chanel in the Republican box, some were surprising; Shiseido (!!!) also in the Republican side, Starbucks in the blue half, and Kellogg's in the middle...

Accessoriees

2008-11-13T02:55:00.000-08:00

OMFG. Love them. Get them. Look at them!!! Gotta have 'em! Here!

Burger Rings:

Peanut Necklace:

Dripping Stuff:

Croissant Ring:

Ice-cream Necklace:

And the list goes on. Ahh, all my favorite things in one.

51 Japanese Characters

2008-11-13T02:05:00.000-08:00

51 Japanese Characters is a collection of figurines designed by Peter Machat showcasing some of the typical members and cultural phenomena of the society here. They are:

Kaze
Dento
Matsuri
Kannushi
Pachinko
Yakuza
Onsen
Budoka
Ekiin
Cosplay
Irasshaimase
Seppuku
Otaku
Sumo
Okama
Narikin
Noh
Obosan
Ikeike
Parasite Single
Obatarian
Yamamba
Kawaii
Kigurumi
Jukensei
Samurai
Hostess
Geisha
Soap-jo
Bosozoku
Onsen Saru
Oyaji
Host
Enko
Tsukimi
Loose Socks
Office Lady
Yobikomi
Bunraku
Inemuri
Gaijin
Hanami
Yopparai Salaryman
Punk
Fugu
Hikigatari
Kabuki
Chikan
Ninja
Salaryman
Rockabilly

Who do you know? Which one are you? And what do you like?

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-11-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

#95

黒人天才 [Kokujin Tensai/ Black Genius]

OMFG. He is brilliant. He is a GENIUS. He is an artist who does rap, hip-hop, and crunk from Memphis with his group. Do not judge until you have seen the boy in action and understand what he's about. Having post-gig drinks with him, this mild mannered, quiet boi ordered himself OJ and says that he started learning Japanese after falling in love with a Japanese exchange student at school.

This song makes me feel proud, and makes me wish I had more freedom to be more "creative" in my English communication lessons. I wanna thank Katoman for bringing him in.

Stimulate me!

2008-11-12T03:23:00.001-08:00

I totally dig the Singapore government because they've been giving me wads of cash every year in their version of the economic stimulus package. I opened my bank account there five years ago with only a couple of hundred bucks and last year I checked that account to find that I was lightyears richer that expected. Word on the street is - Mainichi Newspaper that is, says that the government will give out money for permanent residents. Hoorah! Unfortunately, M will not be getting any of it because he is on a spousal visa.

I've been secretly wishing and yearning that the Japanese government would be giving me my share of cash. After all, I am a tax payer, including the dreaded city tax, although I am never paying that crap on time, and I do spend a big chunk of my money shopping around here, so I deservedly feel that I should get a piece of that pie. So I hope this will come true! I do give out birthday presents and christmas presents, so this will definitely help my charitable soul (and wallet) out.

In God we trust, my fingers I cross.

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-11-10T23:35:00.000-08:00

#96

I like me a cheezburger.

And... the first Quarter Pounder has opened in Omotesando, Tokyo. The cost of a Quarter Pounder Set is ¥500!
I can't friggin' wait for Burger Fridays to just check that place out. Although, I do love me some Korokke Burger from McD's. Hmmm..... decisions, decisions...
or???

Gear Up!

2008-11-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

We were walkin' around town today, gearing up for the winter. I lost my scarf last night at the club, and my freakin' gloves have a hole, and it's pretty much jacked up. So I was on a mission to be looking for awesome winter gear. We came across this horrendous, freaky looking, galfanoid earmuffs. Who the F would wear that? It's so freaky!!!

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-11-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

#97

My fascination with The Republic of Bolivia

The women wrestlers:
Cholitas, who usually perform manual labor, train like men, fight like men and beat the men.

Diablada at Carnaval Oruro:
Declared one of Mankind's Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in 2001. The highlight of the Carnival is conducted over three days and nights, with fifty groups parading through the city over a route of four kilometres. The groups represent various indigenous dance forms, and are accompanied by several bands. Over 28000 dancers and 10000 musicians participate in the procession that lasts 20 hours. The dances include Caporales, Diablada, Kantus, Kullawada, Llamerada, Morenada, Potolo, Pujllay, Suri Sikuris, Tinku, Tobas and Waca Waca.

