Japanese man donates bags of cash to local schools, disappears without a trace

The school staff even chased after him, but to no avail.

Three schools across Nara City received a surprise visitor on the afternoon of February 24th. A man, believed to be in his 70s, briefly spoke to staff, saying, “Please use this for the children”, before handing over plastic bags containing 30 million yen (US$94,000).

The man visited an elementary school, a junior high school, and a high school, donating 10 million yen to each. Staff attempted to chase down the old man but were unable to catch him. The money is now in the hands of the Nara City Board of Education, where they will use it for educational activities at the schools.

The identity of the man is still unknown, but acts like this are far from uncommon in Japan, thanks to 60s anime protagonist and professional wrestler Naoto Date, better known as Tiger Mask. Using Tiger Mask as a pseudonym, people have carried out anonymous (and sometimes life-changing) acts of kindness, usually to schools or orphanages.

And even in Nara City, this isn’t the first time an anonymous donation has been made. Back in December, another donation was made of 30 million yen (US$282,000) towards coronavirus prevention measures. While no one knows for sure, the Nara City Board of Education believes it to be the same man.

While some netizens were charmed by the old man’s generosity, others weren’t ready to take it at face value.

“It’s amazing, but the fact that he donated using plastic bags… is kind of scary.”
“What a great old man. I’m not sure what his motives for doing it are, but I hope the money gets used in a way that benefits everyone.”
“If he wanted to donate, he should have done using the formal procedure. He could just be doing this to avoid paying taxes.”
“Give me some money next time!”
“Imagine being so rich that this is the kind of thing you can do for fun.”

Whatever the old man’s motives were, fingers crossed the money gets used to benefit the children in Nara city, and that it will inspire other wannabe Tiger Masks to pick up the alter-ego (or any alter-ego, really!) and continue the kindness chain.

Source: Livedoor News via Jin
Top image: Pakutaso
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Man arrested for sending 37 death threats to Square Enix because he couldn’t win at a game

He should have done some office work to relieve his stress.

Square Enix has long delighted gamers young and old with their long running RPG series Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest along with a slew of other classics like Chrono Trigger and Nier. With such an accumulation of great games, there’s a lot of goodwill for the company from around the world.

However, from the second to the nineteenth of last November, the company’s online game inquiry form received 37 threatening messages such as “I will seriously kill you cheating developers.” To clarify, the term “cheating” in Japanese is ikasama, which refers to the type of person who might cheat at cards or dice with slight of hand or the like.

The frequent threats even caused the company to call off a scheduled live broadcast that was to be held on 20 November.

The Shinjuku police were called in and tracked down the sender by the IP address used. On 26 February, they announced the arrest of 39-year-old Toshiyuki Suga from Matsubushi Town, Saitama Prefecture. He reportedly admitted to the threats, telling police: “I couldn’t win and was feeling frustrated and got emotional.”

▼ News report of the arrest

Readers of the news were understandably embarrassed for this person who chose to derail his life just because he couldn’t win at a video game.

“I think you’re supposed to just write the message but not click ‘send.'”
“Thanks to guys like this, gamers are labeled as ‘crazy’ and ‘evil.'”
“If you’re getting that mad at entertainment, then you’re not using it right.”
“I got stuck in Dragon Quest V a few times as a kid, but it never made me that angry.”
“As a Hoshi no Dragon Quest user, this is unforgivable!”
“If you’re stupid enough to send death threats, Square Enix games are probably over your head.”
“That’s pretty embarrassing at 39.”
“There’s a lot of guys playing Hoshi no Dragon Quest whose heads ain’t right.”
“I’m sure the game is Hoshi no Dragon Quest. This happened before.”

Although the reports never mentioned a title, saying only that the suspect was playing a “smartphone game,” comments appear convinced that this incident was triggered by Hoshi no Dragon Quest. Known as Dragon Quest of the Stars in English, this RPG allows players to travel to different planets and team up with three others online.

This seems rather likely as the cancelled event on 20 November was related to Hoshi no Dragon Quest, and as some comments mentioned there was an incident in late 2018 and early 2019 where a 25-year-old man sent 30 threatening messages in a similar fashion.

However, reports didn’t mention the “smartphone game” by name back then either, only that the suspect had “spent 200,000 yen (US$1,876) trying to get a wanted item.” With no results, he then advised Square Enix employees to “wash their necks,” a threat that means “prepare to die,” stemming back to samurai days.

