[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RS2pgJoCk0] In today's segment of Where Are They Now?, Jamiroquai and his once hit song "Virtual Insanity" are now pitching Cup Noodles in Japanese commercials.
Viewing entries in
Japan
In the future In Japan, apparently you can buy a combo cigarette and coffee pack for approximately $7. Murakami needs to include this in his next novel.
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In the interest of balance, since the two most recent entries were Sino-centric, here's something from Japan: An imitation of Sesame Street called "Banana Street" where "Bert" and "Ernie" teach some decidedly non-kid friendly phrases, including one which David Letterman might appreciate. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulHWeJaJArQ&fmt=18]
From yet another Japanese game show, it's a Michael Jackson moonwalking competition. The contestant that showed up in blackface however is an automatic fail.
Hordes of ginormous Nomura's jellyfish invade the waters off Japan. I for one welcome our new jellyfish overlords.
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Part of the the Hanshin expressway in Osaka, Japan runs through an office building. I wonder if space is an issue in Japan. <--That was sarcasm.
The first rule of Japanese Insect Fight Club is, you do not talk about fight club. The second rule of insect fight club is, you do not talk about fight club. Third, if someone says stop, goes limp, taps out, the fight is over. Four, two insects to a fight...TO THE DEATH. This ain't for the squimish, the children, or the sociopath.
This is pretty much the very opposite of Ninja Warrior. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpg3xM-niVw&fmt=18]
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I like this sculpture a lot. It can be found at a children's center (Kodomo No Shiro) in Japan.
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Hayao Miyazaki--creator of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle which are two of my favorite animated films--in a recent interview about his new hit Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea explains why he favors the traditional pencil over computers:
I think animation is something that needs the pencil, needs man's drawing hand, and that is why I decided to do this work in this way. Currently computer graphics are of course used a great deal and, as I've said before, this use can at times be excessive. I will continue to use my pencil as long as I can.
Not to argue with a master, but Pixar has demonstrably proven that animation doesn't need the pencil, but Miyazaki's drawings are unquestionably infused with something magical that no computer could produce on its own. Tools aside, Pixar and Miyazaki share a commonality in that what makes their films so successful is ultimately great and compelling stories for all ages.
[Thanks Moye!]