Two of the most famous elements of Japanese culture that have hopped the oceans and made it into the west are aesthetic/design and Engrish. Here's a photo of each!
AKIHABARA ELECTRICAL TOWN
My friend Kensuke guided me around Tokyo for the first 5 days I was in Japan. In Akihabara, we happened upon a pedestrian avenue lined with... American restaurants?! Foreign economic influence notwithstanding, the area was splashed with neon light in a way only the Japanese can pull off. Not only were there tubes and spotlights, but rows of lanterns hanging overhead. In Akihabara, the outdoor illumination of ages long past meets the bustle of one of the largest technology centers in the world. Japanese aesthetic and design guides visitors' way into Western-style places of business.
Note: This is not shooped. I lengthened the exposure time.
WHAT YOU SAYING?
It seems that the 2 largest cities in Japan, Tokyo and Osaka, are pretty good about keeping the Engrish on ads and signs to a minimum. However, once you're off the beaten path, it's anyone's game. Unfortunately, the beaten path does not run through Japan's third largest city. A vending machine at the Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo attempts to brag that the coffee contained therein is likely the most caffiene-packed brew on the planet. Rest assured, you will make it through the rest of your trip through the zoo if you overlook the shoddy grammar and "reach out for a cup!"
Some brave manufacturer is exacting revenge on behalf of Webster and Random House.
1 comment:
A nice beginning. I like your writing style and creativity in your layout. But your pictures are a bit difficult to see unless you click on them to enlarge. Can you make your pictures larger in your post?
Your choice of topics is interesting. Be careful with some of your statements, however. Yokohama has a larger population than Osaka. And I'm afraid it's not just off the beaten paths where you can find Engrish...
I see a lot of potential with you blog and look forward to your future posts.
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