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Bob Biter · 06-21-2005, 04:23 PM

To add to Bundy's notes:

Nomihodai: literally "drink without restriction", this type of deal is usually offered in izakaya (Japanese-style restaurant/bar, with private rooms and open areas) and some bars. Usually, they last between 80 and 120 minutes, but the selection of drinks can be limited (basic mixes, beer, non-alcoholic drinks), as opposed to the regular menu. Also, in some places who have to order some food if you want the nomihodai, while other spots just add a table charge of 250-1,000 yen (depending on classiness) to your bill. I've noticed that the Japanese tend to get drunk quicker than North Americans (some are even allergic to alcohol and I've seen people break out in hives!), but they have a lot of spirit and will often go for the long haul.

I'm really sad that I missed the "medical fetish" craze that swept Harajuku about 3-4 years ago. Kids would dress up as nurses, doctors, surgeons, etc., with all the accessories that this entails. *sigh*

Harassment on the train is the reason that Japanese cellphones that have a built-in camera (pretty much all of them) ALWAYS make a loud, old-school "shutter click" sound when you take pictures, even when you shut off all the built-in noises (this is called "manner mode" over here), since pervs tend to take panty shots of women wearing skirts. In a crowded train, you can't tell whose hands are near you, but since everyone is so freakin' quiet on JR trains and subways, a loud shutter click will always let people know that a "tsukebe" (pervert) is around.

Speaking of "keitai" (cellphones) in trains, there are actually signs (in Sendai, at least) showing all the bad things that can happen when you use them, which ranges from mild annoyance (a business guy giving a disapproving look) to outright physical pain (an old lady clutching her chest because the keitai "waves" fuck with her pacemaker). I see these and think "what the hell is wrong with these people!". Silence truly is golden in Japan, which is why people use the e-mail feature of their cellphones to an almost obsessive degree. It takes longer to get your message across, but it's quiet and doesn't piss off anyone. Also, it gives you something to do during your commute, I guess.

06-21-2005, 04:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bob Biter Non-smokers die everyday Location: Montreal	To add to Bundy's notes: Nomihodai: literally "drink without restriction", this type of deal is usually offered in izakaya (Japanese-style restaurant/bar, with private rooms and open areas) and some bars. Usually, they last between 80 and 120 minutes, but the selection of drinks can be limited (basic mixes, beer, non-alcoholic drinks), as opposed to the regular menu. Also, in some places who have to order some food if you want the nomihodai, while other spots just add a table charge of 250-1,000 yen (depending on classiness) to your bill. I've noticed that the Japanese tend to get drunk quicker than North Americans (some are even allergic to alcohol and I've seen people break out in hives!), but they have a lot of spirit and will often go for the long haul. I'm really sad that I missed the "medical fetish" craze that swept Harajuku about 3-4 years ago. Kids would dress up as nurses, doctors, surgeons, etc., with all the accessories that this entails. sigh Harassment on the train is the reason that Japanese cellphones that have a built-in camera (pretty much all of them) ALWAYS make a loud, old-school "shutter click" sound when you take pictures, even when you shut off all the built-in noises (this is called "manner mode" over here), since pervs tend to take panty shots of women wearing skirts. In a crowded train, you can't tell whose hands are near you, but since everyone is so freakin' quiet on JR trains and subways, a loud shutter click will always let people know that a "tsukebe" (pervert) is around. Speaking of "keitai" (cellphones) in trains, there are actually signs (in Sendai, at least) showing all the bad things that can happen when you use them, which ranges from mild annoyance (a business guy giving a disapproving look) to outright physical pain (an old lady clutching her chest because the keitai "waves" fuck with her pacemaker). I see these and think "what the hell is wrong with these people!". Silence truly is golden in Japan, which is why people use the e-mail feature of their cellphones to an almost obsessive degree. It takes longer to get your message across, but it's quiet and doesn't piss off anyone. Also, it gives you something to do during your commute, I guess. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that don't happen.