So it’s not confirmed that Hoshi no Dragon Quest is the game driving grown men to the brink of madness, but it does seem possible.

If that is the case… I’m kind of curious to try it now. It’s like the Ring of smartphone games.

Source: Nikkan Sports, The Tokushima Shimbun, Hachima Kiko
Top image: Pakutaso
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We buy oysters from a Japanese vending machine

Raw seafood and a microwave is today’s weird vending machine find of the day. 

Japanese vending machines have been faithfully serving customers for decades, but these days they’re becoming more high-tech then ever before, offering a greater variety of goods and services to the general public.

Which brings us to today’s unusual find: the kaki fry vending machine. In Japan, kaki fry (“fried oysters”) are a popular snack food usually eaten at izakaya taverns with a beer on the side. A lot fewer people are frequenting taverns these days during the pandemic, though, so this new vending machine is a great option for those wanting to get their kaki fry fix outside.

The machine exclusively sells products from oyster farming company “Farm Suzuki”, which is located in Osakikamijima, Hiroshima Prefecture, one of the country’s premier oyster-producing regions. While the vending machine specialises in kaki fry, it also stocks raw Osaki Claire Oysters, served in half-shells with a wedge of lemon, and raw tiger prawns.

▼ All products are priced at 1,200 yen (US$11.30), which will get you either four fried oysters, three Claire Oysters or two tiger prawns.

We decided to forego the raw seafood options and head straight for the kaki fry, hitting the “Buy it now!” button and holding our credit card over the card reader to make the purchase, as the machine doesn’t accept cash payment.

▼ “Hold card to reader until melody is heard”

After the machine accepted our cashless payment, it released a box of kaki fry into the tray below, and when we picked it up and felt the cold pack between our fingers we realised the oysters were actually frozen.  

That’s totally okay, though, as this vending machine comes with a microwave oven attached next to it. Only those who’ve made a purchase can use the microwave, as it opens with the help of a QR code reader, which scans the code attached to the outside of the box.

Once the oysters had been warmed up to perfection, we took the pack to a shared free space nearby and lifted the lid on the box. While we knew there would be oysters inside, we couldn’t help but be surprised to see the contents, because, well…we’d never bought fried oysters from a machine before.

They were a lot bigger than expected, and while they weren’t as crispy as the ones you’d get freshly fried at an izakaya, they still looked fantastic. If we were to serve these up for a blind tasting, no one would guess these had been sitting in a vending machine just moments earlier.

At 300 yen apiece, these weren’t cheap oysters, but as soon as we bit into one, we were satisfied with the price. The texture was firm, and the salty fresh oyster flavour was delicious, especially when combined with the fried breadcrumb coating.

Had they been served with a sauce, these would’ve been even better, but we definitely weren’t complaining. Being able to eat Hiroshima-sourced high-quality fried oysters from a vending machine in the middle of Tokyo was an absolute treat for us, and it certainly makes a nice follow-up to the pearl vending machine we visited a few days ago.

Vending machine information
Address: Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Toranomon 1-17-1,Toranomon Hills Business Tower B 1
東京都港区虎ノ門1-17-1虎ノ門ヒルズビジネスタワーB1
Hours: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (weekdays); 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (Sat, Sun, public holidays); irregular holidays

Photos © SoraNews24
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Surprise someone with an exlusive rental of a super V.I.P rooftop sauna, complete with sushi chef

Spend a luxury evening with up to three other people with this Finnish-Japanese sauna!

If you have an anniversary coming up, or someone you love is having a birthday soon, then we have the scoop on a fabulous way to celebrate! In the east Tokyo neighborhood of Kinshicho, a brand new, private rooftop sauna is opening up, where you can rent out the whole space for an evening, just for you and your friends or loved ones. With amenities like a personal sushi chef on hand to serve you, it promises to be the V.I.P. experience of a lifetime.

The new rooftop sauna is called “The Kinshicho” and will be opening on March 6 on the roof of the Capsule Inn Kinshicho. It features a mix of Japanese and Finnish styles, including a Finnish sauna room, complete with sauna rocks and a stove imported directly from Finland.

The sauna rocks are warmed by the stove and keep the room warm. By pouring hot water on them and creating steam, you can increase the temperature in the room and make it just how you like it.

