Matching hair to fur collar

Another blog post shamelessly “borrowed” or re-blogged from InvisibleGaijin is this post about the latest Tokyo men’s fashion: dyeing your hair to match your fur collar. I love both the fashion itself and the reporter, who claims that “man skirts” are so last month. This photo is a visual love poem to the Tokyo Metro.

Underwear obsession

Just when I feel jaded about the blogosphere, I discovered a new blog InvisibleGaijin that mixes wicked satire and faux news with a focus on men’s fashion. Swoon.

The above is from InvisibleGaijin’s story about Japanese underwear, which connects undergarment obsession with recession and soshoku danshi (herbivores), and in part reads:

Self-professed gaijin with love/hate relationship with Japan, Fuzakeruna Konogaijinme, commented, “Japanese salarymen always turn inwards in recessions, peering into their navels in hopes no one notices they don’t do shit at work. Underwear that makes your balls feel good always sells.”

(Image from www.pants-ya.com. Almost NSFW).

Boobs full of faith

Former Miss America contestant Carrie Prejean’s boobs are full of faith, according to E! Online.

Outspoken homophobe with pageant-bought boobs explains, “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with getting breast implants as a Christian. I think it’s a personal decision. I don’t see anywhere in the Bible where it says you shouldn’t get breast implants.”

Nothing says Jesus loves me more than a full-figured tanned body in a bright white bikini.

“Obama visiting Japan as relations stiffen”

Relations stiffen? My morning coffee nearly flew out of my mouth reading the title of this New York Times online article about Obama’s visit to Japan. Normally this blog stays glued to what some might consider the frivolous topic of male vanity in its many many manifestations.

But I could not resist the topic of Japan’s new-found independence in foreign policy after reading this title, with its hautiness and resentment mixed with a “stiffening” attraction. It seems to suggest, “I hate you, and you’re turning me on.”

Apparently the US felt extremely comfortable with the LDP’s nearly 50 years rule and are chafing under new policies brought by current Prime Minister Hatoyama, whose DP won in a landslide last August. Renegotiating what the US calls “the Alliance” may mean Japan no longer accepts military occupation and the assumption that Japan will join each and every US war.

Despite Hatoyama’s clear campaign calls for a more independent Japan, the US government and foreign policy experts claim that the new Japanese government is “inexperienced,” unsure of what it wants, and perhaps not serious about its campaign promises. In fact, I think the US is flipping over Japan’s re-opening Okinawa base discussions, ending the refueling mission in support of the permanent US war effort in Afghanistan, and new overtures to Asia that do not include the US.

There have even been ominous reports of arriving late to a state dinner (the Hatoyamas in Pittsburgh) and skipping a welcome dinner at the Japan Defense Ministry (Robert Gates, US military chief).

It is sad how little change Obama has created. Not so different from Bush’s economic team and his military policies that insist on servile allies and endless foreign wars. But maybe the “stiffening relations” can in the long run reduce some tensions.

On second thought I am not sure this post strayed too far from male vanity. What do you think?

More plant love

Are Japanese men teasing me with their plant-love fashion? This California t-shirt reminds me of happy times that are not allowed in this otherwise wonderful and peace-loving country.

Nightie sign is extra moe

Nighties are, by definition, more moe than function. The “I do love” introduction adds an extra frisson of perversion, and I can only wonder how the Ikuko nightie “satisfied you.”

Mrs O is Much Loved

A lovely photo by Annie Leibowitz from my favorite blog, mrs-o.org. And a gushing tribute to Mrs O in the New York Times Opinion section. Yes, Mrs O even double dutche jump ropes!

Man with pig

Had a lovely chat with this man and his “mini buta.” Buta means “pig.” The owner seemed thrilled to introduce his pet to all the people at the festival. He even made the pig squeal by encouraging us to touch his snout. I was in love.

Tom Ford’s “A Single Man”

Sexy trailer of Tom Ford’s directorial debut, “A Single Man.” I love Julianne Moore and the early 1960s. Thanks, Christophe, for sending this from France. More info on the movie here.

Favorite Tennis Slash Couple

I am sad that my favorite tennis slash couple will not be facing off in the US Open final today. Poor Nadal has had a rough year with lots of injuries, including his abdominals now. The photo above shows the tenderness underlying men’s tennis’ biggest rivalry. I love how #1 Roger has his thumb on Rafa’s nipple. There’s a lot of love and hate, all mixed together in competition. Hot!