Fun Without Borders

Found this in a pile of board games at a lodge in Hakuba (near Nagano). 

We didn't play, but if the rain came down any harder we would have.

Counting the Days

Commuting dates scratched into door of Tokyo subway car. This is why I ride a bike to work.

What tomorrow looks like

First Sunrise of 2009 on Tokyo Bay.

-ジム

Rush Hour Subway Inspired

Comes in unbrushed, coffee and cig breath sent.

Would You Buy a Can of Air From This Man?

Don't know what it is about labels in a foreign language, but they will make you spend money on the most ridiculous crap.

I spent 500 yen on a plastic soy bean pod that reveals a happy face when squeezed like an edamame appetizer. No reason. Just did.

So, I can't bust on Alex here to hard for buying a can of oxogen for a hike under 6,000 feet.

"I'm gonna buy this Japanese can of air" some how sounds better than, "I'm going to buy a can of air."

More hiking and paragliding pics from Japan Alps trip here. A good time was had.

 

Clean Up on Aisle Four

Not sure what this stuff is, but it looks like what its packaging implies.

It was in the liquor section of a huge electronics store, Bic Camera, next to the Kalua.

UPDATE: Its a German vanilla-carmel liqueur. Very kitschy. A must for every 1950 basement bar.

Pretty disgusting.

Our Lady of Iwo Jima

The great thing about history and religion is the fashion fodder, evidently... 

Even if your country did get nuked six months after your sweat shirt.

 

As if it wasn't odd enough that this guy was taking pictures of  these guys (more on them later). 

I suppose misinterpreted English phrases mixed with confusing iconography on your shirt is better than having misinterpreted Kanji tattooed on your neck. 

They really are  gems in a very crowded place, though and I've come to appreciate them. 

Trying to figure out what the hell a shirt or jacket means can put your mind into a logic tailspin. I spent  a ridiculous amount of time thinking about and searching the Web for what this dude's jacket could possibly be aluding. I'm thinking he's not a fan of WHDM radio, East Central Indiana's country hits. 

I think it's a scooter club as I saw another guy on a scooter with the same jacket (may have been the same dude though.)

Then there are the Shibuya girls with "I Heart Weiners," and "Take a Number"  T-shirts. While much less perplexing,  they're fun all the same. 

And some times they just remind you of home.