Newly jobless and homeless former members of the Japanese upper or upper-middle class are turning to a distinctly 21st century version of the flophouse, the
net room: a tiny cubicle, rented by the day, with that all-important feature... an internet connection and a computer.
[more inside]
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Feb 27, 2009 -
41 comments
There is a small but very dedicated and enthusiastic group of people around the world making music with Nintendo Game Boys and other cheap electronic gadgetry. While many of them are consciously fitting their low-bit sonics into relatively straightforward and predictable dance-oriented forms, some others are taking a rather more whimsical and less predictable approach. One such favorite of mine is the utterly charming, Tokyo-based
henna dress. Then there's her alter ego,
beta dress. Then there's her 3rd alter ego,
CAMEBOY (of GGG) .
[more inside]
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Feb 4, 2008 -
21 comments
Tokyo-Ga: this excerpt from a Wim Wenders film offers an interesting little glimpse into the world of
pachinko, a gambling obsession for so many in Japan. But while most are gazing hypnotically into the noisy little machines in order to win prizes or money, others are
circuit bending them to make them even
noisier.
[more inside]
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Oct 21, 2007 -
31 comments
It's hard to think of any music that's any more
fun than
The Ventures, and here they are, live in Japan, 1965, at the top of their game. This footage is
really good:
Walk Don't Run.
Wipe Out.
Apache.
House of the Rising Sun.
Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.
Flight of the Bumblebee.
The Cruel Sea . . . But WAIT!
Opening for the Ventures on that steamy summer night was homegrown Ventures
cover band
The M-Ventures! Straight outta Tokyo! Check out their versions of
The Pink Panther Theme,
Surf Rider and
Yellowjacket. And in case you were wondering if the Ventures' influence is
still being felt in Japan, well, check out 9-year-old guitarist Chicchi's versions of
The Cruel Sea,
Penetration,
Walk Don't Run and
Pipeline.
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Sep 19, 2007 -
36 comments
Time once again to pay a little visit to Japan's ever-engaging electro-mechanical music overachievers,
Maywa Denki. Here's some of their
latest and
greatest efforts.
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Aug 1, 2007 -
26 comments
The folks from Japanese public TV's excellent children's show "Pythagora Switch" have for several years been creating some of the most delightful and inventive Rube Goldberg-esque contraptions you're likely to ever see.
Here's a 9 minute clip featuring lots of these little kinetic masterpieces, guaranteed to entertain.
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Jun 24, 2007 -
43 comments
"Fortunately nobody was using the toilets when the fire broke out and there were no injuries," a company spokesman said.
"The fire would have been just under your buttocks." The
flaming toilets of Japan! Of course, if these kinds of problems with new-fangled techno-toilets continue, people might be advised to go back to the
traditional Japanese toilet. In which case, this refresher course in
How to Use Japanese Style Toilet Bowel [
sic] might come in handy. Happy squatting!
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Apr 19, 2007 -
24 comments
It's the season once again for the
annual dolphin drives in Japan, the appallingly
cruel (see "Les massacres" video) practice of herding into shallow waters and brutally slaughtering these highly intelligent, self-aware and emotional creatures. There are
those trying to stop it, and should you be so inclined, you can sign their
petition.
posted by flapjax at midnite
on Nov 20, 2006 -
62 comments