Outside of the sauna room are two Japanese-style baths that are directly heated, known as goemon-buro, plus a sunken kotatsu, lounge area, and counter.

The goemon-buro are custom-made and huge, with plenty of room to soak. You can not only adjust the temperature of the water in these baths, but also the lighting around them to suit your mood.

Kinshicho is also near the Tokyo Sky Tree, so you can gaze upon its glittering lights from either the sauna or the bath. What a view!

And if that isn’t enough to make it a special night, you will also be supplied with a personal sushi chef, who will make sushi to order just for you and your party! Alternating between soaking in the bath, steaming in the sauna, and snacking on sushi is like a dream come true. No doubt you’ll feel like a celebrity at the end of your experience.

You can invite up to four people to join you on this rooftop sauna experience, or just bring one special someone. You can rent the sauna from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily by prior reservation. The price is 25,000 yen (US$235.48) per person, but that includes rental of bathing suits, towels, and bathrobes, use of the hotel’s regular sauna and hot stone sauna as well as the rooftop sauna, free bottled water, Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat drinks, and even whatever sushi you order. It sounds like a great way to celebrate a special day, or even just to escape from the stress of daily life!

If you want to splurge even more, you can also stay the night at Kinshicho’s Lotte City Hotel afterwards, which offers a free buffet of sweets and ice cream with your stay. If you’d rather have a Finnish spa experience that’s a little more affordable but still exclusive, you can also check out Tokyo’s first Finnish-style sauna facility with private rooms. It’s not in Kinshicho, but it still lets you have a nice relaxing, restorative time with the people you love!

Sauna information 
The Kinshicho / The錦糸町
Address: Tokyo-to Sumida-ku Kinshicho 2-6-3 Dai-ichi Aragi Building, inside Capsule Inn Kinshicho
東京都墨田区錦糸2-6-3第一荒木ビル（カプセルイン錦糸町内）
Reservation of the Spa is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily (last order of sushi is 9:30)
Call 080-4402-6512 for reservations (phone lines open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
*Hours and services are subject to change depending on the state of the pandemic

Source, images: PR Times
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Mt Fuji photo tricks the eye by looking like a moody ink painting

Is this real life or a scene from an eerie video game?

Mount Fuji is one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Japan, so it really takes a skilled photographer to make everyone sit up and view the iconic mountain in a whole new light.

Stepping up to the plate to deliver exactly that is photographer and Twitter user @_deepskyy, who recently shared a couple of stunning images that have people looking closer to work out if these are actually photos or masterfully drawn paintings.

The subdued light and subtle gradation of colour in the sky makes the mountain look as if it’s been brushed into the scene, but these are actually photos, taken from a vantage point overlooking Lake Ashi in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Lake Ashi is famous for its vermillion torii shrine gate that looks as if it’s floating in the water, and it’s also famous for “pirate ships” that offer sightseeing cruises. The below photo captures both these famous sights, and they work together brilliantly to add a mysterious aura to the moody landscape as the mountain towers over them in the background.

There’s an eerie sense of stillness and quiet movement to the photos that has everyone captivated online, earning the images over 90,000 likes.

箱根から望む富士山がまるで水墨画のような景色だった日。 pic.twitter.com/g56sp7Lt5w

— _deepsky (@_deepskyy) February 13, 2021

People were quick to heap praise on the photographer, saying:

“Wait, these are real? Whoah, I thought they were paintings!”
“The way Mt Fuji stands out makes it look like it’s painted in ink!”
“These are so beautiful they could be ukiyoe woodblock paintings.”
“It looks like a landscape you’d see in a video game!”
“The lighting is mystical but a little frightening at the same time.”

The photos really do conjure up a sense of wonder and awe…while also making us shift a little nervously in our seats as if we’re about to encounter a dark scene in a video game. Mt Fuji is a little like that though, with its appearance greatly affected by the conditions surrounding it, making it seem like a gentle giant on sunny days, and a threatening behemoth during times of inclement weather.

The mountain is just one of many landmarks captured by @_deepskyy that have gone viral online, so to keep on viewing the world in a different light, be sure to give the photographer a follow on Twitter and Instagram. And for more stunning photos of Mt Fuji, don’t forget to check out the “miraculous” cloud photo and the ethereal “floating” scene, both viewed from equally stunning vantage points which are definitely worth a visit next time you travel to Japan.

