Japan. . .What the!?

[justin]

This is a thread for all the things about Japan that make you say 'What the!?' List your top three.


1. A buddy of mine from my old school sent me a video from youtube that he called 'hot bikini model.' Being a guy I checked out the video. . . :eek2: The girl in the video couldn't have been more than 13! What really shocked me was this type of video is legal! What the!? :mad:

2. Back when I was going to college my Japanese had a real hardcore anime group (some only wanted to learn Japanese to watch anime in Japanese). One guy brought his laptop into class and showed some of his anime/hentai images to his friends. I saw some of it out of the corner of my eye and almost vomited! I'll give you one word: gore. Turns out theres a part of shinjuko that has the underground shops that sell books of the stuff. What the!?

3. This one isn't so bad, but it still makes my list. Squid ink pizza. . .
What the!? How on earth did someone think that was a good idea?

Let me hear from ya! :wave:

[maushan3]

How about alcoholimeters being sold on a store. I saw this for 1700 yen at Donki.

And yeah, about the bikini girl, the age of consent in Japan is 14, I think so they can so it legally with their parents' consent. Oh, and it might not be considered porn because they can just say the girl is modeling the clothes.

Mauricio

Mauricio

[epigene]

3. This one isn't so bad, but it still makes my list. Squid ink pizza. . .
What the!? How on earth did someone think that was a good idea?
Ask the Italians! If you google, you'll see a lot of Americans tasting that in Italy. :blush:

[Derfel]

Every once in a while, there appears a topic to deliver some pain... and the unlucky recipient is often hentai. Why I ask, why? There are a good billion fetishes. If you combined all the fetish aspects of hentai, it wouldn't make up 2% of the whole porn industry (yet, but since hentai is kinda "freestyle", I assume it may change :D). So what if its gore? Did they rape any people or unlucky animals with tentacles in real life? No. I can't see any arguments against it now.
Oh yeah, and before someone lodges some anti-pornography argument, let me ask something. Do you want a worldwide rape spree? No? Good. Porn stays.

Note, im not arguing for the kiddie stuff. Don't get me wrong though, I don't feel sorry for them or anything. I just don't care.
Now as for the legal age, that would be 13 for consent.

http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm

Look at the footnotes, especially 15. Good laugh.
Honestly, this little table will tell you everything about a country GDP or GNP can tell. :D
Whenever there's two illegals, it means thats a country with a low GDP rofl.
Must be married ain't bad either. But honestly, Tonga wins, ahaha.

[kusojiji]

Do you want a worldwide rape spree? No? Good. Porn stays.



That statement is so ridiculous in so many ways I can only hope it was a poor attempt at humor.

[Derfel]

Rofl mate, mate, I never heard of an internet stalker before, but you must be one. Its like, you follow me to every topic. Hope you don't want my phone number or my address, im straight.

[Emoni]

Do you want a worldwide rape spree? No? Good. Porn stays.

I have to say if one quote had to be made from this entire thread, this would be the one. Hilarious.

:cool:

[Dutch Baka]

Bread with Soba in it.....

[kusojiji]

Rofl mate, mate, I never heard of an internet stalker before, but you must be one. Its like, you follow me to every topic. Hope you don't want my phone number or my address, im straight.


A) I'm not your 'mate' or in any way interested in being so

B) Don't blame me for the fact that you choose to make ridiculous statements

C) Congratulations on your orientation, but I don't think anyone cares

[Derfel]

Can I call you dude? Or will you "admonish" me?

[Emoni]

Can't we all just get along under the banner of "Save the pr0n!"?

[Remixer]

Rofl mate, mate, I never heard of an internet stalker before, but you must be one. Its like, you follow me to every topic. Hope you don't want my phone number or my address, im straight.

That's what happens when SOMEONE doesn't take responsibility for his/her (sex still to be determined) queer-harem.



Remixer

[Derfel]

Can't we all just get along under the banner of "Save the pr0n!"?


If you're under that banner we're comrades :D




The queer-harem? Im merely a proxy-owner because you're still not honest with yourself. Who's been using it for the past few years? You!

