Japan Chronicles #41 à 50

Chronicle #41 (December 12, 2022): Huh? I challenge you to figure out what it's for! It's worth $50!

Chronicle #42 (April 20, 2023): In Japan, election posters are strictly regulated—only on large billboards reserved for strategic neighborhood locations. The result? Less waste, less visual pollution, and a campaign that remains orderly, even with an avalanche of candidates.

Chronicle #43 (August 30, 2023): Huh Series? Coffee served by a bear paw—now that's an experience that goes beyond simple table service! You slip your money into a hole, wait, and suddenly... a hairy paw pops out with your coffee. Original concept or slight concern about hygiene? Let's just say the surprise is part of the charm... but not sure we'd come back every morning!

Chronicle #44 (September 30, 2023): Hangover pills in Japan—an unexpected surprise at a fancy restaurant! Last Thursday, during a nomikai with my colleagues and my boss, two small brown pills appeared on my plate… as well as on my colleagues’ plates. Curious, I asked, “Eeeh, what are these pills?” Immediate response: “They’re to prevent hangovers.” Oh really… Do they exist? And they’re served as an appetizer at good restaurants! Verdict? It half works (but honestly, I should have had two more). A nomikai, as a reminder, is an informal gathering where colleagues and friends get together over alcoholic drinks and food to strengthen social bonds. A deep-rooted tradition… but one that can become excessive in some companies, leading to health concerns. Luckily, my pace is more reasonable!

Chronicle #45 (November 5, 2023): Huh Series? 50 Points for those who find me useless!

Chronicle #46 (November 5, 2023): Jihankis in Japan—2.4 million vending machines, ubiquitous and always surprising. Most offer hot and cold drinks, but sometimes… you come across totally improbable models.

Chronicle #47 (November 5, 2023): Surprise Jihanki—where $10 is all it takes to walk away with a completely random surprise. Liam tried the game… and won a lamp! It’s a simple concept, but it turns a purchase into a little adventure. Liam recounts the experience in the video below—and frankly, the excitement is there!

Chronicle #48 (December 10, 2023): The Japanese have a weakness for brand names that sound French, and it produces… unexpected results! Between Ropé Picnic, Body Mainté protein snacks and the famous Café de Crié, the chic effect is there… even if sometimes it borders on linguistic mystery

Chronicle #49 (December 10, 2023): Why no pumpkin this year? Well, at $58 each in Tokyo, we quickly gave up on the idea!

Chronicle #50 (December 10, 2023): Fashion in Japan follows a very specific trajectory—generally conservative, but with a window of daring between adolescence and the end of university. During these years, you can see eccentric looks, stylistic experiments… and sometimes, wolf tails attached to clothes!