Source: Twitter/_deepskyy via Net Lab
Images: Twitter/_deepskyy
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Frogs trick Fukuoka police into false puppy rescue

Even frogs sometimes have frogs in their throats.

Around midday on 24 February, a woman in her 20s was visiting Senju Kannondo, a temple dedicated to the goddess of mercy that’s nestled between the Sai River and foot of Mt. Kubote in Buzen, Fukuoka Prefecture. While enjoying the serenity of the area, she heard the faint sound of a dog barking.

▼ Senju Kannon in Buzen

The sound led her to a crack in the mountain wall behind the temple’s worship hall where spring water dripped out. She was unable to see anything but could distinctly hear sounds like “grrrr,” “yip yip,” and “woof.” Fearing that an animal was trapped she placed a call to Japan’s emergency number, 110.

Two officers rushed to the scene and searched around but were unable to find any dog. However, all three could distinctly hear a dog barking somewhere very close. Just then a local in his 50s passed by and told them matter-of-factly that “It’s probably those barking frogs.” He then left the trio who were feeling stunned and slightly embarrassed.

Sure enough, there is such a creature called the Tago frog, also known as “Tago’s brown frog,” after Japanese zoologist Katsuya Tago, which is endemic to Japan and inhabits mountainous areas. By all accounts they resemble your average frog, measuring three to four centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) in length, but when mating season comes between February and April the males “bark” and growl just like dogs in order to attract females.

▼ Have a listen.

It seemed most urban dwelling people who read the news also had to check what these frogs sound like and hear it for themselves.

“I checked a website with Tago frog calls and, yeah, they sound like dogs.”
“I saw the story on TV, and the host cracked up when she heard how the frogs sound.”
“Tago frogs usually hide so you can hear them but not see them. I never heard them during mating season though.”
“Ah the frogs are barking. It must be spring…”

Some people on Twitter also shared their run-ins with Tago frogs to give us a very good idea of what the woman and officers were experiencing on that fateful day.

▼ “Today I was walking at the bottom of the mountain. The Tago frogs are here and there, so is it spring already? I can hear them calling. The fun season is almost here.”

今日は低山歩き
春ですね、あちこちでタゴガエル？の鳴く声が聞こえていました♫
楽しい季節がまた近づきました。 pic.twitter.com/NuVYC6CffU

— おこじょ (@okojyo4) February 23, 2021

So, if you’re out in the Japanese mountains and hear what sounds like a dog trapped in the rocks, it might actually be just the sound of sweet frog love in full bloom… But maybe look into it anyway, because there could very well be a dog trapped in the rocks too.

Source: Nishi Nippon Shimbun
Top image: YouTube/popos077
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It’s too hard to sell Japanese people on romance dramas nowadays, says broadcasting president

According to BS Fuji’s top dog, there’s a reason why making romance dramas in Japan is an uphill battle.

Sometimes, as The Beatles once sang, all you need is love. Stories about romance can lift us up, make our hearts pound, bring us joy or reduce us to emotional sobs. There is a hearty trove of powerful love stories out there in the world, and even for stories thoroughly bereft of romantic sub-plots, we can always rely on fanworks.

It sounds as though some of the people who think up these epic romances are finding it increasingly hard, however. Chihiro Kameyama, one-time president of the Fuji Television Network and current president of the BS Fuji broadcasting service, shared his thoughts about the current climate—and why it’s so much harder to peddle romance dramas to audiences than it used to be.

▼ Kameyama is responsible for a number of hit TV dramas, such as 1997’s Beach Boys.

Only 3 more episodes of #ビーチボーイズ left to watch. #ドラマ #dorama #BeachBoys #反町隆史 #竹野内豊 pic.twitter.com/Z8p5R0726R

— ベアちゃん (@kojikohai) January 19, 2019

“I think romance dramas are challenging in this current era,” Kameyama said when questioned about the lack of recent Japanese-produced romantic dramas. “Romance has become considered something that happens to other people.”

He continued to explain his theories for what is essential when making a romantic drama, namely the idea of “barriers.” Barriers like class, economic stability, status, and long-distance relationships have all been mined rather thoroughly leading to audiences feeling bored with the genre. These barriers also vary from era to era, which leads to another problem: the world and its issues loom large in the current Japanese audience’s consciousness, especially in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, Kameyama believes.

