Tokyo trend: Ear-cleaning parlors

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...

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

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...

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