Ecotourism in Bolivia:
Trekking, rafting, take birdwatching and wildlife observation tours, visit ancient ruins like El Fuerte the pre-Colombian fort near Samaipata (the drive to Samaipata itself is well worth a day-trip) and even experience living history in towns like colonial Buena Vista or the Jesuit Missions. Go to Espejillos where there is a series of waterfalls that look like they have been carved out and filled several deep pools as they cascade downward in step-like fashion, each flowing into the next.

Bolivian witchcraft:
In La Paz, they sell dried llama foetus, which apparently brings you good luck. When burnt with herbs and sweets they will bring good luck to businesses. If you put an armadillo over the door, it will ward off thieves. A dried frog augurs wealth is doubly effective if it has a cigarette in its mouth. Also, coca leaves, which are legal, will protect you against bad luck!

Tinku:
A ritual conflict. Men and women dance, drink chicha, and fight until blood stains all on the streets. It is not like boxing, it is more like street brawls. Weapons can include slingshots, boleadoras, clubs, whips, and sometimes horses.

Suicidal?

2008-11-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

OMFG. So apparently suicide rates are increasing in Japan. I wonder why?

Well if it's kawaii, then it's gotta be good! Yay!

Cheap Shot!

2008-11-04T04:16:00.000-08:00

OMG, I really can't be fuct with this whole voting business. Yes, just let me be a hermit. A coconut hermit that is. I obviously can't vote but even if I could, I would go for the Green Party, simply because I like the color green. Nonetheless, I think it is time for change and Obama represents a little bit of you and a little bit of me. I, would never ever ever ever ever ever be voting for McCain. And for these two reasons:

and

Talk about cheap politics. How immature are those comments? I don't want to have to deal with immature people, immature students, immature boyfriends, immature girl friends, immature idiots, what would happen to the world with immature leaders like that?

What's Up?

2008-11-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

Long, long, long, weekend everybody. What's up??? Last day of Bush being in power. Sick of seeing too many Halloween pictures. Sick of this half-cocked internet connection. So here's a triple shot of What's Up!!!

and 8 years later...

and just for giggles...

Panty!

2008-10-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

One of my cousins who is flying in today from South America is determined to look for that famed underwear vending machine in god-knows-where. My gut instinct tells me it is to be found in Shinjuku. But then again, who needs that when you have this? Who knows what the story is behind this. But I saw it on my way home from work in the neighborhood mall, bicycle parking area. People of course did their mini little jump, twist around and jumped again to overreact to what they saw. But I just whipped out my phone and snapped a picture. Brilliant.

Approaching Halloween '08

2008-10-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

OK so I usually don't give that much of a rat's ass when it comes to halloween but since we have a week off from work and an action packed weekend ahead of us, I decided to dive into the spirit of halloween. We bought a 20 pound pumpkin from the local flower store yesterday for ten stones. I actually hope we could carve it into a kitty home for Dahlia. I of course, will be a flapper from the roarin' 20s and M will be Captain Hat.

Here is a fun animal montage:

Pet Kotatsu

2008-10-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

I guess I totally know what to get my cats for xxx'mas this year! The totally awesome Pet Dream Kotatsu! Deluxe version, can you imagine!?!? This means, I get to sit down and spread my legs under the kotatsu much more comfortably and not share any of the heat in winter that I call brutal. This also means a step closer to independence for my kitties.

Now, that would be the case if I believed in giving xxx'mas presents to pets.

Associations in Japan #1

2008-10-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

One of the few things that intrigue me about Japan are the associations they have here. From the Trader's Association, to the Western Clothing Association, and to the Accordion Association down the street; you name it, they've sure got it! Today I wish to write about the Japan Toilet Association.

In IHT today was a story about how the Japan Toilet Association is going around schools teaching children about passing motion. These kids are taking poop classes, by a 38 year old dude also known as the "Poop Prince". To them, "glittering poop" means healthy feces and the secret to passing "glittering" stools: drink a glass of water in the morning to wake up the intestines, eat breakfast and exercise. He also teaches about eating bananas, natto fermented soy beans and other fiber-rich food.

Their website boasts information such as "unchi" (shyt) calender, Children's Unchi Information 2007, and a Disaster Toilet Information Network link. And don't forget, November 11th is Toilet Day! I know it all seems rather silly at first but I think it's pretty rad!

