Big in Japan: Bigger breasts through better medicine?

by Matthew Firestone on

Men and women come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, which is why we can all take comfort in the simple fact that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Indeed, the human form is incredibly diverse, which is a testament to the wonderful variation that exists within our highly adaptable species…

With that said, preferences for certain sexual characteristics do sometimes exist, one of which is the male preference for women with larger breasts. Whether you believe it’s the result of human evolution or sexual perversion, you don’t have to be an anthropologist to note that most societies place a premium on large breasts. After all, what other species on the planet would slip a saline-filled plastic baggy underneath their skin for the purpose of mate selection?

Sadly, women the world over face an incredible amount of pressure to conform to so-called ideals of beauty. For instance, Japan is home to some of the world’s most beautiful women, the vast majority of whom are relatively slender given their incredibly healthy diet and active lifestyles. In recent years however, Japanese women are increasingly being compared to more full-bodied Western women, which has spawned an entire industry of products aimed at increasing bust size.

While I am by no means a doctor, allow me to take a moment to debunk the idea that you can get larger breasts by applying a ‘miracle’ cream…

By their own admission, a significant number of Japanese women are concerned about their breast size, especially since they are inundated with images of Hollywood celebrities with ample bosom. While breast implants have been reduced to a high school graduation gift in some parts of America, plastic surgery still carries a strong stigma here in Japan. In fact, the underlying rule in Japan is that ‘natural is beautiful,’ a philosophy that perhaps we should adhere to with greater frequency in the West.

Recently in Japan, I’ve started to notice a new product entitled Lovely Bust, a small tin of pinkish goo that retails for around 4000 yen or roughly US$35. The cream is advertised as containing a breakthrough compound known as Volufilin, which is designed to cause fat cells to differentiate, thus causing firmer and more voluminous breasts.

First of all, can we just pause for a moment and reflect on the name ‘Volufilin?’ I’ve heard of some bizarre prescription drug names over the years, but I must say that the marketing execs are getting increasingly more absurd!

As the story goes, Lovely Bust is designed to be massaged on your breasts twice a day for up to six months, thus causing ‘bulging bust.’ The product even comes with a dodgy pamphlet containing all sorts of pseudo-scientific results, claiming that cup size can increase by as much as 10% with frequent use.

So what the hell is volufilin? Good question.

If you’re going to sell a miracle beauty product, then make sure you have a good back story. According to the makers of Lovely Bust, volufilin is a rare compound that comes from the root structure of French lilies! After all, there is nothing more sexy than D-cups, wildflowers and anything French!

Needless to say, I think you can pass on Lovely Bust, even though you can probably expect this stuff to start appearing in beauty stores throughout North America sometime in the near future!!

Big in Japan: 5 mistakes made by rookie karaoke singers

by Matthew Firestone on

Karaoke (????????????), which literally translates to empty orchestra, is something of a national past time here in the Land of the Rising Sun. From carousing teenagers and courting couples to boozing salarymen and fun-loving retirees, karaoke is one of the great social equalizers in Japanese society.

With that said, karaoke doesn’t enjoy much popularity in the West, which is probably why a good portion of first-timers in Japan dread the idea of belting out karaoke tunes. Of course, if you spend any more than a few wild nights out over here, you’ll quickly realize that a trip to the karaoke parlor, much like drunk-induced munchies, is something of a given.

For those of you out there with naturally rich voices, perfect pitch and years of vocal training, a karaoke marathon is a chance to impress your Japanese hosts and garner some self-confidence. For the rest of us however, a karaoke marathon is ripe with unforeseen perils and dangers.

But, fear not as today’s posting is all about the 5 mistakes made by rookie karaoke singers!

1) Don’t sing karaoke if you’re sober.

There is a reason why Japanese people usually head to the karaoke parlor when they’re absolutely hammered. While researchers have yet to uncover the exact science behind the correlation, excessive drinking and karaoke proficiency are intimately related. If you are in the unfortunate position of being sober in a karaoke parlor, fear not as most places do serve liquid encouragement!

2) Be careful of the tempo and the pitch.

Even if you’re not technology-savvy, it is vital to know that you can control the tempo and pitch on most karaoke machines. Needless to say, this is essential for making sure that the notes stays within your vocal range, and that the words don’t blow past you on the TV screen.

3) Look out for card-carrying members.

Karaoke isn’t always a cheap outing, which is why Japanese aficionados carry point cards to subsidize their hobby. While it is sometimes hard to tell at first glance who is gifted and who is merely a wannabe karaoke star, never brag about your karaoke talents in front of card-carrying members! Trust me – these guys and gals were owning karaoke machines while you were still nursing!

4) Know your audience.

