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5 Sep 2005, 12:02
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#1
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Caveat Lector
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3,038
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Back From Japan...
I'll post some pictures when I have some. I had a good time, but I really hate to travel (it took two days to get back - mostly waiting between trains/flights).
Some interesting/disconcerting ubiqutious Japanese technology:
Toilet seat warmers with butt sprinklers (every hotel had these and so did the home I stayed in!)
A remote control for *everything*.
I spent one night in a traditional Japanese hotel. It is nothing like a normal/western hotel. People just barge into your room, after quickly knocking, and they come in all the time. They serve food inside your room on a small table by which you squat/sit. It's all seafood - large shrimp, fish eggs, squid, ocotpus, sea urchin, clams, miso soup, sushi, unagi, etc. I found myself eating things for which I didn't know the name and and could not understand it's origin. The Japanese have managed to scrape up something edible from every crack and crevice of the ocean's floor. You sleep on tatami mats, took steaming baths in hot springs (This was really nice as was right on the cliffs hanging over the ocean - I have great pictures.)
Finally, the parts of Japan I visited were amazingly beatiful. Even Tokyo was breathtaking, except the poverty ridden parts around the Shitamachi area - there a camps of squatters living along the edge of the river system in Tokyo.
I'll have pictures soon, I have to develop some of them. :0
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5 Sep 2005, 12:16
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#2
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Ball
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,410
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Re: Back From Japan...
How does one dry one's butt after using the butt sprinkler?
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#linux
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5 Sep 2005, 12:18
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#3
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Caveat Lector
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3,038
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by queball
How does one dry one's butt after using the butt sprinkler?
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I don't know, I found the whole experience unsettling, and I proceeded to turn it off immediately and then prayed to god for forgiveness.
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5 Sep 2005, 12:35
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Posts: 3,347
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by s|k
A remote control for *everything*.
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Is this one giant remote for everything with 20 million buttons, or does every item have it's own personal remote so you end up with 1000 remotes?
Quote:
Originally Posted by s|k
I found myself eating things for which I didn't know the name and and could not understand it's origin.
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that's probably for the best...
__________________
The 20th century has been characterised by three developments of great political importance. The growth of democracy; the growth of corporate power; and the growth of corporate propaganda as a means of protecting corporate power against democracy.
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5 Sep 2005, 12:40
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#5
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I am.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,580
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by s|k
Some interesting/disconcerting ubiqutious Japanese technology:
butt sprinklers
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you really are ghastly.
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hi
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5 Sep 2005, 12:52
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#6
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mmm.. pills
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,152
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Re: Back From Japan...
what Yahwe said.. bidet look it up
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5 Sep 2005, 13:04
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#7
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Caveat Lector
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3,038
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by djbass
what Yahwe said.. bidet look it up
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No, that's not what this is. And **** Yahwe...
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5 Sep 2005, 13:41
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#8
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Caveat Lector
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3,038
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Horn
sounds really good, what was the nightlife like ?
how did you communicate ?
how receptive were the natives ?
(was that the right were, or is it meant to be where ?)
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Ayako and I really don't drink or go out to clubs or anything. We have a pretty quiet life. I am getting married to a native, so I have to say they are pretty nice! I did feel different, and while Ayako and I were together we did get the occasional stare. Foreigners, especially outside of Tokyo, are pretty rare, and for one to be paired up with a Japanese girl, must very out of the ordinary. At the traditional Japanese hotel I was assumed to be her husband, and that's what I was called.
Also, I did not communicate much at all, Ayako spoke for me. Her brother could speak some English, but besides that I spoke only to her for about a week. I really like Japan, it is a very friendly place.
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5 Sep 2005, 13:55
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#9
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Heh, Leeds !
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: In The Redfern
Posts: 3,790
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Re: Back From Japan...
So, was it BIG in Japan ?
__________________
The George Harrison of BlueTuba
Yes, I know he is dead !
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5 Sep 2005, 15:30
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: South Pacific
Posts: 4,911
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by queball
How does one dry one's butt after using the butt sprinkler?
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there is sometimes a dryer. Maybe he didn't find the button.
__________________
I think it's time we blow this scene, get everybody and the stuff together..........
ok 3..... 2..... 1.. let's jam
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5 Sep 2005, 15:31
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#11
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Gone
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,656
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaio
So, was it BIG in Japan ?
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Suit you sir!
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5 Sep 2005, 18:43
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#12
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Angry Young Man
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Mister Cacciatore's down on Sullivan Street
Posts: 7,518
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Re: Back From Japan...
Japan is the one place in the world id actually like to visit. I find it fascinating. Considering i havent left Britain since 2000, and never on my own, and have no direction in life, perhaps i should start a "Japan" fund.
