Solar Eclipse, Climbing Everest, An Elderly Slasher, And More [Sunday News]

by 33 Comments

Every Sunday we gather the week’s weird and interesting Japanese news and present it to you in our Sunday News column. It might not always be hard-hitting news, but we hope that it still informs and entertains you. Enjoy!

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[threecol_two]Sword womanSword-wielder lops off realtor’s arm, wounds two others before capture: This is the second time in as many months I’ve come across a story about an old guy going nuts and attacking people with a samurai sword. I guess they’re more spry than I gave them credit for. Remind me to watch my back next time I piss off some oyaji. [via News On Japan][/threecol_two] [threecol_one_last]Star of film ‘Hachiko’ to be celebrated with bronze statue: A new statue of Hachiko, the legendary Japanese dog whose loyalty extended beyond his master’s death, is being dedicated in Rhode Island, of all places. The Rhode Island town was used as a location for the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, making the new statue part homage to the film, part tourist trap. This also brings the worldwide Hachiko statue count to just under 300 (outside Japan). [via Japundit]

Girls Generation Reaches Double Platinum Status In Japan: Korea continues to flex its pop muscles as Girls Generation AKA SNSD climbs the Japanese music charts and racks up album sales. Although, I’m not really sure why their musical success matters anymore; after meeting Bill Murray, I would have called their career complete. I mean, where can you really go after that?! [via Japundit][/threecol_one_last]

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[threecol_one]Japan storm over ‘Beat’ Takeshi anti-gay comments: On the heels of US president Barack Obama openly endorsing gay marriage, Japanese celebrity “Beat” Takeshi compared gay marriage to marrying a dog. I mean sure, bestiality isn’t even remotely comparable to committing to a long-term relationship with another person but hey! He’s famous so he must know what he’s talking about, right? [via Japundit][/threecol_one] [threecol_one]Kyokutenho beats Tochiozan for title: Sumo wrestler Kyokutenho made history last week by becoming the oldest sumo wrestler to earn a title. At age 37, Kyokutenho’s victory gives hope to other, older people. You hear that, older Tofugu coworkers? Your lives aren’t over yet! [via News On Japan][/threecol_one] [threecol_one_last]The Quattro Prestige, a $50 Pizza From Domino’s Japan: First, KFC Japan opened up a restaurant that serves many varieties of whiskies, now Domino’s is offering up a $50 pizza? What’s next in this line of Japan fast food chains offering upscale items? Is McDonald’s Japan going to introduce an authentic Kobe beef burger? [via Reddit][/threecol_one_last]

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[threecol_one]Annular Solar Eclipse: Japan was lucky enough to witness a rare solar eclipse last weekend, bringing out people from all over the country to stare up into the sky with their specially-designed eclipse glasses. Check out some stunning pictures and video of the eclipse from our good pal Hikosaemon, News On Japan, or Kirainet. Missed out? You’ll have to wait till 2023 for the next Japanese eclipse.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s “pamyupamyurevolution” Tops US iTunes Chart: Turns out J-pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s brand of weird, colorful, saccharine pop has appeal outside of Japan. Does this mean a Katy Perry/Kyary rivalry is in the works? Who will be the queen of candy-themed music videos?! I can only hope that somebody is developing a California Gurls/CANDY CANDY mashup to broker the peace.[/threecol_one] [threecol_two_last]Mt. EverestJapanese woman, 73, again oldest atop Everest: Yet again, the Japanese elderly are putting the rest of the world to shame with their longevity and liveliness. I mean, if a septuagenarian can scale the tallest point on earth, what excuse do I have? Guess it’s time to start training. Anybody know a good Sherpa guide? [via News On Japan][/threecol_two_last]

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[Header image source]

  • ですこ

    Beat Takeshi? Well, I’m not a fan of violent solutions, but if Tofugu demands it, I guess I have no choice.