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

1. The girl in the video couldn't have been more than 13! What really shocked me was this type of video is legal! What the!?

It is illegal now in Japan.
Your friend will receive a criminal punishment.


2. One guy brought his laptop into class and showed some of his anime/hentai images to his friends. I saw some of it out of the corner of my eye and almost vomited! I'll give you one word: gore. Turns out theres a part of shinjuko that has the underground shops that sell books of the stuff. What the!?

Shop of Shinjuku?
where is the shop?
Please show the location in detail.
I want to know it.

[dreamer]

1: They do have magazines featuring Models of approximately 15 years old in swimsuits and so on...nothing specially shocking except when you think that some guys use it as okazu

2: Weird tastes...everything exists...it's not worse than this american guy who died of internal bleedings after being ***** by a horse...
welcome to the real world.

3: Well...Squid Ink can't be worse than ready-to-spray-cheese or liquid egg in a brick...

[Emoni]

Just a note on the squid ink spaghetti, I've had it, twice. First time the place was lousy, second place I had it was darn good. Wasn't that weird. However, everything is relative, since other food I've eaten is dog, whale, baby chickens, fish sperm, scorpion, starfish, duck blood, sea slug stomach, pig intestine... yeah, squid ink wasn't bad.

[kusojiji]

Squid ink pasta is absolutely fantastic!!!

[dreamer]

Just a note on the squid ink spaghetti, I've had it, twice. First time the place was lousy, second place I had it was darn good. Wasn't that weird. However, everything is relative, since other food I've eaten is dog, whale, baby chickens, fish sperm, scorpion, starfish, duck blood, sea slug stomach, pig intestine... yeah, squid ink wasn't bad.

I totally agree on this...if you think about it, what's an egg if not a hen's period?

[Remixer]

I am sorry.

I have eaten snake, kangaroo, whale, squid and reindeer meat so far.

Even though I enjoy to experiment a bit with exotic meats, I cannot quite picture myself eating pasta with a sauce made of ink or eating grilled/cooked/steamed scorpions.

Never will go near those things.



Remixer

[AMIGO]

I've heard that some people sell "the beauty women's saliva (!)" as a treasure to sexual-freaky buyers.

Anyway Japan is a country with 120 000 000 of population. You can find bizarre things easily. But not only in Japan. Every country has its peculiarities.

You can find shocking things in USA, China, Europe...

Other thing that shocked me in Japan was the concept of the "call-girls".
I find it very sad.
Men shouldn't look for them and girls shouldn't use sex as an easy way to get money.

In the DORAMA "Great Teacher Onizuka". The actor Takashi Sorimachi plays the roll of Onizuka Sensei. In the chapter 7 he explains to one of his lady pupils the drawbacks of acting as a "call-girl" and that sex is not a game.

I was pleased for this scene that show human values.

u3JTtY_Du9g&feature=related

It seems that the vid doesn't work, you can watch it here (http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=u3JTtY_Du9g&feature=related) in 3:12 on.

[Malamis]

the only dude... moment i've ever had with Japanese culture, was involving the image of a 4(?) year old girl carrying a half meter long penis at some funky shinto fertility festival or other.

I'm not going to judge, but something died in me that day :|

[kusojiji]

Other thing that shocked me in Japan was the concept of the "call-girls".
I find it very sad.




Why would that shock you? The 'oldest profession' is hardly unique to Japan. It goes on in your country as well.

[Derfel]

Hey, much more comfortable than picking them up. :D

[ShadowSpirit]

I totally agree on this...if you think about it, what's an egg if not a hen's period?

Thanks. I'll never look at eggs the same way again.

I'll admit to never having visited Japan. The things I know about Japan stem from research. Although strange things come from any country (I could name off hundreds for my country alone.) This thread is about Japan afterall. So my 3 Japan "what the..." moments are:

1) The movie Dreams by Akira Kurosawa. For those whom have seen it, I'm at risk of being pegged as not appreciative of art or understanding of the symbolism. Though I have never seen a movie move slower in all of my life. When I think of the analogy of "rather watch paint dry." I find it appropriate to replace paint with the movie Dreams.