▼ Knowing how fragile life is, the hot-and-cold emotions in romantic dramas can feel frivolous.

Kameyama also suggested that the way we consume TV shows in the present day may be a factor, as well. TV dramas used to air over a fixed period with set intervals, so fans were encouraged to deliberate over and anticipate upcoming plot developments. Nowadays, though, there’s more of a push to “binge-watch” series all in one sitting. Fans also take to the Internet to discuss episodes immediately as they drop, which impacts romance shows disproportionately compared to other genres.

▼ If you already know the hows and whys of a couple getting together, you may not tune in to enjoy the ride.

Other hurdles, from Kameyama’s observation, are that the current generation of 20-to-30-year-olds are incredibly serious about romance and are reluctant to get hurt or to hurt others, which causes problems when writing realistic dialogue. Realism itself, regardless of genre, is another issue, in Kameyama’s opinion. Previously, he feels, it was easier to get away with bigger storytelling conceits, such as incorporating dangerous situations or science fiction elements like time travel, into a story, as long as you kept the smaller details feeling like they were grounded in reality. Modern audiences can be much less forgiving when it comes to suspending their disbelief, though, which complicates the creative process.

That said, it’s not as though there have been no recent successes at all when it comes to the romance genre. Anime hit Your Name proved a healthy attitude for fantastic romances in 2016, and romantic sparks in reality show Terrace House drew droves of people to watch. The secret seems to be in finding a fresh twist that doesn’t alienate its audience and instead reminds them of why love is worth watching in the first place.

Source: Yahoo! Japan News/Withnews via Hachima Kikou
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert images: Pakutaso (1,2)
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Instant Tokyo nostalgia – Beautifully bittersweet brand-new video looks like it was shot 17 years ago

Walk through Shibuya and Harajuku feels like a stroll through a future past.

How long does it take for media to become nostalgic? Once upon a time, even taking those super fuzzy sepia-toned photos, the ones that have become such an accepted visual shorthand for “old timey” that you can partially hear ragtime piano when looking at them, was the newest, coolest imaging technology available.

どーしても試してみたくなり、友達に被写体になってもらって、2004年のデジタルビデオカメラで撮りました。脳内で、存在しないはずのあの頃の思い出がどんどん生成されていきます。 pic.twitter.com/alK4ZWVWkK

— ディスク百合おん (@discyurion) February 24, 2021

Likewise when Japanese Twitter user @discyurion bought his Victor GR-D350 digital video camera on a shopping trip in Tokyo’s Akihabara electronics district, it must have felt pretty high-tech. That was all the way back in 2004, though, and from the vantage point of today, the video he shot with it has a hazy, dreamlike quality, steeped in the bittersweet feelings that can come from looking back at a bygone era that ended recently enough that it’s warmth hasn’t entirely faded from your heart, and really probably never will.

動画はこちら pic.twitter.com/kOPC5oqhXf

— ディスク百合おん (@discyurion) February 24, 2021

…wait a second. @discyurion’s video, which stars his friend Kotomi Amai walking through Tokyo’s Shibuya and Harajuku neighborhoods, has the distinct atmosphere of a stroll through yesteryear. But when Kotomi stops to sit on a bench and sip her Starbucks, she’s clearly in Shibuya’s Miyashita Park, which only opened last summer.

That’s because while @discyurion’s camera is 17 years old, the footage is much, much newer. That “’21.2.23” time code in the lower right corner is genuine, and the video was shot less than a week ago, on February 23, 2021.

The combination of brand-new footage and such an old camera makes for an entirely unique effect, applying a layer of perceived emotional significance to mundane activities and everyday locations long before they’d ordinarily feel nostalgic.

▼ An extended version of the video

@discyurion surprised even himself with the results, musing “My brain keeps generating memories of ‘back in the day’ that it shouldn’t actually have” he mused, and reactions from others online have included:

“I totally thought this was shot 20 years ago.”
“It’s so beautiful and sentimental-feeling.”
“It makes today feel like back in the day…or back in the day feel like right now…so mysterious.”
“You couldn’t get this emotional quality with a new camera.”
“’Right now’ looks so nostalgic!”

