20 Tokyo ramen shops you have to visit

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 in Where to eat |

From Jiro to Kiraku: the ultimate crash-course in Tokyo ramen Tokyo is a city of 100,000 restaurants, and sometimes it feels like half of them are serving the same dish: ramen. The nation’s most popular fast food comes in various guises, from simple, comforting chuka soba to rich Hakata-style tonkotsu and flavour bombs like the fiery noodles served at Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto. Rather than attempt to list all of the good ramen restaurants in Tokyo, we consulted some...

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Where to go: Shinjuku Golden Gai, After7

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 in Japanese customs, Must see, Things to do, Where to drink |

Shinjuku Golden Gai (新宿ゴールデン街) is a small area of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, famous both as an area of architectural interest and for its nightlife. It is composed of a network of six narrow alleys, connected by even narrower passageways which are just about wide enough for a single person to pass through. Over 200 tiny shanty-style bars, clubs and eateries are squeezed into this area. History Golden Gai was known for prostitution before 1958, when prostitution became illegal....

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

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....

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When do Japanese People Have Their First Kiss?

When do Japanese People Have Their First Kiss?

Posted on Sep 9, 2013 in Japanese customs, News, Stories about Japan |

Japanese men aren’t known for being the most romantically aggressive bunch. Many young Japanese women lament over having to take the lead just to get out of the dugout and onto first base. If Japanese guys are so reluctant to get touchy-feely, you’ve got to wonder: at what age do Japanese people have their first kiss?    Japanese mobile company NTT Docomo conducted an online poll that asked respondents to divulge when they first closed their eyes and puckered up. The...

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Why actions in Japan speak louder than words

Why actions in Japan speak louder than words

Posted on Sep 7, 2013 in Japanese customs, Stories about Japan |

Foreigners are often upset when their Japanese counterparts break verbal commitments or fail to live up to the signed agreements. Where the foreigners themselves “fail” is that they are ignorant of the etiquette and ethics of the Japanese and do not realize that what they think is wrong, may be regarded as right in Japan. The reality behind a pleasing facade In formal official dialoge in Japan, especially with government bureaucrats and politicians, what you...

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