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-10-27T02:50:00.001-07:00

# 98 White Ninja

I am not a big fan of comics. I don't have anything personal against it but I'm just not too interested in it. Growing up, I only remember buying and reading regular comics like Archie, Mad Magazine, and Gila-Gila. Nonetheless, after being welcomed into the adult world, I started to read and truly enjoy White Ninja. Plus I am glad that I managed to get M into it too especially since we have completely different humor styles. This one will add the oregano into our marriage.

Butt Crack Detector

2008-10-27T02:05:00.000-07:00

So reading one of my favorite blogs izreloaded, I came across his post which talks about the butt crack detector. It is a hip pack that you can wear and it vibrates when your butt crack is exposed. A photoresistor to light is exposed and it triggers a motor to start vibrating to warn you of your semi-indecent exposure. I'm sure we've all experienced this moment at least once, while others have experienced the embarrassing moments of having a picture of our butt cracks taken.

The Best Way To Learn A Language

2008-10-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

My tried and tested method.

Coraline

2008-10-25T02:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a pretty cool work of art, in the making, turning Phil Knight (of Nike) into a moviemaker. Set behind the anonymous walls of Hillsboro where animators hunch over miniscule dolls on sets, manipulating figures frame-by-frame that produces a few seconds of footage in a full day's worth of work. It is adapted from a popular book by Neil Gaiman.

Names

2008-10-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

At this week's Eiken grading session, we came across a bunch of crazy names. Total funniness.

1. 大根　さらだ
[Daikon]- Read as: Oone. Sarada.
Radish Salad.

2. 満子
　Read as: ??? wtf!

Finally, some of you might have already seen this. But here is the ID card of this Singaporean/Javanese kid who was arrested.

Batman Bin Suparman
Batman son of Superman???

Virtual Reality

2008-10-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

I heard a piece o' crazy news today. So a 43 year old woman was jailed for "killing" her virtual husband. Apparently she was suddenly divorced without any reason and she was so enraged that she broke into his account, and killed his digital persona. The interactive game is called "Maple Story". Intrigued I am.

*Source*

Vice

2008-10-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

This halloween, I plan on taking the visitors to a Vice/Numbers party at Colors Studio to party with DJ POLStyle, Dre Skull, Roger Yamaha, DJ Family, 他. Anyways, I've been reading Vice Magazine for a bit now and today I read about something totally rad. It's an interview about a 74-year old porn star! His name is Shigeo Tokuda and he is the pussy master, who talks about his ancient cock.

Read here.

Anyways, it's a good lineup on the 31st, so come and party with us!

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-10-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

#99

Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H.Lawrence

A controversial book due to its sexual content. Published secretly in Florence in 1928, in London in 1932 and finally in America in 1959. Lawrence's last novel. It is the story of Connie, Constance Reid, who marries Sir Clifford Chatterley in 1917. He becomes wounded in the war and is confined to a wheelchair permanently. She has an extremely passionate affair with with Oliver Mellors, the gamekeeper of their estate. The story reveal that sexual relationship is the most profound. However, we tend to treat it lightly or with shame, just like how the young and the old take it to be.

A good read, and a good watch.
And of course, part of my love for the 1920s.

100 Stuff Me Like

2008-10-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

So since I find it hard to blog regularly, I figured I should do some sort of a numbered thing, and start off easy; with things that I like. So here it begins. It is not in any order!

#100:

Lun*na Menoh.
A Japanese born Renaissance artist currently living in LA. She works with fashion, fabric, performance, paintings, and even music. She is an awesome multi-disciplinary artist. Her recent music gig is Seksu Roba with Korean producer Sukho Lee. Anyway, check her out. She's cool.

Recent Muzak!

2008-10-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

So I feel like I've been a hermit that's been finding shelter in a coconut for the past six months or so. First of all, I find out that M.I.A. is engaged and that she's like what, five months pregnant???

Apparently her fiance' is Benjamin Brewer of The Exit, who is also the son of Warner Music CEO!
*Source*

And then what? Then I find out that Kid Sister is actually dating A-Trak. Is really old news? That's actually quite exciting for me though.
*Source*

Anyway I figured when M.I.A. becomes M.I.A., I'd dance to Jahcoozi. I so can't wait to see what M.I.A. will be wearing at her wedding, and what baby M.I.A. would rock up in!