    And we all know that gay marriage is more like marrying your hand. Have he even seen Christianu2uber’s hit YouTube videos? Geez.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1679127102 Noah Wood

    きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅが大好きだw　つけまつけるは私の愛唱歌です。

  • ジョサイア

    What’s with all the old geazers with katanas cutting people?? 
    I wonder how many times this has happened?

  • ジョサイア

    “And we all know that gay marriage is more like marrying your hand”
    That ‘s a good way of putting it…And I agree 100%

  • Malicedotrevolver

    Great Dishonor!

  • psych

     Dude, please.
    The best science available for men clearly indicates a biological origin of sexuality.  It would be nice if you woke up to modern science rather than your bias.
    “We all know that…”  heh…yeah, that you’re ignorant?
    This is no longer the Mejii era, c’mon, time to actually be aware…

  • psych

    Statistically speaking, homosexual partnerships are more successful than their hetero counterparts.

    This is a great website and it would be a real shame for it to degrade into people drawing lines about genetic inheritance–that’s actually profoundly ignorant.

    And yes, this is a good way of putting it.

  • psych of 22 years

    ” On the heels of US president Barack Obama openly endorsing gay marriage,
    Japanese celebrity “Beat” Takeshi compared gay marriage to marrying a
    dog.”

    This coverage is pedantic and shallow.
    Never have I seen such occluded hate on this website…..sorry Hashi, normally I love your posts—but here you must do better.  Please.

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    I think the sarcasm in ですこ’s comment may have been missed?

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    It’s hard to get into much detail when the purpose of the sunday post is to write quick summaries and direct you to other articles outside of Tofugu of news going on about Japan.
    Perhaps I don’t understand the comment, though – could you please explain so I understand?

  • http://www.tofugu.com/ Hashi

    What in particular did you take issue with?

  • psych

     Happily:
    …did you know older mothers have more gay babies?

    The evidence is stacking up:  homosexuality has been documented to be from at least 4 genomes.  It is not a matter of choice.  It is not a matter of experience (environmental issues have been ruled out).  In essence it is a matter of hormonal influence en-utero…
    …no different than brown versus blue eyes.  (viz.  beyond personal control)  Just as much as people do not choose to be “straight”, the reverse is just a true. 

    Sorry if I was a bit harsh, rash, or otherwise ugly, that was not my intent (I follow your blog for a reason and have loved all along); just want to set the record “straight”.  (Some of the comments below disgust me; it takes just a bit to make the scales tip to discrimination, intolerance, and ugliness…sarcasm is an easy way to open the door to intolerance.)

  • ですこ

     Well, I can’t argue with science for men.

  • ですこ

    Hmmm…

  • http://www.tofugu.com koichi

    I guess I should rephrase my question … where in this article do we say anything bigoted or ignorant or anti-gay? We reported on an article that talks _about_ someone who does these things, I suppose? Is that what you mean?

  • kuyaChristian

    I’m a big fan of Girls’ Generation/SNSD, so I got pretty surprised when I saw the mention. But who would’ve thought that the article leads me to a news agency from the Philippines? lololol
    Mr Taxi, Taxi, Taxi, Taxi~

    And kyarypamyupamyu…she’s just crazy.

  • Erisabesu

    Uhm, a $50 pizza. I see nothing abnormal with that. If you ever find yourself in Norway, a $50 pizza is the cheapest pizza you’ll find at any pizza chain. You could maybe find one for $35, but that would be one of those with only cheese and ham (probably at some rundown kiosk with high health risks).  

  • Madbeanman

    Maybe he didn’t get the sarcasm of 
    He’s famous so he must know what he’s talking about, right? If anything sir you could make a case of Hashi being biased  against Mr Takeshi. I mean I find his comments outrageous too (Takeshi’s not Hashi’s).

    Also Tofugu isn’t a news organisation, its a blog. The guys can write what they want, free speech and all that. So even if it was homophobic if you don’t like it click the little x up there in the top right corner. Although before you do I would really love to see where you say something offensive in what he said because its baffling me. 

