It seems the rainy season has broken and hot, humid summer air is now upon us. Air conditioning has started to feel really good, but most people are making do without (or with less). So no need for scheduled blackouts yet. Great. If you’re indoors waiting out the afternoon heat this weekend, here are a few posts to check out…
The Japanese Press and TEPCO
Jake Adelstein, the reporter behind the excellent Tokyo Vice, has written a very good piece on the relationship between Fukushima plant-owners TEPCO and their good friends in the Japanese media. Read it over at Number 1 Shimbun
Japan creates frankenstein pop idol, sells candy
Girl pop group AKB48 (you know, the group that has 48 members divided into several troupes) has been on TV, shilling for a new kind of ice cream/candy thing. The commercials featured a new member. Most didn’t bat an eye, but some fans thought the new girl was a bit odd. Turns out, they were right – she’s just a CG creation. See an explanation and a video at Engadget
Restaurant Overwhelms Customers With Free Side Dishes
At some Tokyo restaurants, the waiter will plop down a small dish in front of you as you take your seat. You love freebies, so you’re excited. Oops, turns out that “otoshi” is just a symbol of your seating charge. Booo. For some real freebies, you’ve got to head to Steak Fuji. See the bounty of extras at Japan Probe
Tokyo Toy Fair head scratchers
Here’s our most popular post of the week, just in case you missed it. It’s a look at some of the stranger products we came across in our Tokyo Toy Fair sojourn… Read the full post