Pepsi White?

2008-10-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

No kidding. This what what I saw at the 7-11 near STEP today. PEPSI WHITE: Pepsi & Yoghurt Flavor. Anyone wanna give it a try?

The Lion City

2008-07-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

Am in Sing-a-f-ing-pura!!!

xxx

BBQ Ketchup & Kulcha

2008-07-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

I guess I took it for granted the fact that bbqs were the same all over the world.
when you say bbq, I imagine burger patties, huge snausages, steak, wings, corn on the cob, sauce, music, fans, booze, so on and so forth, la dee da dee da. Anyways that is why I marinated the wings and the drumsticks over night, I made sauce, and brought pie. They were fantastic.

Unfortunately to my dismay, there were a bunch of douche-bags. Somehow I'm on this really lame streak of meeting d-bags this past month and I'm totally hating people, and so over meeting new ones. Anyways, the first d-bag was just rude. M asked him if the drumsticks on his side of the grill were ready. He answers, "No, not yet..." (These btw, fyi, were the drumsticks I marinated with my own rosemary from my own friggin' garden). D-bag #1 then swoops his tongs in and sweeps away the drumsticks onto his paper plate and totally serves em' all to his bunch of d-bag friends!!! How f-ing rude is that? I should have squirted my spicy apricot bbq sauce into his slanted eyeballs.

Then comes schmuck #2. Some of my wings were served on the main table and I try to explain to d-bag 2 that they don't have to pour mad J-sauce all over them wings because they are already marinated. He says, "Maybe." And I'm like, "What? I'm telling you, they're marinated." D-bag's like, "I don't know. I don't think so." And I give him my I-look-down-on-you-so-bad-and-want-to-twist-your-balls-up-your-asshole laugh and exclaim with my best smile of irony, "I'm not asking you anything. I'm telling you I MARINATED THEM OVERNIGHT. SO DON'T BE POURING YOUR CHEAP-O SUGAR SAUCE ALL O'ER MY WINGS!!!"

Anyway I was so bummed that it turned out to be a yakiniku party instead of what I thought would've been a bbq. I guess they don't do marination here, and they just grill a bunch of stuff like pork and leek and then pour a bottle of sweet-ass sauce all over 'em.

So I know that some men take their grilling seriously. They be grilling, then they be talking business. Serious business. But hearing the conversations that took place over the grill and grilling yesterday made me wanna get grills in my mouth. Gold ones.

D1: Let's put the squid!
D2: Yeah! Squid sounds good! Doesn't it?
D1: Yeah!
D2: Oh it looks great. It was a good idea!
D1: Yeah it was a good idea, wasn't it?
D2: Yeah! Here comes the squid!
D1: Here it comes! The squid!
D2: Oh it looks good!
D1: It does look good!
D2: The squid looks good!
D1: Yeah! Here it comes!

D1 and D2 consequently drown the grilles squid in sauce.

R.I.P. creatures.

x

I like to be in control

2008-07-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

I think I do.
That's why I hate flying.
That's why I hate my job.
That's why I think its disrespectful when students in my class are ugly and dumbshyts.

Things that make my eyes roll:

girls in yukata with-
Louis Vuitton bags
Eating McDonald's
Drinking Coke

Gotta get: Tokyo Stories.

Attempting to make: Chocolate Souffle
Will make: Chocolate Souffle with Raspberries, Coconut + Maple Cookies, Macaroons, Chocolate Pistachio Fudge

Oh. My. God. Songs that make my eyes roll.

2008-07-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

Usher. Gotta love him. Loved him. Can't friggin' decide. I mean, c'mon:

"I wanna make love in this club, yea
In this club, yea, in this club, in this club, yea, in this club
I wanna make love in this club, yea
In this club, yea, in this club, in this club, yea, in this club

You ever made love to a thug
In the club with his sights on
'87 jeans
And a fresh pair of Nikes on"

--- S e r i o u s l y ? ? ?

Mariah Carey... God... no comment on this debauchery on civilization:

"If it's a camera up in here,
Then it's gonna leave with me when I do, I do
If it's a camera up in here,
Then I best not catch it on Youtube, Youtube

Touch my body, let me wrap my thighs
All around your waist, just a little taste
Touch my body, know you like my curves
C'mon and give me what I deserve and touch my body"

Maybe that's why I've put Carly Simon and The Yard Birds on replay. Gotta return to the classics. It's part of Okuyumashii.

