Cars with weird model names
Christina and I have seen a lot of cars with very strange names during our commute throughout the year. Here's just a partial list:
- "Toyopet"
- "Every"
- "Note"
- "Today Humming" (the model of our car)
- "Deliboy"
- "Jimney"
- "LightAce Noah"
- "Town Cube" (which is fitting--many of the cars here are very box-like)
- And many, many more!
More zany entries as I encounter them.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I Love Japan: #87
The rabbit in the moon （月の兎）
While many Westerners know of the "man in the moon" and may recognize something of a human face in the celestial body, many Eastern people see a rabbit.
The Chinese believe the rabbit in the moon is making an elixir of life for the moon goddess, while the Japanese and Koreans believe he's pounding mochi (a glutinous rice paste used to make small cakes).
Trivia: Sailor Moon's Japanese name is a pun on the words "rabbit of the moon," which explains her crazy ass hairstyle. I wonder how "Moon Rabbit" would go over as a superhero name in the US?
While many Westerners know of the "man in the moon" and may recognize something of a human face in the celestial body, many Eastern people see a rabbit.
The Chinese believe the rabbit in the moon is making an elixir of life for the moon goddess, while the Japanese and Koreans believe he's pounding mochi (a glutinous rice paste used to make small cakes).
Trivia: Sailor Moon's Japanese name is a pun on the words "rabbit of the moon," which explains her crazy ass hairstyle. I wonder how "Moon Rabbit" would go over as a superhero name in the US?
I Love Japan: #88
Nikuman （肉まん）
These beef-filled dumplings are a kind of street food and sold at convenience stores during the winter months. Kind of like a Lean Pocket, but so much better. There are other variations, like pizaman (like a pizza pocket, filled with mariana sauce, sausage, herbs and maybe cheese, but always corn--corn's a popular pizza topping here), kareman (filled with Japanese curry) or anman (filled with sweet bean paste).
As is the case with a lot of stuff in Japan, nikuman originated in China, where they're known as baozi. Yum, borrowed foods!
These beef-filled dumplings are a kind of street food and sold at convenience stores during the winter months. Kind of like a Lean Pocket, but so much better. There are other variations, like pizaman (like a pizza pocket, filled with mariana sauce, sausage, herbs and maybe cheese, but always corn--corn's a popular pizza topping here), kareman (filled with Japanese curry) or anman (filled with sweet bean paste).
As is the case with a lot of stuff in Japan, nikuman originated in China, where they're known as baozi. Yum, borrowed foods!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
I Love Japan: #89
Geta （下駄）
Or as I like to call them, "more footwear that will never fit me." The traditional sandals for kimono and yukata, geta really tie together the total Japanese look... that, and a surgical mask. (More on that later.)
Or as I like to call them, "more footwear that will never fit me." The traditional sandals for kimono and yukata, geta really tie together the total Japanese look... that, and a surgical mask. (More on that later.)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I Love Japan: #90
Public holidays
We get all sorts of days off here in Japan. Take today, for instance. It's the birthday of the old Emperor, Showa, who reigned before, during and after World War II.
Here's the complete list I nabbed off some website:
1 Jan New Year's Day.
12 Jan Coming of Age Day.
11 Feb National Foundation Day.
20 Mar Vernal Equinox.
29 Apr Showa Day.
3 May Constitution Memorial Day.
4 May Greenery Day.
5 May Children's Day.
20 July Marine Day.
21 Sept Respect for the Aged Day.
23 Sept Autumnal Equinox.
12 Oct Sports Day.
3 Nov Culture Day.
23 Nov Labor Thanksgiving Day.
23 Dec Birthday of the Emperor.
I don't know what a third of these actually celebrate, but any day that involves pizza and soccer, and would otherwise be spent at work, is fine by me.
We get all sorts of days off here in Japan. Take today, for instance. It's the birthday of the old Emperor, Showa, who reigned before, during and after World War II.
Here's the complete list I nabbed off some website:
1 Jan New Year's Day.
12 Jan Coming of Age Day.
11 Feb National Foundation Day.
20 Mar Vernal Equinox.
29 Apr Showa Day.
3 May Constitution Memorial Day.
4 May Greenery Day.
5 May Children's Day.
20 July Marine Day.
21 Sept Respect for the Aged Day.
23 Sept Autumnal Equinox.
12 Oct Sports Day.
3 Nov Culture Day.
23 Nov Labor Thanksgiving Day.
23 Dec Birthday of the Emperor.
I don't know what a third of these actually celebrate, but any day that involves pizza and soccer, and would otherwise be spent at work, is fine by me.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I Love Japan: #91
Koban （小判）
Everyone's seen these before, right? The gold currency used in feudal Japan? Anyone? Anyone? Beuller? No? Maybe seeing it referenced in a modern context will help you out:
Yes, that's a koban plastered on that Pokemon's forehead. (Side note: Meowth himself is another reference of Japanese culture...)
A Japanese proverb, "Neko ni koban" ("Give a koban to a cat"), means the same thing as "Cast pearls before swine," or that inappreciative people shouldn't be given valuable things. Interesting note: In the Japanese version of Pokemon, Meowth's Pay Day attack (where he throws coins--or more accurately, koban--at the enemy) was called Neko ni Koban. The more you know! (Cue shooting star over NBC logo.)
These coins probably bought a lot of sashimi 400 years ago, back in old Edo. They're obsolete nowadays, of course (good luck trying to insert one into one of the many vending machines around here), but some can be found on display in museums and antique shops. I saw a whole bunch of the hash brown-shaped relics at the National Museum in Tokyo. Now, I've never been into the whole "vintage" scene, but I gotta say, I've never wanted to steal anything more than I wanted to steal those koban. Could've taken them to the bank just to mess with the teller. "Can I get some stamps?"