2) Okay, this isn't news to anybody whom has lived in or visited Japan. Yet for those whom don't already know... buying used panties out of a vending machine. In Japan, there is a large variety of items that can be bought from vending machines: beer, meals, accessories. This concept is not weird at all and actually rather nifty. It's that used women's underwear part that puts the "huh?" aspect into things. Apparently there is a market for this kind of thing out there as people (presumably males with a fetish) do buy these things.

3) I saved the best for last. This one you have to see to truly appreciate. http://www.glistrafottenti.org/fareast/boong-ga-boong-ga.jpg ... It's a game where the objective is to shove a giant index finger into the center of a bent over butt. Different characters can be picked for the facial representation of the victims that you are allegedly poking. This cast includes: priests, teachers, pedophiles, bullies, and babysitters to name a few.

[AMIGO]

Why would that shock you? The 'oldest profession' is hardly unique to Japan. It goes on in your country as well.

You said that. PROFESSION.

My Japanese friends told me that "call-girls" aren't professional. That's the thing. It is not a real profession. You don't sign a contract. Don't have social security. Don't count in the Treasury Ministery. It's black money or illegally obtained money.

No professional prostitution is illegal in my country.

[Emoni]

I do have to say, from the amount of ads that exist, from the number of stories you hear about this "unofficial prostitution" it makes you paranoid as hell that any girl you run into is/was a prostitute at one time. (Not realistic of course, but it does make you more cautious)

[dreamer]

1: haven't seen the movie
2: it has been legally forbidden for years
3: If I remember correctly the game is of Korean conception...

[Taiko666]

[QUOTE=Hiroyuki Nagashima;616139]It is illegal now in Japan.
Your friend will receive a criminal punishment.
QUOTE]

I think you're mistaken there Nagashima-san. Possession of child pornography for personal use is still legal in Japan.

I'm going to indulge myself here with my own "What the ..." favourites

* a woman needs to wait 6 months after divorce to remarry. A man can remarry the same day
* if a woman has a baby within 300 days of her divorce, her ex-husband automatically becomes the legal father
* hospitals often turn away emergency patients
* it's still illegal to have a pillion passenger on your motorcycle on certain stretches of road
* I see red traffic lights run every day

But perhaps the my biggest "what the..."
* I've lost my wallet on the street twice and had it returned with everything intact!

[Remixer]

Prostitution in several western countries is legal and some of them also institutionalized.

Germany and the Netherlands are good examples.

Apparently prostitution became a safer and cleaner profession with a list of hygienic requirements having been introduced by the governments.

I am not sure whether you mean Escorts with "call-girls", but yeah, they are available everywhere in the world.

Escorts seem to enjoy the lifestyle of the echelon of society, which is why some of them charge up to 4000 € a night.

It is a sad fact that many people will do anything for money and sell their own bodies not for survival but rather for convenience.

Nobody shall ever expect me to be able to respect a person who has so little respect for herself/himself.

Cheers :)



Remixer

[ShadowSpirit]

1: haven't seen the movie
2: it has been legally forbidden for years
3: If I remember correctly the game is of Korean conception...

1. You're not missing much.
2. I'm relieved to know that. It was such an odd thing to retail.
3. You might be correct on this. Though everything I've researched on the game points to it being introduced in Japan. The first time I heard about it was from an article in an American game magazine based on the strangest games in Japan.

Thanks for the info on point #2 though. I didn't know the current status of that.

[Derfel]

Pecunia non olet. Money has no smell.

