Whether it be fast food chains or fashion houses, in these financially uncertain times, staying one step ahead of those offering similar services is essential. And even when it comes to dens of dodginess and debauchery, it’s definitely no different, as just when Mistress Mad thought she’d mastered the art of madness, it seems an even madder mistress has managed to muscle her way into the maddest of mad markets.

The constant touting of Tokyo as some kind of high-tech heaven isn’t technically true, as for every state-of-the-art toilet with a heated seat and hoses galore, there’s another that’s outdated and undoubtedly dirty. But that said, it does seem that even back in the day, technology here was still tiny,

and technicolour.

It may well be difficult to say exactly why — although it could be the colours or the almost carpet-like covering — but there’s definitely something magical about Japanese moss gardens.

Yet that said, equally resplendent roads are arguably even more mesmerising.

Or at the very least, manage more mystery.

In Japan, where there are more cute characters than one can shake a club let alone a stick at, Hackman, it has to be said, is hard to see as the new Hello Kitty.

Tokyo’s hot and humid summer weather it seems isn’t just tough for little tots,

but those taking care of them too.

With marijuana-related cases rapidly rising in Japan and the authorities terrified of people having too much fun or dabbling with other drugs, it could be argued that despite such concerns, some campaigns are still sending out decidedly mixed messages.

Maybe.

Considering that the Japanese are still, on the whole, noticeably svelte when compared to their cousins in many other countries, food, and a phenomenal amount of it at that, is a huge feature of not only days out, but day to day life itself.

And as every single city, sometimes even street it seems, appears to boast its own famous foodstuff of some form or another, one is never far away from a delicacy to devour, whether it be inside,

outside,

or somewhere in between.

Presumably just like the rest of the world, the Japanese media’s reaction to Michael Jackson’s untimely death is currently making the coverage of Princess Diana’s demise seem somewhat succinct — restrained even. A situation that at the moment shows no signs of abating either, especially considering all the speculation and suspicion surrounding the singer’s life and last hours.

And now, at least for residents of Nakano-ku, there’s not even any escape when out for a wander or on the way to work, due to the appearance of some no doubt well meant,

but not necessarily welcomed by the neighbours,

work.

(huge thanks to Richard for the photos)

The possible healing powers of pee have been feverishly debated when it comes to athlete’s foot, but it now seems that a well aimed bit of wee may, or indeed may not, be similarly ideal for dealing with some rough or rank looking skin, with the ‘easy’ or ‘surprise’ aspect presumably dependent upon the users disposition to discharges.

However, unfortunate language lapses aside, the supplied lotion, it has to be said, looks somewhat suspicious to say the least.

When it comes to motorbikes, a Honda or Kawasaki may well go on forever, and maybe even further, but for many Japanese motorcyclists, a Harley of some kind or another is the machine to have — their shape and especially sound offering something that domestic bikes simply don’t seem to have.

Yet that said, as marvellous looking as this monster may be, its not exactly suitable for work wheels,

might well be considered way more than just a worry.

Spread around the country there are temples and shrines for all kinds of things, from not failing a test to fertility and phenomenal phalluses. Yet even in Japan, where babies aren’t exactly bountiful, Jishu shrine’s offer of everlasting love still seems more unlikely than landing a little ’un.

Not, or course, that such cynicism stops young hopefuls from nervously tackling the task of navigating their way between the temple’s two presumably super-powered stones with their eyes firmly shut.

As a successful bid, hence their struggles, is said to bring a life filled with happiness instead of heartbreak.

Which these two, perhaps foolishly, think they’ve found.

Laughably believing that love is all you need.

Every year it seems, the media happily mentions the arrival of the season’s first gorgeously un-globe-like members of the gourd family, complete with a picture of several Japanese ladies happily handling a plethora of marvellously proportioned melons.

However, seeing such beauties in the wild as it were is still relatively rare, but they are indeed real,

and really not very round.