  • http://twitter.com/shollum Shollum

     For $50, I could get two steak dinners (depending on where you go, but that’s about the middle of the road) or somewhere around fifty wings and two plates of cheese fries (don’t know exactly). Frankly, I’d prefer spending the money on either of those than on a pizza.

    Is the pizza actually worth it? Are we talking really awesome, far better than anything from Pizza Hut or it’s competitors, not overly greasy with amazing topings pizza? ‘Cause if so, I might go to Norway to get some pizza. Most of ours are pretty much the same.

  • Sm

    Everybody knows in Nepal knows that tourists (especially Europeans/Americans) pay Sherpas for piggyback rides up mountains. I’m Nepalese and I don’t think Sherpas get enough credit for working hard and putting up with what tourists do to them.

  • http://twitter.com/shollum Shollum

     Did you know that the older a woman is when she gets pregnant, the greater the chance for the child to become obese? Did you know that that was real research and that the stuff you refer to about homosexuality being genetic was ruled as BS?

    Did you know there’s this thing called sarcasm which is heavily used on the web? Did you know that there’s this other thing called satire that should be used more on the web since it doesn’t require tone of voice to perceive?

    Did you know that the internet has a large level of humor in it and that people like yourself need to study it’s use? Did you know that the level of homophobes and intolerant folk is a lot lower than the media would have you believe?

    Did you know that your comments make you look like a hater instead?

    Y U hate on everyone?!

  • http://www.tofugu.com/ Hashi

    I’m not entirely sure what part of my post you’re taking issue with. The commentary in my post about Beat Takeshi were meant to be sarcastic, but I’m sorry if it came across otherwise.

    Or are you taking issue with some of the comments on the post? Please let me know SPECIFICALLY what particular part of this post or the comments that you’re taking issue with so I can address it for you. It was never my intention to offend.

  • http://www.tofugu.com/ Hashi

    Interesting! Whole pizza pies can run pretty cheap here in the US (probably about $10~$15 for a fast food pizza).

  • http://www.tofugu.com/ Hashi

    Yeah, it seems that Sherpas get a pretty tough break. I’m sure there are Sherpa who have been to the top of Everest numerous times, but it’s always the tourists that get the credit.

    It reminds me a lot of this comic: http://harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=208

  • Erisabesu

    Food prices in Norway are high, and eating out at average restaurant will set you back a lot. I’ve never tried Pizza Hut nor its competitors, so I cant really say. But Norwegian pizza is not all like Japanese style pizza! But we have corn on some our pizzas, I’ve heard that’s abnormal in the states. We have mussels-pizza too, with the shells still attached, I’ve seen many foreigners freak out over that. But in the end my guess is that Norwegian pizza is pretty much the same as everywhere else in Europe (and probably North America too). 

  • http://www.tofugu.com/ Hashi

    I assume that kyarypamyupamyu is Lisa Frank and Lady Gaga’s lovechild.

  • http://twitter.com/shollum Shollum

     Corn on pizza… Sounds good to me! I’m assuming the mussels are left in the shell for a reason? I’d probably like the mussels, but getting them out… A bit of a pain for pizza.

    So if food prices are high, is there a cheaper necessary good to compensate?

  • kuyaChristian

    But some actually say that Lady Gaga is the one who took Harajuku styles…so technically Gaga is the love child :P
    Anyway, have you ever seen some of kyarypamyupamyu’s CMs?! The Japanese live up to the legacy of weird CMs

  • http://www.tofugu.com/ Hashi

    That’s a good point. I’ve only seen her latest KFC CM, are there any other good ones?

  • kuyaChristian

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naGOxCNqKyE I personally don’t know what the product she’s endorsing but it looks like custard/flan to me.
    And she did a series of CMs for anan magazine…I think you can find it on YT :O

  • http://www.tofugu.com/ Hashi

    omg that’s great!

  • kuyaChristian

    Shachou! Shachou!!

  • drayomi

    I was in Japan when the Eclipse happened. Unfortunately my host family and I couldn’t view it because the special glasses you can view it with were sold out everywhere we went. :(