Dry Towel Friction

Posted by in Culture on 03. Mar, 2007 | 5 Comments

KANPU MASATSU!!! There are some interesting Japanese traditions, but I recently found one that involves a towel, cold temperatures, and a bare back that was surprising even to me. This is called ‘kanpu masatsu’ which literally translated means “dry towel friction”. Let me describe what this interesting practice involves. The ‘kanpu masatsu’ is done by [...]

Quickie: Paprika

Posted by in Media on 03. Mar, 2007 | 3 Comments

Quickie! Anyone know anything about this Japanese Animation movie, called Paprika? Check out the trailer. It will be shown in theatres in the US in The official Japanese website for Paprika is here. You may have heard of Perfect Blue, a popular psycho killer anime which can be purchased in the US as well. Paprika [...]

No such thing as a free lunch

Posted by in Culture, Language on 01. Mar, 2007 | 4 Comments

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program of random Japan wackiness, to bring you this linguistic cultural treat. 「ただより高い物は無い」(tada yori takai mono ha nai) Nothing is more expensive, than “free”. It is commonly used with the nuance of, even if you get something for free, there will certainly be a price to pay for it later… [...]

Ideas Please! Tokyo Visit

Posted by in About on 01. Mar, 2007 | 13 Comments

Hey everyone, I’m going into Tokyo on Sunday for the purpose of sight-seeing for the first time in a long time. A friend of mine who is here studying in Yokohama hasn’t had much time to enjoy Tokyo, so we decided to make a day of it. Anyone have any recommendations on places to go? [...]

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