▼ @discyurion’s camera, plus video of the Shinjuku neighborhood

凄まじい反響、本当にありがとうございます！撮影に使ったビデオカメラ「Victor GR-D350」は、最近買った中古品では無く、当時どうしても必要になりアキバで展示品落ちをなけなしのお金で買った愛機です。酷使したので、もう元は取れているにも関わらず、元号を越えて大活躍。凄いヤツです。 https://t.co/OlHxUwqs4g pic.twitter.com/ghjpD9eg7d

— ディスク百合おん (@discyurion) February 22, 2021

▼ By the way, here’s how Amai, who’s also a singer and lyricist, looks (and sounds) with more modern cameras.

New Song

『Signal』- 亜舞琴美

Composed by : Yuppe(Naked Identity Created by King)@yupeyupe
Lyric by : 亜舞琴美

YouTube
Full ver. https://t.co/9QsFprrlVJ pic.twitter.com/HVcNHCSmmZ

— 亜舞琴美 (@qotomi_amai) April 21, 2020

@discyurion pseudo-retro video is an understatedly affecting demonstration of how we’re building memories each and every day, and that it’s important every now and then to take a moment to appreciate the joyful parts of “the good old days” while you’re still experiencing them.

Source: Twitter/@discyurion via Jin
Top image: Twitter/@discyurion
Insert images: YouTube/ディスク百合おん, Twitter/@discyurion
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Tokyo woman, only person to win court case against Japan’s public broadcaster, told to pay up

Recent ruling overturns win in landmark case.

Nothing is more annoying for those residing in Japan than opening up the door only to reveal a licensing fee collector for NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. Famous for their persistence and sometimes brutish tactics, NHK licensing fee collectors are universally scorned. In fact, many folks have come up with a variety of ways to avoid coughing up the technically required fees, which could cost up to 24,800 yen per year (US$233.57).

Some individuals have even gone as far as contesting the broadcasting organization’s fees through court. There aren’t too many success stories, but for the first time ever, one Tokyo woman in the summer of 2020 was able to avoid paying the de facto mandatory fees. While the court initially ruled in her favor and the case was seen as an important win against NHK’s reach, on February 24, Tokyo’s highest court has overturned the landmark decision.

▼ There goes all my extra cash for Famichikis…

The reason? Originally, the line of argument which won the woman’s case highlighted how the television had a pre-installed signal blocker and a private citizen can’t be expected to inherently know how to uninstall one. However, the new ruling now argues that technically the Tokyo woman’s television could have a signal booster installed with the right tools involved. Essentially, as long as the electronic device can receive or can be modified to receive a broadcast signal, then it’s fair game for NHK when it comes to collecting fees from folks.

▼ Don’t open the door to the NHK license fee collector with your smartphone in hand because some fee collectors may insist your smartphone counts for fee collection!

▼ And of course, the leader of The Party to Teach How to Not Pay the NHK Reception Fee has chimed in, commenting that the recent overturn was “above all else proof that Japan’s judiciary system is rotting.”

NHKを視聴できないテレビ設置も契約義務…東京高裁判決 #ldnews https://t.co/y5LGvCVAUT
この国の裁判官は腐っている、何よりのしょうこ

— 立花孝志【ＮＨＫ受信料を支払わない方法を教える党】略称ＮＨＫ党　党首　ＮＨＫをぶっ壊す！ (@tachibanat) February 24, 2021

In the meantime, the Tokyo woman’s lawyer has reported their intention to file an appeal. While it’s too early to say what will be the ultimate outcome of this extraordinary case, hopefully things work out for the woman in question as even NHK’s recent fee downgrade is stingy at best.

Source: Jiji via Livedoor News via Jin
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2)
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Tokyo Olympics losing volunteers even after president’s resignation for sexist remarks

Games are scheduled to start in less than five months.

The Olympics are a the world’s greatest competition of physical prowess, but sticking your foot into the mouth isn’t one of the Games’ events. So earlier this month when former Tokyo Olympics organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori insinuated that women are unfit for leadership roles because they talk too much during meetings, he didn’t win a medal, and instead ended up losing his job as the backlash to his remarks prompted him to resign.

Part of the pressure for Mori to step down came from a spike in Olympic volunteer resignations once his comments became public knowledge. Between February 3, when he said “If we increase the number of female directors, we will have to place limits on speaking time, or else the discussions will never end” and February 11, when news of his impending resignation (which took place the next day) was leaked, roughly 740 volunteers who’d pledged their assistance at competition venues and the Olympic village during the 2021 Tokyo Games retracted their offers.