__________________
Believe in me, cause i don't believe in anything
And i wanna be someone, to believe, to believe in
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5 Sep 2005, 19:32
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#13
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Has Soup On His Head
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,095
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deffeh
Japan is the one place in the world id actually like to visit. I find it fascinating. Considering i havent left Britain since 2000, and never on my own, and have no direction in life, perhaps i should start a "Japan" fund.
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When you get there, youll discover that not all schoolgirls have 38DD breasts, the bars and clubs arent filled with women wanting endless hours of sex, and there are no demons hidding in the houses in the hills spending their nights trying to take over the world.
Although you may find Pinky & The Brain doing that, since nobody has heard from them since the last Animaniacs run.
__________________
And the Banker, inspired with a courage so new
It was matter for general remark,
Rushed madly ahead and was lost to their view
In his zeal to discover the Snark
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5 Sep 2005, 19:36
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#14
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USS Oklahoma
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,500
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by s|k
Also, I did not communicate much at all, Ayako spoke for me. Her brother could speak some English, but besides that I spoke only to her for about a week. I really like Japan, it is a very friendly place.
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Is Ayako available to speak for you here?
__________________
Ignorance is curable, stupidity is not.
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5 Sep 2005, 19:40
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#15
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I am.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,580
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by dda
Is Ayako available to speak for you here?
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quoted for genius
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hi
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6 Sep 2005, 10:10
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#16
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Angry Young Man
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Mister Cacciatore's down on Sullivan Street
Posts: 7,518
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurashima
When you get there, youll discover that not all schoolgirls have 38DD breasts, the bars and clubs arent filled with women wanting endless hours of sex, and there are no demons hidding in the houses in the hills spending their nights trying to take over the world.
Although you may find Pinky & The Brain doing that, since nobody has heard from them since the last Animaniacs run.
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If i wanted the schoolgirls id go to Malaysia. May swing by there on the way back. Im fully aware that ill be the drunkest man in Japan. Also, im not sure what film you're referencing to. Tell me so i can download it!
I just think there are enough appealing things about Japan to make it a pleasant culture shock. I cant say the same for anywhere else. India, Africa. those arent pleasant. Give me bum sprinklers over malaria anyday
__________________
Believe in me, cause i don't believe in anything
And i wanna be someone, to believe, to believe in
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6 Sep 2005, 13:40
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#17
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Has Soup On His Head
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,095
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deffeh
If i wanted the schoolgirls id go to Malaysia. May swing by there on the way back. Im fully aware that ill be the drunkest man in Japan. Also, im not sure what film you're referencing to. Tell me so i can download it!
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Id say just assume every 18 anime movie in existence and youre on the right track.
(although i was specifically thinking of Devil Man, which is actually not half bad)
__________________
And the Banker, inspired with a courage so new
It was matter for general remark,
Rushed madly ahead and was lost to their view
In his zeal to discover the Snark
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6 Sep 2005, 13:48
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#18
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: South Pacific
Posts: 4,911
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deffeh
Im fully aware that ill be the drunkest man in Japan.
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only if you're rich. Beer is very expensive, and lots of Japanese have almost no tolerance.
__________________
I think it's time we blow this scene, get everybody and the stuff together..........
ok 3..... 2..... 1.. let's jam
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6 Sep 2005, 13:55
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#19
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Has Soup On His Head
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,095
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radical Edward
only if you're rich. Beer is very expensive, and lots of Japanese have almost no tolerance.
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Watching Bravo's "Drunken Japanese Businessmen" show will confirm this.
__________________
And the Banker, inspired with a courage so new
It was matter for general remark,
Rushed madly ahead and was lost to their view
In his zeal to discover the Snark
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6 Sep 2005, 15:00
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#20
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Caveat Lector
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3,038
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurashima
Watching Bravo's "Drunken Japanese Businessmen" show will confirm this.
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I'd like to see that. :0
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6 Sep 2005, 15:14
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#21
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share the <3
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Location: Location:
Posts: 2,709
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Re: Back From Japan...
I didn't think japan had poor squatters, i thought technology eliminated all that. Shit-a-machi indeed.
__________________
Sophie is hotter than you
though ive gone off her now; the way Susanna Reid squirms around on sml is, however, awesome
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6 Sep 2005, 19:48
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#22
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Angry Young Man
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Mister Cacciatore's down on Sullivan Street
Posts: 7,518
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radical Edward
only if you're rich. Beer is very expensive, and lots of Japanese have almost no tolerance.
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If i actually pluck up the bollocks to go to Japan, i'm fairly confident i'll take a bit of money.
__________________
Believe in me, cause i don't believe in anything
And i wanna be someone, to believe, to believe in
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6 Sep 2005, 21:13
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#23
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Caveat Lector
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3,038
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deffeh
If i actually pluck up the bollocks to go to Japan, i'm fairly confident i'll take a bit of money.
