Known in the US as *the* new year’s song, in Japan this song gets played whenever any place of business is closing for the day: sento, supermarket, public garden, really anywhere!
Here’s Mariah Carey’s new version.
And the classic Disco version from Salsoul Orchestra (via JoeMyGod).
This new word イクメン combine the slang ikemen, which means attractive man, with iku, which means child-raising. It is one of the many, many sub-categories of men I find very hot in Tokyo. Watching men whose main accessories are their toddlers inspires admiration and lust.
And, like every trend in Japan, it’s been fully commercialized, including a special section of Takashimaya department store’s website! For more 2010 new words, check out this Japan Times article.
Wow! This simple blog has been cited by CNNgo as one of the top 10 Japan blogs in English. I like how the CNNgo description identifies me as being “married to a Japanese man” but is indeterminate about my gender and my readers’.
“So ladies” is how CNNgo addresses my readers. I welcome female readers but don’t think that’s the total of my readers. Hello?! Isn’t it 100% clear that I am a queer guy?! Haha on CNNgo for reflecting Japan’s inability to see gayness no matter how flagrant!
Some of the other picks are my regular reading material. Congrats #1 Green Eyed Geisha for continually inspiring me. I am also thrilled to be included with Vivian’s Lost in Translation blog.
There’s no reason for this photo, but I *love* Cher at the British premiere of Burlesque. Who’s seen the movie? I want to, but I heard there is not enough Cher in the movie. What do you think?
Thanks, Christophe, for sending me this video. I love its paper-based story telling, emo model, and setting in downtown Seoul.
This series of JR ads from the Bubble sum up Japan (and China’s) fascination with Xmas as a holiday particularly suited to young lovers. Hope everyone here is enjoying some Kentucky Fried Chicken, cakes made of equal parts strawberry and whipped cream, and of course, Wham!’s Last Christmas.
This high school student is being charged in rural California with sexual assault for performing a wrestling maneuver called a “butt drag.” The NY Times unhelpfully explains that a “butt drag” is “involves grabbing the haunch of an opponent to gain leverage.” It may also have involved non-consensual penetration, but the story is kinda vague on exactly what happened.
I’d like to know more about wrestling and about the student’s mom’s hair-do.
Not being a big fan of war and violence, I find it satisfying to see the militaries of the world spending their money on making silly iPhone apps and super-campy YouTube videos. This delightful instructional video comes from Japan’s Ministry of Self Defense, and shows how sailors and viewers can use their iPhone to learn how to properly salute.
Although this will not be well received by some of Japan’s Asian neighbors, there’s an extra high MOE benefit to this education that requires no subtitles! Too bad that the free app is not available on Apple’s US App Store. Tear down the wall, Steve Jobs!
I love the Youtube comment from WoodyLittle: This is EXACTLY like every bachelorette party I’ve ever attended…only gayer.
Update: My mom demands credit for spotting this on Gawker and submitting the link!
This Little Taiko Boy somehow turns an Xmas song into a very sexy video with an HIV prevention message. Almost makes Xmas bearable. Sorry but Vimeo does not embed on WordPress.com blogs. Worth clicking.
Tokyo Moe 