

In preparation for long hot summer in Japan without electricity for air conditioning thanks to the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, check out these fishy titty coolers.

AFP — May 8, 2012
TOKYO –Bra with built-in ice packs, a wind chime and a sprig of mint that was unveiled…”Super Cool Bra”, featuring what appears to be a pair of small fish tanks encompassing the breasts….cups are filled with a gel that remains soft and supple even when frozen, giving the wearer “a cool sensation against her skin”, the company said in a statement.
A traditional Japanese wind chime — and a mint leaf — dangle between the cups giving an impression of cooling “by way of its refreshing fragrance and sound”…more...
Here’s an unintentional slice of Japanese life circa 1964 that I captured while testing an iPad app for screenshots:
“LIFE close“.

Caption: Keiko, languid from over-the-counter sleeping pills is lost in another sphere at a jazz kissa/coffee shop in Shinjuku Tokyo (LIFE magazine 1964-10-11).


Today is is my day, Boys’ Day—the Boy’s Festival Tango no Sekku. In politically correct nomenclature it is now called “Children’s Day” kodomo no hi and it is a national holiday. Traditionally on this day, families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers and displaying samurai armor, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life.

via dra_love’s flickr |
Spread the word
As Tokyo Rainbow Pride is a new event, we need your help in getting the word out! Even if you can’t make it to the parade, you can help by increasing awareness of the event and LGBT issues in Japan.
Send us your support
We want to collect messages of support from everybody around the world. We’ll post them all on our website and share selected messages via social networks. You can email support@tokyorainbowpride.jp or message us directly on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
See what we’ve been sent already here.
via Spread the word | Tokyo Rainbow Pride.
Cool final words: “Hospice? That’s hogwash.”

One of our favorite Japanese musicians, Towa Groove-is-in-the-Heart Tei, Sebastian Masuda of 6%DOKIDOKI, and wacky BAKUBAKU DOKIN get their dogs on and sing the engrish alphabet. Enjoy!
..
If you need more of an explanation besides “JAPANESE,” find additional info and kinky photos at tokyofashion.com:
Towa Tei “Wordy” Mind-Blowing Music Video & Behind-the-Scenes Photos by Art Director Sebastian Masuda of 6%DOKIDOKI

As you remember from the 3Yen report about R2-D2 pizza of March 30th, Domino’s Pizza Japan started a Stars Wars campaign in the beginning of April (L). Now they are offering Light Sabers to cut their luscious Star Wars pizza (below)! ↓

Domino’s Pizza Japan via Google Translate.
The first thing I thought of when I saw this new hybrid ship with sails and engines proposed by the University of Tokyo, was the Prior Art—the traditional sailing junk (Wiki) of the Orient.
Next generation cargo ship with 50m high sails uses 30% less fuel
DigInfo TV | April 24, 2012
…University of Tokyo, the idea is to utilize giant retractable sails, 20m wide by 50m high, to make maximal use of wind energy. The group has done simulations for shipping routes such as Yokohama-Seattle. The results indicate that hybrid ships with sails and engines could reduce annual fuel consumption by about 30%..more…
United Airlines, JAL, Korea Air and even crappy Delta all want me to spend $4,315 (350,227 yen) on an economy class R/T ticket for a “Compassion (or bereavement) fare” to the States right now since it’s almost Golden Week*—a string of Japanese national holidays that stretch from April 28 to May 6. So…

… If my Mom dies, she’s going on ice until until May 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, etc. when the airfare is $1,975 (160,300 yen).
Today I received my monthly spammy email from Amazon Associates hectoring me to post about their, “Mother’s Day Gift Store ..and to be sure to link to our new Hello Kitty and Simmons stores.”
To my kitschy delight, in the midst of their Hello Kitty Store I spotted this antiquey, silver, Hello Kitty, hole-in-the-head, creepazoid cat that I just had to share with you.
antique silver, Hello Kitty Cat

925 Sterling silver, European style…