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Japan is a very polite society, with strict rules of behavior. If you go to Rapungi, you'll see a lot of foreigners not being very polite, and that is the place to go if you want to drink and go stupid. Rapungi is very expensive, just the fee to get into a club can start at $50, don't ask what the drinks cost.
However, outside of Rapungi, I don't advise that you get drunk and dumb. If you do may get a beat down by the Japanese Police who will throw you into a prison where you'll eat fish heads and rice while you loose a few years of your youth not speaking to anyone.
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7 Sep 2005, 13:57
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#24
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: South Pacific
Posts: 4,911
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by s|k
Japan is a very polite society, with strict rules of behavior. If you go to Rapungi, you'll see a lot of foreigners not being very polite, and that is the place to go if you want to drink and go stupid. Rapungi is very expensive, just the fee to get into a club can start at $50, don't ask what the drinks cost.
However, outside of Rapungi, I don't advise that you get drunk and dumb. If you do may get a beat down by the Japanese Police who will throw you into a prison where you'll eat fish heads and rice while you loose a few years of your youth not speaking to anyone.
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It was nothing like that when I last went to Tokyo.
__________________
I think it's time we blow this scene, get everybody and the stuff together..........
ok 3..... 2..... 1.. let's jam
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7 Sep 2005, 19:02
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#25
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Angry Young Man
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Mister Cacciatore's down on Sullivan Street
Posts: 7,518
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Re: Back From Japan...
You cant fool me, ive watched Adam & Joe Go Tokyo
__________________
Believe in me, cause i don't believe in anything
And i wanna be someone, to believe, to believe in
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7 Sep 2005, 19:17
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#26
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WANNASEEMYNEWCHAINSAW
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Éire
Posts: 2,738
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Re: Back From Japan...
The hilarity of seeing Japaniese people try to handle alcohol would be worth a trip. Here we only get business men getting hammered, in large groups I'm sure it would be quite entertaining.
The last time I encountered such beings, I was in Dublin. They were in a pub, trying to 'blend in', in their suits, ties and shoes which could pay a mortgage for about six months.
They all were sporting pints of Guiness and doing their best not to show how about half a pint was making them legless.
Their 'guide', a pretty blonde girl from Cork, looked like she needed some rescue so I started to chat to her, and then them.
One pint later about 3/4 of them were flushed and tearing off their ties and opening buttons. About another half pint later all were minus their jackets and ties. Some were swaying. Some were singing in hushed tones. All were laughing manically.
The most surreal part of the converstaion was when a short japaniese man started to talk, saying how much he enjoyed the "dancers" today. The girl looked puzzeled and asked what he ment, they hadn't been to a dance place that day.
So it emerged, they had been to a Hurling match. In Croke Park none the less.
Basically they had been part of a 70,000 strong crowd watching two teams of 15 men beat the shit out of each other with large hurleys and a small leather clad ball.
Only they had been unable to see the ball from their vantage point. Meaning they had interpreted the entire game as a choreographed dance spectacle. With 70,000 screaming people shouting on.
After the laughter died down from me and her, she tried to explain but he was well on his way to oblivion.
Later we learned they were told they would be going to this large stadium where the Irish would watch men with sticks dance around without music. Obviously one buisnessman had gone and brought back this impression to his colleagues, which then was passed on to others venturing here.
Oh those crazy japaniese bastards.
__________________
I came, I saw, I shouldn't mix pleasure with carpentry.
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7 Sep 2005, 19:25
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#27
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Caveat Lector
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 3,038
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Re: Back From Japan...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radical Edward
It was nothing like that when I last went to Tokyo.
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Well, I didn't really go out at night, but like I said it depends on where you go.
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7 Sep 2005, 21:10
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#28
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dazed and confused
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Defford
Posts: 379
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Re: Back From Japan...
When i was there i found the Roppongi district to be pretty much as you describe it, it is the main centre of nightlife for the Gaijin, if you do venture there, go to Mogambo's, a cracking little shot bar filled with westerners they ahve a tradition there that if you ring the bell in the middle of the bar you buy a round for everyone there and get your photo and name added to the hall of fame, now it is probably best to do this on a quiet monday or tuesday .
However, not far from our hotel in the Akasaka district we found a nice little whiskey bar, this was staffed by 6 japanese girls, and frequented by japanese buisness men. The staff were extremely helpful, if one couldn't answer or didn't understand a question, they would find a girl that did. At one point they even asked a customer for help as we asked for directions to and around Akihibara, the customer whipped out his laptop, brought up a map of Tokyo and gladly helped us.
On the first night we were there I saw 3 japanese buisness men rise to settle their bill, it came to roughly 38000 yen, or approx 200 pound, this is a lot of drink and maybe a small meal, between 3 people, i was amazed, yet they seemed to think nothing of it apart from being a bit worse for wear.
Another night we walked back to the hotel to see buisness men asleep on the streets, in their suits, so they could catch the first train to work in the morning. A very strange sight and experience.
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rats live on no evil star
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