Friday, August 25, 2006

The Fondling Train

When I first arrived here, I was appalled but amused at Japan's groping problem. I'm sure this isn't a new problem that just popped up. In fact, I bet that these women have allowed this to go on for years in fear of drawing attention to themselves and creating an embarrassing moment.

But not anymore. Now things are out in the open and women are fighting back. Women have been reported to chase down, pin and restrain their gropers. Some victims have even openly chastised their offenders, which is quite embarrassing given the Japanese culture of being polite and unassuming.

It's come to the point where the government has recognized it as needing remedial action. One course of action is designating "Women Only" cars on rush hour trains. These "safe zones" are the first and last cars of some trains and are fitted with pink upholstery and signs.

Far more interestingly, I read that they have now launched some "Perverts Only" cars. Of course, my friend and I have decided that if we happened upon it together, we would surely ride in it for at least a couple of stops or until we got touched inappropriately... whichever came first. Alas, it has never come our way and I'm beginning to wonder if it even exists.

Still, I've recently come to identify with these pervert freaks. What drives them to do these acts is sheer curiosity - one of the most primal instincts that we all are subjected to. Personally, staring at an endless sea of oddly shaped and flat *ah hem* butts causes me to wonder what they feel like. Are they hard, soft, curved, magical... ?

But don't worry, what separates me from the common freak is that I CAN restrain myself... or can I? :-s

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Celebrate the Now

Right now the Caribbean is celebrating what we call "August Monday" when the slaves of the Caribbean was emancipated in 1834 (no need to check the date).

Anyway, at this same time the Japanese is going through some sort of fireworks festival. No, not to celebrate independence - cause they were never really colonized. They spend millions of dollars every year to produce, throughout the whole country, the most spectacular fireworks display ever seen anywhere, all in the name of Summer.

Huh?! You mean as in sun and sunshine? Yup, that's right.

Yes we should remember our history and celebrate our accomplishments, absolutely . But it's so refreshing the way the Japanese also celebrates "The Now". We just don't do it enough. Again, we can learn something from the Japanese.

In Japan we have Ocean Day, Green Day, Children's Day, and Health & Sports Day. All are public holidays - no kidding. Here someone doesn't always have to die to get a day of appreciation.

Name one western holiday that doesn't involve dead people.
Veterans day - soldiers dead
Columbus day - Columbus dead
Martin Luther King day - Dr. King dead
Presidents day - George Washington dead
Christmas day - Jesus dead at least once
Thanksgiving - Pilgrims and Indians - dead and dead

See. Told Yah.

So I urge you, don't let some official tell you when and what to celebrate. You celebrate the most precious moments of your life. This moment. Celebrate the Now!