Following Mori’s resignation on February 12, the committee began the process of selecting a new president, with the role ultimately going to Seiko Hashimoto, a politician and former Olympic athlete who competed in both speed skating and sprint cycling, winning a bronze medal for her skating performance in Albertville in 1992. However, even with the 56-year-old taking over the top spot from Mori, volunteers are still quitting, with around 260 people since February 12 saying they’ll no longer be helping out.

On the bright side, roughly 130 people quitting a week is lot fewer than the 740 who said nope in the eight days immediately after Mori’s remarks. A spokesperson for the organizing committee also said a number of volunteers who’d quit in protest have since reapplied for positions, and with somewhere around 80,000 volunteers in total recruited so far, they’re not yet doomed to running skeleton crews. Still, losing 1,000 volunteers in February is a definite problem, especially with less than five months to go until opening day, and shows that the potential health risks and tentative nature of whether or not the Olympics will really take place as scheduled remain concerns for would-be volunteers, regardless of who’s in charge of the Games.

Source: NHK News Web
Top image: Pakutaso
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New Pokémon Wedding Plan in Japan includes Pikachu couples jewellery

Loved-up Pikachus are ready to tie the knot with you on your special day.

Back in 2019, Japanese wedding planning company Escrit started offering Pokémon weddings, with all sorts of special flourishes that allowed newlyweds to share their special day with two newly betrothed Pikachus.

Like the franchise characters, the company has evolved over the years, and today they announced some exciting new perks that’ll have trainers everywhere wanting to tie the knot at one of their venues.

That means, in addition to the usual treats, like Pokémon-adorned meals, desserts, and cakes…

There’ll be all-new items on offer, like newly designed “welcome boards“, to be placed at the banquet hall entrance during the wedding reception.

▼ And a Pokémon-themed profile video to be played at the reception.

▼ There are also various paper goods to give tables, drinks and place settings some special flair.

▼ The biggest drawcard for couples will be the chance to say “I choose you” with some very unique jewellery.

▼ There are three wedding ring designs to choose from.

▼ And a gorgeous necklace to bring some electric love to the proceedings.

Escrit says the addition of the new products will allow couples to enjoy an even more powerful “Pokemon Wedding”, which will be the icing on the cake for lovers who’ve already powered up their romance with a Pikachu marriage form and engagement ring!

Reservations for the new wedding plan are currently being accepted online, where the loved-up Pikachus are waiting to greet you and your beloved with open arms.

Source: PR Times
Featured image: PR Times
Insert images: Escrit, PR Times
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Japanese drum game Taiko no Tatsujin celebrates 20 years with TikTok version, tournament, and more

Beloved game is kicking it into Oni mode for 2021.

There probably isn’t a more quintessentially Japanese video game than Taiko no Tastsujin (“Taiko Drum Master”). Combining cultures past and present, it’s a game which allows players to wail on large taiko drums while traditionally dressed kawaii festival goers prance across the screen to a constantly updated list of J-Pop hits.

That might help explain the lasting power the franchise has enjoyed since launching on 21 February, 2001. This year marks its 20th anniversary and it remains a game you can always reliably see people playing when passing through a game center. Naturally, the developers at Bandai Namco couldn’t be more thrilled about this and are planning a series of events to honor the successful franchise.

First and foremost, the Taiko no Tatsujin World Championship 2021 has been announced and will be held on 20 February, 2022. This is the first such competition in five years wherein Taiko no Tatsujin tastujin from all over the world will compete for the top spot.

▼ I got a hunch Japanese contestants will be hard to beat, but a dark horse from abroad may yet emerge

But first things first: You can’t have Taiko no Tatsujin without music, so starting 21 February, 2021 an open call for music is being held where anyone anywhere can submit songs to be converted into a Taiko no Tatsujin challenge. This song will be played over and over and over again throughout the tournament, so it better be damn good, but anyone from garage bands to vocaloid subroutines can enter.

Whether you’re a composer or would-be taiko champ, the time to start practicing is now. And be sure to tell all your friends, especially while using the new set of Taiko no Tetsujin Line messaging app stamps featuring many of the games favorite supporting characters.

And did someone say “TikTok Taiko no Tatsujin?”

