Picture this scene… You’re at an Izakaya with your mates, all having a great time. It’s towards the end of the evening when everyone notices there’s just one more piece of Tebasaki (手羽先, Chicken wing) on the plate in the centre, but there are 4 of you. Being the polite person you are, you don’t want to take it, but you don’t want it to go to waste either. After all, it goes … [Read more...] about The Decision-Making Powers of Janken
Culture
Momotaro Jinja: The surreal shrine to the boy born of a peach
It is safe to say that the legend of Momotaro, the story of a boy who was born from a peach, is the most well known fable in all of Japanese folklore. From as early as kindergarten, children are told the tale of the childless old couple that found a giant peach floating in the river, only to open it and find a small boy inside. Most residents of Japan are familiar with the … [Read more...] about Momotaro Jinja: The surreal shrine to the boy born of a peach
Hachimaki – the Japanese Headband that gives you Energy
When thinking of Japan, some of the things that usually come to mind are Sushi and Samurai; perhaps Karate and Bonsai. These are all iconic images in Japan, but when it comes to cultural icons, there is one piece of headwear that embodies the quintessential image of Japan – the Hachimaki (鉢巻). The Bosozoku wear them while riding their motorcycles, protesters wear them to get … [Read more...] about Hachimaki – the Japanese Headband that gives you Energy
Ossan Rental : Japanese Middle-Aged Men for Hire
Takanobu Nishimoto is the owner of a unique business. The Straits Times reported that the fashion expert of 50 years old created an online platform named “Ossan Rental” in 2012 from his residence in Tokyo. “Ossan” is a somewhat insulting term for “uncles” or middle-aged men. At just 1,000 Japanese Yen, the equivalent of $6.84 per hour, people using Nishimoto’s service … [Read more...] about Ossan Rental : Japanese Middle-Aged Men for Hire
This Japanese Father And Daughter Look Awesome When They Cosplay Together
Cosplay can be more enjoyable when you have someone else dressing with you. For instance, a Japanese girl who goes by the alias Ofumi has a devoted cosplay buddy–her father. The two of them dress in costumes designed to be worn together and have created their character. Dad is usually an enforcer. He is often furrowing his eyebrows and snarling while wielding an axe. Ofumi … [Read more...] about This Japanese Father And Daughter Look Awesome When They Cosplay Together