Japanese people have extremely varied musical tastes, though the music you typically listen to at home won’t always cut it here in Japan. Indeed, karaoke skill comes not only from singing along in perfect key and rhythm, but also choosing a song that melts everyone’s hearts. If you’re trying to impress an older, more business-minded audience, Beatles classics (think Yoko Ono) are sure-fire hits. For younger audiences however, bust out your best rap skills.

5) Beware the juu-hachi ban (十八番).

If there is one Japanese word you must learn, it’s juu-hachi ban or simply the number eighteen. In karaoke parlors, this slang word refers to your karaoke standard, or the song you belt out to prove your vocal supremacy. If you hear someone say that their juu-hachi ban is coming up, I can promise you that you don’t want to follow their act!

Good luck, and happy singing (^_^)

** Images courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **

Big in Japan: Best weekend escapes from Tokyo

by Matthew Firestone on

Living in one of the world’s biggest metropolises can certainly take its toll on your health and sanity!

On a good day, Tokyo is an adrenaline-fueled hedonists’ playground where you can overwhelm your senses with fine cuisine, cutting edge fashion and some of the planet’s most beautiful people. On a bad day, Tokyo is a neon-ringed urban jungle where you can dull your senses on grey concrete, jumbled streetscapes and some of the planet’s most crowded spaces.

Indeed, the secret to living in Tokyo is to embrace the idea of being a dedicated weekend warrior. After punching out from work on Friday afternoon, race home, grab your bags and make haste to the surrounding countryside. After all, the area surrounding Tokyo is not only surprisingly green and lush, but it’s also dotted with ancient temples, sacred mountains and therapeutic hot springs.

So, without further adieu, I present to you today some of Tokyo’s best weekend escapes…

1) Mt Fuji – While the climbing season doesn’t officially open until June 1, catching an iconic glimpse of this scared mountain is one of the classic vistas of both ancient and modern Japan. The area surrounding Mt Fuji is known as the ‘Fuji Five Lakes” (富士五湖, Fujigoko), and is home to traditional country-style inns, rustic restaurants and some of the island’s best hiking. In fact, all of the lakes are connected via a network of elaborate trails, which means you can explore the area on foot while soaking up vistas of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

2) Kamakura – In the 12th century, Kamakura was the de facto capital of Japan, the fourth largest city in the world, and home to the aptly named Kamakura Shogunate. Today, the modern city is interspersed with storied shrines and temples, though most visitors hone their sights on the Great Buddha (大仏, daibutsu). Built in 1252, this huge outdoor bronze statue is a testament to the city’s former power and influence. Of course, Kamakura isn’t just all about temples and statues, especially since the city is also home to some of the region’s best beaches.

3) Hakone – Tokyoites love to spoil themselves silly, which is probably why this famous hot springs town is one of the city’s best weekend escapes. Comprised of dozens and dozens of hot springs hotels, Hakone offers therapeutic relief from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Simply choose a hotel that takes your fancy, soak your tired bones in volcanic-heated mineral water that literally seeps up from the ground, fill your gut with homemade Japanese cooking and unwind in the early evening with a bottle of fresh sake and good friends in a traditional tatami room. Bliss!

All of the above destinations are easily accessible by train from Shinjuku station. Also note that these weekend escapes are just a few of my favorites, though there are plenty of noteworthy places all within a few hours striking distance of Tokyo.

On that note, if you’d like to share a few of your own frequented spots with the rest of us, feel free to chime in and give us all some tips!

** All images courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **

Big in Japan: Japanese-style love hotel in New York City

by Matthew Firestone on

Earlier this week, Big in Japan brought you a how-to-guide for getting down and dirty in a love hotel (???????????????, rabu hoteru).

In case you missed the post, click here to get up to speed on the syrupy sweet yet delightfully sinful world of Japanese love hotels. Of course, if you’re reading this blog now, and thinking to yourself that Japan is awfully far away, than fear not as there may be a love hotel closer than you think!

Located at 51 Tenth Ave in Manhattan, the Liberty Inn NYC was recently voted in the Best of New York – 2008 issue of New York Magazine as the City’s BEST “by-the-hour” hotel.

Inspired by Japanese-style love hotels, the Liberty Inn NYC is home to twenty-eight uniquely designed rooms that are perfect for an old lover, a new partner or an adulterous tryst.

Can you feel the love tonight ?????(*??.??)(??.??*)?????

The history of the Liberty Inn NYC is, quite simply, awesome.

The hotel was first constructed in 1908 as the Strand Hotel, which soon become a rough and ready boarding house for sailors and prostitutes. During the Prohibition Era, the building lived several interesting lives as a speakeasy, a go-go bar and a social club. By 1969, it reverted back to its original purpose, and was renamed the aptly appropriate ‘Hide-A-Way Motel.’