Certainly not me because I can’t, but starting 5 March, the game and social media phenom are joining forces to make a Taiko no Tatsujin TikTok in-app mini-game! TikTok games often use facial recognition for controls, so it will be interesting to see how this translates to the classic drumming control scheme.

▼ An example of a TikTok mini-game

Taiko no Tatsujin is getting into the social media game elsewhere as well, with their soon-to-launch YouTube channel that will feature the animated exploits of the lovable drum Don-chan and all its friends.

If all that weren’t enough, Playstation4 and Nintendo Switch versions of the game are on sale during late February and early March. For those that already own the game or frequent it at the arcade, a 20th anniversary song titled “Todoroki! Taiko no Tatsujin” will be added to the lineup from 21 February.

And then we have the re-release of official My Bachi taiko sticks. All sticks are hand-crafted in Japan and come in three varieties to suit individual playing styles.

It’s certainly more that you can shake a My Bachi at, and this year is only getting started. So, be sure to join in the Taiko no Tatsujin fun and help celebrate two decades of musical fun and hopefully many more to come. Also, someone please encourage that German symphony percussionist to take part in the tournament. That would be awesome.

Source: Taiko no Tatsujin World Championship 2021, Gajetto Tsushin, PR Times
Images: PR Times
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Japanese luxury hotel’s new month-long stay plan lets you live Yokohama life with amazing twist

Bayside hotel’s deal is already great, gets even better if you and your friends work together.

Quick quiz: We all know that Tokyo is the biggest city in Japan, but what’s the second? Osaka would be a lot of people’s guess, and you might found some who assume Kyoto, Nagoya, or Fukuoka is number-two on the population list.

The correct answer, though, is actually Yokohama, which is about 20 minutes south of Tokyo. With a population of more than 3.7 million, it has the entertainment options and cultural attractions you’d expect of such a large city, but it also has a relaxed atmosphere and a park-lined harborfront. Yokohama is a frequent high-ranking choice in “best places to live in Japan” surveys, and now the bayside Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel in the city’s Minato Mirai district is offering incredible long-term stay plans for anyone wanting to leisurely sample the Yokohama lifestyle.

▼ The “Interconti,” as the hotel is known to locals, has a distinct, sailboat-like shape, and is located across the street from Yokohama’s iconic Ferris wheel.

Two room types are on offer, staring with the Standard Queen room. Located between floors 8 and 13, these 27-square meter (291 square feet) provide plenty of space to stretch out, and with a large desk and free Wi-Fi make a suitable base for telecommuters. Under the Monthly Stay Plan, 31 nights will cost you just 150,000 yen (US$1,449), a fraction of the usual rate. Add in that you’re not being charged for utilities, and this is also less than you’d pay per month if you lived in one of the neighborhood’s high-rise condominiums.

▼ The Standard Queen room has a “Queen Double Bed” measuring 200 centimeters (78.8 inches) in length and 150 centimeters in width.

Alternatively, there’s the Superior Twin room. Located between floors 7 and 14, these are 38 square meters, have two semi-double beds, and are priced at 300,000 yen for the Monthly Stay Plan.

▼ Superior Twin Room

Toiletries such as soap and shampoo are provided, and you can request fresh towels whenever you like. Housekeeping services, including a change of bedding, is provided once a week, and you also get free access to the hotel gym. Add in a convenient location, with train and subway stations, parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and convenience stores all just short walks away, and the Intercontinental makes a great base not just for exploring Yokohama, but also for heading further south down the Shonan coast to Kamakura, or up into Tokyo, on day trips.

But what makes the Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel’s Monthly Stay Plan really special is that if you inform the staff ahead of time, you’re allowed to change the room’s occupant before the end of the month (each room has a maximum occupancy of two people). In other words, if you coordinate schedules with a friends or acquaintances whose intended stays in Yokohama flow into yours, you can split the total cost for the month between yourselves, allowing you to stay in a luxurious hotel at a deeply discounted rate even if you’re only staying a few nights.

The Monthly Stay Plan will be offered until the end of 2021, with reservations for stays stating from September opening on June 1 and detailed reservation information here on the hotel’s website. Oh, and if you’ve got your heart set on living for a month in fancy hotel in downtown Tokyo, that’s an option these days too.

Source: Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel via IT Media
Top image: Wikipedia/Torsodog
Insert images: Pakutaso, Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel
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