More Wacky Japanese Stuff

ZenGum · 10-20-2007, 11:33 AM

I think the picture should go first and the story second. I can't figure out how to do that with a single post (any help?) so here it is in two posts:

ZenGum · 10-20-2007, 11:35 AM

This from the New York Times, at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/wo...87a&ei=5087%0A

Quote:

Deftly, Ms. Tsukioka, a 29-year-old experimental fashion designer, lifted a flap on her skirt to reveal a large sheet of cloth printed in bright red with a soft drink logo partly visible. By holding the sheet open and stepping to the side of the road, she showed how a woman walking alone could elude pursuers — by disguising herself as a vending machine.

The wearer hides behind the sheet, printed with an actual-size photo of a vending machine. Ms. Tsukioka’s clothing is still in development, but she already has several versions, including one that unfolds from a kimono and a deluxe model with four sides for more complete camouflaging.

Some facts:
There are around 5,000,000 vending machines in Japan.
The incidence of violent crime is one seventh the rate in the United States.
The rate of violent crime is falling.
And my favorite:

Quote:

... she has sold about 20 vending-machine skirts for about $800 each...

Does anyone believe for a second that this might actually work, and not leave you standing there looking like a complete twit when the stalker rips open the fabric?

footfootfoot · 06-16-2012, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZenGum

This from the New York Times, at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/wo...87a&ei=5087%0A

Some facts:
There are around 5,000,000 vending machines in Japan.
The incidence of violent crime is one seventh the rate in the United States.
The rate of violent crime is falling.
And my favorite:

Does anyone believe for a second that this might actually work, and not leave you standing there looking like a complete twit when the stalker rips open the fabric?

They were bought for cosplay, zen. You're slipping...

lumberjim · 10-20-2007, 11:42 AM

The worst part would be lugging all the bottles of soda around with you all day.

ZenGum · 10-20-2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumberjim

The worst part would be lugging all the bottles of soda around with you all day.

And the ice to keep them cool.
And the change.

paddlegal · 11-15-2007, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumberjim

The worst part would be lugging all the bottles of soda around with you all day.

A great big ole Arkansas Haw!

ZenGum · 11-16-2007, 08:33 AM

This friendly little mouse, with the blue condom on its head, is Pi-po-chan, the mascot of the Tokyo Police force. Piiiiii-pohhhhh is the sound Japanese police sirens make, and "chan" is a familiar version of "san". So the name translates roughly as "Wee-wah-sweetie".
Yes, the cops in a city of 32 million keep order with a mouse. RESPECT MAH AUTHORITAH!!!

Name: Pi-Po chan.JPG
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Name: Pi-Po chan.JPG
Views: 480
Size: 126.3 KB

Mockingbird · 11-16-2007, 08:56 AM

That inspires fear in the heart of evil doers!

One thing that's kind of struck me as telling in Japan is the drug law. Speed and other 'uppers' carry a much lower sentence compared to marijuana use. I don't think they care what you do as long as you're nice and productive.

Shame, though. The one time I went to visit I remember telling my friends that if there was one place in the world that needed weed, it had to be Japan. It's crazy, the one connection I was able to find was a known member of the Yakuza and he charged about $500 US for an ounce. (!!!) Those folks just don't like chilling out.

ZenGum · 11-16-2007, 09:09 AM

Indeed, the "zero-tolerance" idea has never caught on here. Funnily, a lot of the young posers aspire to the image of the drug culture but don't actually do (can't get, possibly) drugs. There are plenty of wannabes with dope-leaf jewelry or T-shirts, but who've never smoked in their lives.
Similarly when the ecstasy set in the west were all going on the dance floor with bottles of evian, the Tokyo set were going dancing with their evian bottles... without having drugs.

Drugs are available here, if you look hard enough, but I am not risking the law here. In South Australia, possession for personal use = on the spot fine, pay at the post office, no record. Here, the cops can hold you for 21 days on suspicion without bail or a lawyer, and any conviction would cost me my job, apartment, and visa, plus probable prison time. I'll pass, thanks.

SteveDallas · 10-20-2007, 11:49 AM

Not really, I'm sure the sales were made for the novelty value.