Today of course, the Liberty Inn NYC is attracting a slightly more discerning clientele. Indeed, you and your better half can enjoy:

– Stylish rooms with romantic decor
– Mood lighting with adjustable setting
– Dramatic wall/ceiling mirrors and mural
– 37″ Plasma TV – Satellite TV and XM music radio
– 2 person whirlpool in “Romance Interlude Rooms”
– 6 selection in-house adult movie/video system
– Air purification system in every room

Not bad for an hourly motel!!

A two-hour ‘rest’ costs $60, though you can maximize your love-making time by shelling out the extra ten bucks for the third hour. For a more intimate escape, you can check in for night – prior to 11PM a standard room costs US$180, though you can save forty-five bucks by stopping by after hours. For an extra bit of spice, consider upgrading to the ‘Romantic Interlude’ rooms for only US$15/40 more per rest/stay.

The Liberty Inn NYC can be reached by A and E lines at 8th Ave, and the 1, 2 and 3 lines at 7th Ave. From either station, you can walk or take 14 St crosstown (M-14) bus west across 14th St to 10th Ave. Of course, if you really want to impress your near-future lover, it’s probably better to take a cab!

Note that reservations are not possible, though this shouldn’t be a problem as love and lust are always better when they’re spontaneous. Also, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover cards are accepted, though if you’ve learned anything from the whole Eliot Spitzer affair, you’ll agree that it’s probably better to pay by cash.

For more information, you can contact the Liberty Inn NYC at (212) 741-2333 or check out their website by clicking here .

** All images were taken from the website for the Liberty Inn NYC**

Big in Japan: How to get down and dirty in a Love Hotel

by Matthew Firestone on

Today’s posting is rated R for strong sexual content. Viewer discretion is advised.

There is no shortage of the weird, the wacky and the wonderful here in Japan. Indeed, you’ll find strange, strange things in the Land of the Rising Sun that have no real equivalent in the West.

For instance, Japan is world-famous for its love hotels (???????????????, rabu hoteru), a special type of short-stay hotel that puts North American hourly motels to shame. When you want to get down and dirty with a special friend, yet secrecy is of the utmost importance, head to a love hotel. Here, you’ll find that entrances are discreet, interaction with staff is minimized and cash changes hands without so much as eye contact.

And of course, while hourly motels in North America have a certain lewd stigma to them, Japanese love hotels are fanciful affairs. Both inside and out, love hotels have romantic and oh-so kitschy themes to help you set the mood, and there’s no shortage of added perks to help you enhance your love-making. Indeed, you’ll find pretty much anything your heart (and loins) desires in a love hotel, from rotating beds and mirrored ceilings to sex toys and S&M gear.

On that note, I present to you a quick and easy how-to-guide for getting down and dirty in a love hotel…

Step 1: Find the lucky Japanese girl or guy.

This is a whole separate post in itself, but might I suggest partying in any of the bars and clubs in Tokyo’s famous entertainment district of Shibuya. This is a good place to start your night of love and lust, especially since it’s close to Dōgenzaka (道玄坂), home to the aptly named ‘Love Hotel Hill.’ Which of course brings us to…

Step 2: Find the right hotel.

Love hotels are garish buildings often distinguished by tacky neon lightings, small or covered windows and occasionally bizarre shapes like castles, boats and even UFOs. Once you find one that suits your fancy, keep in mind that love hotels offer a room rate for a rest (休憩, kyūkei) as well as for an overnight stay. The period of a “rest” varies, typically ranging from one to three hours, while overnight stays only become available after 10pm.

Step 3: Get down to business.

Inside the love hotel, you’ll be prompted with a digital screen containing pictures of the various pleasure quarters . After choosing your selection, pay the proprietor behind the frosted glass, take the keys and get to it! Even if your romantic rendezvous was somewhat spontaneous, take comfort in the fact that most rooms in love hotels come stocked with condoms in all shapes, sizes and sometimes flavors. And, in case you’re feeling a bit kinky, most rooms stock ‘extras’ that can be purchased for a small fee.

Step 4: Party like a rock star.

The best part of staying in a love hotel (aside from the random sex) is enjoying all the extra perks you’ll find in the room. Feeling a bit unclean? Take a Jacuzzi with your partner in crime. Want to stretch your vocal range? Turn on the mic and belt out some karaoke. Want to ignore your date and do some gaming? Fire up the Nintendo Wii or Sony Playstation. Want to get hammered? Raid the mini-bar and pass out in drunken delight.

Step 5: Do the walk of shame.

Again, this is a whole separate post in itself, but depending on the visual quality of your date, you might want to make a quick exit in the morning. Trains in Tokyo start running around 6am, though you can always jump in a cab if your beer goggles were a bit fuzzier than usual.

On that note, feel free to post any good stories of lustful trysts you care to share with all of us in the online world! (^^>”

** Images courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **