Posted on 13-02-2008

capsule_inn.jpg

Presenting the one and only Capsule Inn Akihabara. Capsule Inns could be thought of as low-end hotels. Typically, capsule inns are comprised of a public lounge and the capsule area (pic above). The public lounge space features complete amenities like the bath and dining areas. The capsules themselves are made of reinforced plastic and are designed after airplane’s cockpit areas. They’re full loaded with TVs, alarm clocks, and even adjustable lighting. Best of all, one capsule at capsule inns typically cost only around JPY4,000 per night.  Truthfully though, I must say, the pic above makes it look like a morgue more than a hotel. But then, it might all change when I see the inn in person. Anyone want to sponsor me a trip to Akiba?

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Posted on 09-02-2008
Filed Under (Out of the Box Japan) by MitsuiSelphie

You’d think using Hello Kitty and rifle in one sentence would be an oxymoron. But nope, it’s not. Just take a look at this Hello Kitty rifle. And yes, folks. That’s 100% real rifle. It would be such a joy to have had Arnold Schwarzenegger gun down his enemies in Terminator using this. It would have been so “girly man.”

via

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Posted on 09-02-2008
Filed Under (Out of the Box Japan) by MitsuiSelphie

Ever wonder how it is to learn English for aerobics-gear clad women? Wonder no more. The Zuiikin Girls are here to save the day. The following are videos of some English lessons I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Video 1:

English phrase taught:

Oh, Queen! Thank you for spanking me!

Video 2 (not available anymore)

English phrases taught in this non-existent video:

I have a bad case of diarrhea

Is that so? Really? Are you sure?

Never mind.

Unbelievable! It’s amazing! We did it!

How dare you say such a thing to me.

I can’t stand the sight of you.

You must be tired from your long flight.

He gives his sincere regards.

Video 3

English phrases taught:

I was robbed by two men!

Take anything you want.

Spare me my life.

Thanks PMT. You rock.

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With Japan’s innate fashionable culture, something like this shouldn’t be a surprise. But it is. This software lets you see what you look like with various hairstyles and face paints in REAL TIME. I imagine this would be a staple in beauty salons in the near future.

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Posted on 09-02-2008
Filed Under (Out of the Box Japan) by MitsuiSelphie

It might sound a bit weird, but groping in the jam-packed sardine-like trains of Japan is rampant. While there ARE men with lascivious intentions, there are also those who’re wary of getting falsely accused. This portable subway strap is a great way for people to know where your hands are — and they’re not anywhere near anyone’s girly (or guyly…cough…) bits. This, by the way, sold out quite quickly. Just goes to show there are still more good men on earth. Err…right?

via

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Posted on 11-12-2007
Filed Under (Out of the Box Japan) by MitsuiSelphie

What could be better than watching someone change into a bikini within one minute? Japanese TV at its finest. LOL.

Source: TV in Japan

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Yamanbas move over, here come the Kegadoru girls. What can old mountain hags do against vulnerable, injured girls?

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Posted on 11-12-2007

Indeed, Japanese fashion doesn’t fail to amuse me. The diversity in taste and genre simply blows my mind away. To those who don’t have a predilection for heavy make-up, if you think the Ganguro trend is over the top, then you’ve got to see the Yamanba girls. Considered a spin-off of the ganguro trend yet a statement in itself, the eponym of the trend is the “yama-uba” — a character in old Japanese ghost stories.

Yamanba’s primary fashion monikers are 4-6 inch platform boots, micro-mini skirts and tops in vivid hues of yellow, pink, purple, blue, green and orange. Their unique style of make-up and hair, however, is what really sets them apart from the crowd. Deep, artificial-looking tanned faces are offset with white eye shadow, white lipstick and bleached white hair. (Imagine a negative image on a roll of film.)

Quoted from AsiaWeek

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Posted on 04-12-2007
Filed Under (Out of the Box Japan) by MitsuiSelphie

I love Hello Kitty. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this to even my closest friends but I used to collect Hello Kitty dolls when I was younger. But then I grew up and though I still think Hello Kitty’s such a cutie, I’m way past my Hello Kitty-mad phase. There are some girls (and boys???) though, who never get over their Hello Kitty craze. If you’re one of them, how about a Hello Kitty-themed wedding?!

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Posted on 27-11-2007
Filed Under (Out of the Box Japan) by MitsuiSelphie

After seeing the vending machine disguise, I reckon this will seem a bit tame, mundane even. Ms. Tsukioka, designer of the vending machine disguise, came up with even MORE wacky ideas. The first is the fire-hydrant bag designed to camouflage children.

See the cute grade-schooler transform himself into a fire hydrant.

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