Everyone's seen these before, right? The gold currency used in feudal Japan? Anyone? Anyone? Beuller? No? Maybe seeing it referenced in a modern context will help you out:
Yes, that's a koban plastered on that Pokemon's forehead. (Side note: Meowth himself is another reference of Japanese culture...)
A Japanese proverb, "Neko ni koban" ("Give a koban to a cat"), means the same thing as "Cast pearls before swine," or that inappreciative people shouldn't be given valuable things. Interesting note: In the Japanese version of Pokemon, Meowth's Pay Day attack (where he throws coins--or more accurately, koban--at the enemy) was called Neko ni Koban. The more you know! (Cue shooting star over NBC logo.)
These coins probably bought a lot of sashimi 400 years ago, back in old Edo. They're obsolete nowadays, of course (good luck trying to insert one into one of the many vending machines around here), but some can be found on display in museums and antique shops. I saw a whole bunch of the hash brown-shaped relics at the National Museum in Tokyo. Now, I've never been into the whole "vintage" scene, but I gotta say, I've never wanted to steal anything more than I wanted to steal those koban. Could've taken them to the bank just to mess with the teller. "Can I get some stamps?"
Monday, April 27, 2009
I Love Japan: #92
Yuzu （ゆず）
Yuzu is a Japanese citrus with a half orange, half lemon flavor. You can find it in grocery stores, and as a main ingredient in salad dressings, pasta sauces, vinegars, oils, syrups and juices. And I think it's pretty healthy, too. A yuzu a day keeps the swine flu at bay!
Yuzu is a Japanese citrus with a half orange, half lemon flavor. You can find it in grocery stores, and as a main ingredient in salad dressings, pasta sauces, vinegars, oils, syrups and juices. And I think it's pretty healthy, too. A yuzu a day keeps the swine flu at bay!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
I Love Japan: #93
Vending machines
Unlike America, Japan has vending machines everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere.
Including the top of Mt. Fuji.
While snack vending machines aren't as common, it's likely you'll run into a drink-dispensing one within sixty seconds of walking out your front door--literally. Sidewalks are dotted with them, and many times they can be located right outside a person's house. Some even sell beer. (And are located right outside of a high school, as is the case in my town...)
Here are some (of the many) situated outside my school:
What you don't see is the other triplet of machines directly across the street from these. Let's take a closer look at its wares...
Finally! Innocent brew! Praise be to God, the mornings of forcing down corrupt caffeine are finally over. Now I can start my day with a wholesome coffee that won't steal my woman, tens from my wallet, or my Visa to buy Snuggies on QVC. Thanks, Roots! You're the best part of waking up.
Momma, let me be!
A cute gimmick to promote recycling. Personally, I'd prefer to see the can with horns, a pointed tail and a pitchfork. Maybe have it say, "You haven't seen the last of me, humans!" with blood dripping off the serifs. Something tells me it wouldn't bode well in this land of plush keychains and Hello Kitty, however. Oh well, I'd probably recycle anyway!
Unlike America, Japan has vending machines everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere.
Including the top of Mt. Fuji.
While snack vending machines aren't as common, it's likely you'll run into a drink-dispensing one within sixty seconds of walking out your front door--literally. Sidewalks are dotted with them, and many times they can be located right outside a person's house. Some even sell beer. (And are located right outside of a high school, as is the case in my town...)
Here are some (of the many) situated outside my school:
What you don't see is the other triplet of machines directly across the street from these. Let's take a closer look at its wares...
Finally! Innocent brew! Praise be to God, the mornings of forcing down corrupt caffeine are finally over. Now I can start my day with a wholesome coffee that won't steal my woman, tens from my wallet, or my Visa to buy Snuggies on QVC. Thanks, Roots! You're the best part of waking up.
Momma, let me be!
A cute gimmick to promote recycling. Personally, I'd prefer to see the can with horns, a pointed tail and a pitchfork. Maybe have it say, "You haven't seen the last of me, humans!" with blood dripping off the serifs. Something tells me it wouldn't bode well in this land of plush keychains and Hello Kitty, however. Oh well, I'd probably recycle anyway!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
I Love Japan: #94
Bizarre beauty products
Collagen marshmallows. I just saw these tonight when they were on sale in a drug store in Shizuoka City.
Here's one that's also an exquisite example of Engrish. It's Horny Remover!
And ladies, feeling a little inadequate about your twin peaks? Put away those padded bras and balled-up tissues--here comes Bust Up Gum!
From the makers of F-Cup Cake.
Collagen marshmallows. I just saw these tonight when they were on sale in a drug store in Shizuoka City.
Here's one that's also an exquisite example of Engrish. It's Horny Remover!
And ladies, feeling a little inadequate about your twin peaks? Put away those padded bras and balled-up tissues--here comes Bust Up Gum!
From the makers of F-Cup Cake.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I Love Japan: #95
Shamisen （三味線）
This three-stringed, widely-recognized banjo holds a premiere seat in the pantheon of great Japanese instruments. I think we can all agree that its sound is the most iconic of Japan. Sometimes I see performers playing shamisen in train stations.
Awesome shamisen player:
The Yoshida Brothers:
Dueling shamisen:
This three-stringed, widely-recognized banjo holds a premiere seat in the pantheon of great Japanese instruments. I think we can all agree that its sound is the most iconic of Japan. Sometimes I see performers playing shamisen in train stations.
Awesome shamisen player:
The Yoshida Brothers:
Dueling shamisen:
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