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

No, there is the person who is already arrested.
[QUOTE]児童ポルノサーバ「うな鯖」管理人の39歳男を現行犯逮捕 - 奈良県警
http://journal.mycom.co.jp/news/2009/01/07/038/

「LimeWire」で逮捕者、児童ポルノ公開の24歳男 - 長野県警
http://journal.mycom.co.jp/news/2008/11/26/023/

ファイル交換ソフト「ｅＭｕｌｅ」（イーミュール）を通じ、児童ポルノ動画が国内外のユーザーに提供されていた事件で、埼玉県警少年捜査課は１２日 、東京都昭島市の会社員、菊地清彦容疑者（３６）を児 童買春・児童ポルノ禁止法違反（提供目的所持）容疑で 逮捕した。逮捕者は３人目。
http://kikikanrikenkyukai1.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2008-11-13-3

[justin]

[QUOTE=Hiroyuki Nagashima;616139]It is illegal now in Japan.
Your friend will receive a criminal punishment.
QUOTE]
I think you're mistaken there Nagashima-san. Possession of child pornography for personal use is still legal in Japan.
I'm going to indulge myself here with my own "What the ..." favourites
* a woman needs to wait 6 months after divorce to remarry. A man can remarry the same day
* if a woman has a baby within 300 days of her divorce, her ex-husband automatically becomes the legal father
* hospitals often turn away emergency patients
* it's still illegal to have a pillion passenger on your motorcycle on certain stretches of road
* I see red traffic lights run every day
But perhaps the my biggest "what the..."
* I've lost my wallet on the street twice and had it returned with everything intact!

I have to say this is the best one yet. :wave:

[Chris K]

the age of consent in Japan is 14,
From what I know that is the national legislation which is overidden on local level. Pretty much everywhere the actual age is 18.
IMO your bang on about the fact that they get away with it as the models are clothed.
I think Japan gets a lot of flack for being full of paedophiles due to the large amounts of erotic material portraying younger girls but you have to bear in mind that young guys (teens) are a major market and young guys have a preference for girls nearer their own age or a bit younger.

[Derfel]

Teh loli is besieged! Rawr.

[konki_d]

I certainly hope that the only point of cultural curiosity we experience in Japan is not limited to sexual topics. I mean, it is a worthy topic, but hardly the only one we could choose. For example, point number 3 in the OP mentions food.

For my part, the whole concept of shiokara (fermented squid guts, miso paste, and diced bits of boiled squid) is a bit daunting. The taste is one of the single most revolting things that I have ever attempted to stomach on more than one occasion.

Of other things that gave me a bit of the "What the . . . ?" came about when I went to get my nihon no unten-menkyoshou (Japanese driver's license). A five-month long process with multiple tests and a total cost easily greater than 5-man-en? ARGH!

Anyway, just my 2-yen worth of thoughts.

[Remixer]

Of other things that gave me a bit of the "What the . . . ?" came about when I went to get my nihon no unten-menkyoshou (Japanese driver's license). A five-month long process with multiple tests and a total cost easily greater than 5-man-en? ARGH!

That's nothing, mate.

In Australia it takes at least 3 1/2 years (mind you, minimum, which is very rarely achieved) and 4 separate theoretical and practical examinations before one is awarded with Full Driver's license.

I'm 20 and I still have to hold onto my P2 license for another 3 months before I am eligible for the final examination.



Remixer

[Derfel]

That's nothing, mate.

In Australia it takes at least 3 1/2 years (mind you, minimum, which is very rarely achieved) and 4 separate theoretical and practical examinations before one is awarded with Full Driver's license.

I'm 20 and I still have to hold onto my P2 license for another 3 months before I am eligible for the final examination.

You see Hungary is entirely different. My mate managed to do the whole procedure in 2 months, and the final practical examination was that he had to drive the examiner home. Needless to say he passed. :D

[Remixer]

Hahahahahahahahahahaha, that is awesome!



Remixer

[kusojiji]

For my part, the whole concept of shiokara (fermented squid guts, miso paste, and diced bits of boiled squid) is a bit daunting. The taste is one of the single most revolting things that I have ever attempted to stomach on more than one occasion.



Oh, shiokara is gooood. I'm having some with a beer right now!

[konki_d]

Oh, shiokara is gooood. I'm having some with a beer right now!

I would have to have the beer (and a lot of it) first before the shiokara.