And what the hell is Santogold doing on MTV? AAArrrggghhh!!!
*Rips hair from head*

x

I like it raw, but I like things refined.

2008-07-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

That has so got to be my favorite own-quote. Today I had one of them rare experiences where you actually learn something from your students. They taught me the word 奥ゆかしい (okuyukashii), which means to be elegant and modest (or refined). They described this middle-aged lady who looked it and I guarantee you... she does look it. That's gonna be MY word for my lifelong aim of aging gracefully.

I am super glad the storytelling unit is DONE AND OVER WITH!!! You'd be surprised at how many of them I would nominate for the "World's Most Boring ZZZzzzZZZzzz Story." Day in, day out, I hear stories where NOTHING HAPPENS!!!

- I went to Disneyland. It was crowd. I don't like many people. I bought a Pooh-san pencil. It is so cute. I was happy. Finish.

I don't understand why they don't understand the whole concept of STORIES. Have their lives been extremely monotonous to the extent that they DO NOT HAVE ANY stories? Yawn...

X

Lame Lamas

2008-07-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

So I totally love Carly Simon, and I totally digg Mick Jagger. It's lame but I feel bad for likin' both of 'em when people say "You're so vain" is totally about Mick.

Carly rocks.

x

It had to be done~

2008-07-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, my favorite hair salon had to succumb to the price hike BS. All haircuts (including the blow!) cost a blasphemy-ing ¥5,500 nuggets. "Due to the increase of material costs" they nicely explained on a freaking A4 sized Microsoft Word printed "poster" right where they wash your hair.

Bummer.

x

Muzak

2008-07-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of making a mix for my wedding and I'm thinkin', how the hell do I choose 'em? I mean for instance, I like Lyrics Born; he's not too pop-esque mainstream, is he? He was born in Japan, hell i gotta like him. So I test play his song on my ipod and he so wouldn't work. How do I make a mix for my wedding without making it seem like I'm gonna be CD-J-ing for a Valley Girl's Sweet 16 party???

Anyways I totally get what makes me feel all nostalgic about this place called "home." It's the mix of humidity, warm breeze, and the stench of water. Any kind of water-- river, ocean, polluted, stagnant, drain, sewer, you name it.

I saw a homeless dude totally enjoying his peaceful slumber under the highway today. It seemed so liberating to live on the edge. (Edge of the river). Yet people fear not having a shelter over their heads. Fear of the unknown, yada yada yada... too much freedom is bad for you. Or is it?

x

Hama

2008-07-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

So we totally impressed ourselves at wadaiko practice today. Although I can't type for nuts because my fourth finger hurts like a mofo in a tube of jelly. I've been passing out at like 2330 for two nites now like a clinkin' wuss, which probably does not do any good to my digestive system.

A worrying trend about the recent movies we have been renting? Women who have never experienced a single orgasm. Today Andrea & I talked about V.C. Andrews. Maybe those women need to read her books.

I bought an awesome kid's t-shirt from 1988. It has a pink neon t-rex on it an an erupting volcano.

It's too hot and I'm it.

x

On the News

2008-07-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Patients with Pick Disease on the rise in Japan. It's a brain disorder that causes the worsening of mental abilities. Apparently this dude bought 20 pairs of shoes and 100 ties in 6 months, then shoplifted instant ramen and chocolate from a supermarket before he was diagnosed with this disease. He had no idea why everyone was treating him like a criminal after he was arrested.

I READ on the news today that a dude was arrested for the rape of a JR train employee and attempting to rape another. What was disturbing was that NHK did not mention the word RAPE and simply referred to the case as "sexual assault," which to me, does not even do half the justice. What is sexual assault anyway? A pinch on the B?

x

Enough!

2008-07-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

Enough with the indecisiveness. Let's stick to this shyt!

So omfg, I saw an ice-cream truck on the way home, and guess what it sold? Hot dogs! Awesome! Gotta chase me one of them badd boyz!

So, I wonder which is better for the environment when it comes to sending cards or postcards. To save paper by sending them online or to save energy by sending them through snail mail?

x