Nicki Yoshihara, Author at Tokiotours

Things to do this week in Tokyo September 16th – September 21st

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 in Must see, Things to do |

Deborah J Carter Mon Sep 16, 2013 B Flat American jazz singer Deborah J Carter will be stopping in Tokyo for one night only as part of her September Japan tour. Having started her career in Okinawa (where her Japan tour will culminate later this month), she’s now based in Europe, and her music draws inspiration form a range of cultures. She will be accompanied by the Amsterdam Trio – consisting of Joost Swart on piano, Mark Zandveld on bass, and Seb Kaptein on drums...

Earth’s largest volcano found in Pacific Ocean east of Japan

Posted on Sep 14, 2013 in News, Stories about Japan |

The largest single volcano ever found on Earth lies quietly in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, about 1,500 km east of Japan, having been extinct for millions of years. Scientists have now discovered the dome-shaped behemoth, which has a footprint the size of New Mexico. The discovery topples the previous world record holder for largest volcano — Mauna Loa, one of the five that form the Big Island of Hawaii. The area covered by the newly discovered volcano rivals the...

Surfing in Tokyo

Posted on Sep 14, 2013 in Daytrips, Japanese customs, Must see, Things to do |

The perfect wave is closer than you think For many Tokyoites, surfing is synonymous with just one place: Shonan. The coastal area in Kanagawa Prefecture is generally regarded as the birthplace of Japanese surf culture, and it teems with boarders during the summer months – never mind that the swell is often pretty pathetic. Local schools include Easy Surf in Shichirigahama (beginner classes ¥5,000; private lessons ¥15,000), and Shonan Surfin School, which has shops...

Sailing and yachting in Tokyo

Posted on Sep 14, 2013 in Daytrips, Things to do |

Want to get out on the water? Meet Captain Milne… ‘Japan looks very different when seen from the water,’ explains Captain Stuart Milne of the Tokyo Sail & Power Squadron. ‘The views of Mt. Fuji from the middle of Sagami Bay can be spectacular.’ We’ve never been a part of a squadron before, but we’re already tempted to fork out the membership fees. The squadron consists of approximately 100 shipmates, all sailing and powerboat...

Japanese superstitions explained

Posted on Sep 14, 2013 in History of Japan, Japanese customs, Stories about Japan |

All of us have our own little habits and quirks that defy common sense. It’s human nature to harbor even just a little superstitious tendency now and then, whether it be not watching a pot boil or leaving a shower curtain open. Even on a larger scale, entire cultures have their own customs that are performed with very few people asking why. For example, why does a bride throw her flowers at a crowd of women? Why was a stork chosen as the bird we trust to deliver our...

In Japan, Young Women Rent Out Their Legs As Ad Space

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 in Japanese customs, Japanese technology, Must see, News, Stories about Japan |

A good way to get your advertisement plenty of exposure is to place it where there will be a lot of people looking. With that in mind, Japanese advertising company Absolute Territory PR is offering a unique service that gives brands a ‘leg up’ on their competitors—by renting the legs of young Japanese girls as ad space. Using the notion that ‘sex sells’, this clever marketing strategy was reported to be a big hit with businesses across Tokyo—especially to Japanese men....

Tokyo trend: Ear-cleaning parlors

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 in History of Japan, Japanese customs, Japanese technology, Must see, News, Stories about Japan, Things to do |

When the Japanese government allowed ear cleaning salons to operate unlicensed, a new business model took off. The ancient Egyptians, who brought us paper, locks, clocks and eye makeup, were also ahead of the curve in earwax removal, creating concoctions that included Cypress tree oil, pig fat, cat blood or male bat’s head. Several millennia later, Japan has made another evolutionary leap in ear care. Five years ago, when the Japanese government announced that ear cleaning...

Want to get into shape? Try the sumo work-out!

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 in History of Japan, Japanese customs, Stories about Japan, Things to do |

Sumo’s incredible hulks might not be obvious role models for a fitness regime, but behind the flab are athletes of awesome strength, stamina and reflexes. Follow their exercises, skip their diets, and you might see some big benefits. The sport’s governing body, the Nihon Sumo Kyokai, has created an exercise programme that draws on the sport’s signature thrusts, stomps and stretches. Regular practice, they say, will relax your muscles, improve circulation, strengthen the...

The Most Handsome Men in Japan (Chosen by Japanese Men)

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 in News, Stories about Japan |

http://youtu.be/P7akpging7o Who’s your secret celebrity crush? No, I’m not talking to the ladies. We know you can go on for days about Channing Tatum’s twelve-pack abs or Bradley Cooper’s smile (PS – they were People’s “sexiest man alive” for 2012 and 2011, respectively). I want to hear from the guys. And don’t pretend like you don’t have a secret celebrity crush. I know at least some of you have had a moment like Andy from The Office: Let me give you a scenario. I’m at...

Tags