<shudders>

Hoya was something else I was never fond of, but I could eat it for novelty value. Generally, I am open to all manner of culinary experiences. But, shiokara was just something I never got the taste for. Uni, natto, gyuutan - all of these are absolutely delicious!

The rotted insides of the kraken? :shock:

[Thuglife]

Japan still has not joined the World Community (Along with Russia) with outright banning of Child Porn.

[Chidoriashi]

On the driver's license tangent... Back in Nebraska (USA)(14 years ago), you could walk in on your 16 birthday take a 20 question multiple choice test, and go take a driver's test, pass both and be given a full license right then and there.... oh and the price is like.. 20 bucks or something i think.

On the "What the?" part... I don't know if this is true, but the potential penalty for not having your alien registration card on you is a fine of 200,000 yen...... and for drunk driving.. it is 300,000. Now nothing wrong with drunk driving fine.. but if the fine amount represents the "thought" danger to society.. then all I have to say is.. wow.. Drunk driving and foreigners forgetting to carry a card on them are considered to be similar threats to society..

[justin]

I certainly hope that the only point of cultural curiosity we experience in Japan is not limited to sexual topics. I mean, it is a worthy topic, but hardly the only one we could choose. For example, point number 3 in the OP mentions food.
For my part, the whole concept of shiokara (fermented squid guts, miso paste, and diced bits of boiled squid) is a bit daunting. The taste is one of the single most revolting things that I have ever attempted to stomach on more than one occasion.
Of other things that gave me a bit of the "What the . . . ?" came about when I went to get my nihon no unten-menkyoshou (Japanese driver's license). A five-month long process with multiple tests and a total cost easily greater than 5-man-en? ARGH!
Anyway, just my 2-yen worth of thoughts.


You're kidding, right? fermented squid guts. . . :mad: Just thinking of that makes me a bit ill!

Five months to get a driver's license!? Remind me to thank my driver's ed teacher.

[kusojiji]

You're kidding, right? fermented squid guts. . . :mad: Just thinking of that makes me a bit ill!



You should try it before you knock it.

[Ibostyle11]

Well considering that I just made a trip to kyushu with my j-american girlfriend to see her family, I think I can post some recent wt?! situations... apparently I stand out a bit since I'm 6'1, mixed black and white, and look it.
1) I'm using a public restroom and this guy keeps staring me up and down. I ignore it and focus on my business until and hear the sound of a picture being taken. I look over and see that the guy's phone is aimed at my manhood... wt?!
2) I'm at an arcade since I needed my Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Street Fighter fix and this group of (assuming) teenage girls surround me. I figure it's cuz I'm good at the game I'm playing and had a large win streak. When I leave, my girlfriend is laughing hysterically, telling me that they were calling me a pornstar... wt?!
3) I was minding my own business outside and these two (again assuming) teenage girls pop up out of nowhere and start rubbing on my arm. According to my girlfriend's interpretation of what they said, they were curious if my skin color would rub off... wt?!
So what did I get from my first trip to Japan... A sense that they really are ignorant to other races/cultures. I know that they don't necessarily mean harm by it. Hell I thought is was funny but damn... Oh and is there some kind of penis fetish out there??

[ASHIKAGA]

...For my part, the whole concept of shiokara (fermented squid guts, miso paste, and diced bits of boiled squid) is a bit daunting. The taste is one of the single most revolting things that I have ever attempted to stomach on more than one occasion.

Shiokara is raw squid mixed with the contents of its guts (the digestive tract) with salt, and sometimes, other flavorings such as sake, citrus peel, etc. Miso is not used in Shiokara. The fermentation occurs if it is kept for a while after being prepared, and it helps to prevent spoilage, but some people (like myself) enjoy the freshly-made Shiokara (my father who is an expert Shiokara maker, says it tastes the best 2 or 3 days after it was made).

It goes great with beer/sake/shoochuu (or so I hear. I don't drink.) as well as with white rice. If I had a bowl of white rice and some of my father's shiokara, I wouldn't need anything else! :cute: