Ryoji

廃材ゴジラ

Recycle Godzilla

This statue of the SF film star “Godzilla” is made from recycled waste. Images of TOHO Studio’s famous monster can be found all around Japan. Godzilla — its name is an amalgamation of gorilla and kujira (whale) — made its first movie appearance more than 50 years ago, and still remains popular. He has become an ally of mankind and battles malignant monsters. And he’s careful not to destroy castles and other historical landmarks, so in that sense one could argue he’s even more humane than human beings.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:前

Japanese Unique Election System

Throughout the year, local governments are holding elections around Japan. This year a major election will be held, and some pundits are forecasting it may result in a change in the political parties in power. The campaign car in the photo is a necessary item for elections. One of the weird regulations in Japan is that politicians may not post their own platform on the Internet during the campaign. Instead, voters are bombarded by announcements from these noisy cars from morning to dusk. We need to come up with a better way.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:前
Loyal Dog “Hachi-ko”

Loyal Dog “Hachi-ko”

Loyal Dog “Hachi-ko”
Loyal Dog “Hachi-ko”

Unaware that his master had passed away, the faithful Akita breed dog waited daily for 10 years outside of Tokyo’s Shibuya rail station until his own death. After newspapers picked up the story, the dog became a celebrity and a memorial statue was erected, which soon became one of Tokyo’s best known rendezvous points. Some hapless people seem to be waiting there almost as long as the dog did.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:前
Jinrikisha

Jinrikisha

From around the mid-19th century the jinrikisha was developed and utilized in Japan for over 100 years. At its peak, about 200,000 were in use. Afterwards they were exported to other Asian countries. At present the vehicles are making a comeback as a means of getting around in Kyoto, Kamakura, Asakusa and other tourist sites around Japan, where the jinrikisha pullers also serve as guides. Recently models assisted by electric motors have been developed, but these strike me as really absurd.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:前
Japan's largest field of rape blossoms

Japan’s largest field of rape blossoms

Japan's largest field of rape blossoms
Japan’s largest field of rape blossoms

Awaji Island is the place where Japanese gods are said to have been born in “Kojiki.” Now the island is connected to Honshu by a bridge, so you can easily go there by car. Awaji Island is rich in nature and you can see various flowers, plants and animals. When spring comes, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of rape blossoms and tulips. It is becoming popular as a cycling road, so let’s go there when it gets warm.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:前