I wonder if she's planning to make one that impersonates the vending machine full of panties?

lumberjim · 10-20-2007, 11:49 AM

MXC

DanaC · 10-20-2007, 12:25 PM

I think actually the worst part would be dispensing the bottles....

lumberjim · 10-20-2007, 12:28 PM

oh, the swirling milieu of visualizations i got from those last two posts. I think I have a pube stuck in my virtual teeth

DanaC · 10-20-2007, 01:09 PM

Maybe you need to swill your mouth...I think I have a couple of coke bottles somewhere.

xoxoxoBruce · 10-20-2007, 08:07 PM

Just as she conceals herself, her pursuer arrives.

Looking around... pant pant, "Damn!", sweat sweat, "I've lost her", gasp gasp, "I need a Coke", sweat sweat.

10-20-2007, 11:33 AM	#1
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	More Wacky Japanese Stuff I think the picture should go first and the story second. I can't figure out how to do that with a single post (any help?) so here it is in two posts: Attached Images

10-20-2007, 11:42 AM	#4
lumberjim I can hear my ears Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 25,571	The worst part would be lugging all the bottles of soda around with you all day. __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion ~MJKeenan

11-16-2007, 08:33 AM	#7
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	This friendly little mouse, with the blue condom on its head, is Pi-po-chan, the mascot of the Tokyo Police force. Piiiiii-pohhhhh is the sound Japanese police sirens make, and "chan" is a familiar version of "san". So the name translates roughly as "Wee-wah-sweetie". Yes, the cops in a city of 32 million keep order with a mouse. RESPECT MAH AUTHORITAH!!! __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

11-16-2007, 08:56 AM	#8
Mockingbird Master of hand to mouth living Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tulsa, Okla Posts: 189	That inspires fear in the heart of evil doers! One thing that's kind of struck me as telling in Japan is the drug law. Speed and other 'uppers' carry a much lower sentence compared to marijuana use. I don't think they care what you do as long as you're nice and productive. Shame, though. The one time I went to visit I remember telling my friends that if there was one place in the world that needed weed, it had to be Japan. It's crazy, the one connection I was able to find was a known member of the Yakuza and he charged about $500 US for an ounce. (!!!) Those folks just don't like chilling out. __________________ When you're low it's either wave that flag or stand there empty-handed. -- Achewood

11-16-2007, 09:09 AM	#9
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	Indeed, the "zero-tolerance" idea has never caught on here. Funnily, a lot of the young posers aspire to the image of the drug culture but don't actually do (can't get, possibly) drugs. There are plenty of wannabes with dope-leaf jewelry or T-shirts, but who've never smoked in their lives. Similarly when the ecstasy set in the west were all going on the dance floor with bottles of evian, the Tokyo set were going dancing with their evian bottles... without having drugs. Drugs are available here, if you look hard enough, but I am not risking the law here. In South Australia, possession for personal use = on the spot fine, pay at the post office, no record. Here, the cops can hold you for 21 days on suspicion without bail or a lawyer, and any conviction would cost me my job, apartment, and visa, plus probable prison time. I'll pass, thanks. __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

10-20-2007, 11:49 AM	#10
SteveDallas Your Bartender Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philly Burbs, PA Posts: 7,651	Not really, I'm sure the sales were made for the novelty value. I wonder if she's planning to make one that impersonates the vending machine full of panties?

10-20-2007, 11:49 AM	#11
lumberjim I can hear my ears Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 25,571	MXC __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion ~MJKeenan

10-20-2007, 12:25 PM	#12
DanaC We have to go back, Kate! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 25,964	I think actually the worst part would be dispensing the bottles....

10-20-2007, 12:28 PM	#13
lumberjim I can hear my ears Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 25,571	oh, the swirling milieu of visualizations i got from those last two posts. I think I have a pube stuck in my virtual teeth __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion ~MJKeenan

10-20-2007, 01:09 PM	#14
DanaC We have to go back, Kate! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 25,964	Maybe you need to swill your mouth...I think I have a couple of coke bottles somewhere.

10-20-2007, 08:07 PM	#15
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	Just as she conceals herself, her pursuer arrives. Looking around... pant pant, "Damn!", sweat sweat, "I've lost her", gasp gasp, "I need a Coke", sweat sweat.

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