In Japan Kenji Kawakami is famous for his tireless promotion of Chindogu: the art of the unuseless idea. Meant to solve problems of modern life, these bizarre and logic-defying gadgets and gizmos are actually entirely impractical.
Addicts of the unuseless will love this collection of 200 Chindogu, including the Drymobile (your laundry dries as you drive), the Solar-Powered Torch (never runs low on batteries), Duster Slippers for Cats (now the most boring job around the house becomes hours of fun...for your cat!), Walk 'n' Wash Ankle-attachable Laundry Tanks (a perfect solution for the problems of inadequate exercise and hygiene), and many, many more...
These hilarious inventions have taken Japan by storm. Every one of the 200 items in The Big Bento Box of Unuseless Japanese Inventions has actually been manufactured to the highest standards, fully tested by pioneering members of the Japanese public, and documented in their unuselessness with 442 color photographs.
Mix Rube Goldberg's Inventiveness With Modern Culture.......2006-02-20
I wrote and published this review in The Journal of Irreproducible Results, vol. 49, no. 6, November 2005:
Rube Goldberg founded the modern era of humorous inventions in the US, and Heath Robinson did the same in the UK, in the first half of the 1900s. Even now, "Rube Goldberg contraptions" call to mind not only his cartooning style but his inventive wit.
The genre simplified and expanded with Jacques Carelman's The Catalogue of Fantastic Inventions (St. Martins, 1984), and Steven M. Johnson's What the World Needs Now (Ten Speed, 2001). David E. H. Jones takes a decidedly more scientific, less cartooned approach in The Inventions of Dædalus (Freeman, 1982) and The Further Inventions of Dædalus (Oxford University Press, 1999).
When the genre twisted and turned to Japan, it developed into Chindogu. If a humorous invention serves a real, everyday purpose ... but not well; if it is actually made and photographed; if its humor is a byproduct of solving a problem ... then it may be "chindogu". See www.chindogu.com. A bento box is a multi-purpose lunchbox, but that concept is the merest appetizer for these.
200 inventions fill 300 pages in this charming full-color compendium. Many are in classes by themselves, such as the nail-polish dryer for 5 fingers at once. But certain issues recur:
* Attach mops to crawling babies, pets, and shoes.
* Portable signage allows you to unroll a zebra-crosswalk at a convenient place in the road; to put a women's-restroom sign over a men's; and to mark parking space lines around your car, wherever you leave it.
* An extra hand can cover your mouth politely; hold veggies perilously close to a cutting knife; and even help count fingers.
* Umbrellas could be supported from a hat or headbelt, or little ones attached to shoes or camera, or given full-length transparent sides to keep you dry all the way down.
* Just as a Swiss Army knife combines many hand tools, a giant handle could combine gardening tools; pockets in a necktie or hooks on a belt could hold office necessities; hooks on an apron could hold kitchen utensils; and each finger of a glove could be tipped with its own tool.
Shoes, crowded subways, and taking snapshots also come up often.
Sure enough, I found no use for any item in the whole book. But many motifs, several methods, and some attitudes look like I ought to be able to apply them somewhere or other, either for a laugh or for something (chindogu notwithstanding) actually useful.
By the way, while "humorous inventions" seems like a category, libraries haven't invented a single number to find them under. I found some in art (NC1429, NC1499, NK1125); in science at Q167, and in technology at T20 and this one at T27. In Dewey, check 741.5.
Book Description
Who needs to speak Japanese? There's a lot you can say with traditional hand gestures and body motions that are universal as well as uniquely Japanese. This whimsical look at "the language of no language" will teach you to hurl insults, flirt, agree, excuse yourself, cross the street, and even make promises-wordlessly! (And who is that stoic guy wearing a suit in all the photos?) Finally, a way to tell someone at a loud party, "Your underwear is showing," in four easy hand motions. This is a book for the serious student, the class clown, and the crazy guy at Akihabara Station hoping to communicate with Godzilla.
Hamiru-aqui is a Japanese artist based in Tokyo.
Customer Reviews:
Hilarious...and helpful.......2007-07-12
This book was funny and insightful. It makes visitors to Japan aware that much can be said through a gesture and great offense or insult as well. It's always a good idea to research any country that you are going to visit and this book brings the reader one step closer to avoiding potentially sticky situations.
Just keep your hands in your pockets. .......2007-03-10
I'm not sure this was a better choice than the rather terrible and strange Hungry Sailor cookbook. I did learn that the way I make a fist in my sleep is a rude gesture but I regret doing this Amazon promo. Instead of getting 25% off on 4 books I wanted, I got one book I liked and three that were a waste. Never again.
Amazing wealth of knowledge about Japanese culture.......2005-12-14
If you're a fan of the Japanese culture, then you know that communication is often full of non-verbal communication - hand gestures, body movements. Here's the way to decipher what those mean!
Written by Hamiru-aqui and translated by Aileen Chang, this brilliant book contains photos of a Japanese person doing the gesture, the name of the gesture and its full history. This is invaluable whether you read manga, watch anime, or enjoy any sort of Japanese cinema.
For example, what does it mean when a Japanese person puts a pair of fists in front of their nose, making their nose look longer? Does it mean they're telling a lie, like in Pinnochio? Hardly! It's actually representing a tengu, or Japanese demon. Tengu were known as being very conceited, so this hand gesture means you think the person you're referring to is an overly-proud person.
The book is full of not only standard hand symbols but also swears and 'dangerous hand movements', ranked by intensity. There are some hand movements you definitely do NOT want to do to a Japanese person - but you might not even realize it!
It's like the middle finger in American / British culture. That middle finger movement has a long history and immediately means something to us. To other cultures, it might not mean anything at all. Just as when we see a middle finger stuck at us we get an instant reaction, so do the Japanese get instant reactions to certain hand gestures and body movements.
This book is the key to deciphering what those movements mean, so that your enjoyment of the Japanese culture is even more complete!
Highly recommended, and very entertaining!
Book Description
Highlights the unique character and behavior of the nation. Frank, irreverent, funny--almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.
Customer Reviews:
pricey.......2007-06-09
For the outrageous price one gets a very succint introduction into the habits of the Japanese, one that disregards the internal differences that are bound to exist in the country.
It is very good for a two hours fun read for someone who does not really plan to visit the country. The amount of information given is more easily gathered through a TV documentary though, and anyone wishing real help should address oneself elsewhere.
To keep matters very light but do it more usefully, about 40 more pages would have sufficed, together with a more rational partition of topics.
I would have appreciated a section about easy blunders to avoid when visiting such a different country and more attention to the intercourse between foreigners and natives, not excluding the more friendly or even intimate point of view.
were we reading the same book?.......2003-07-14
I've been living in japan for about two years now, and while you can learn more by going through several longer, more extensive books, for a single guide that offers an irreverant explanation of a very difficult country to understand, the Xenophobes Guide to the Japanese is solid. Like the reviewer above, I read the Culture Shock guide to japan, and while I found it interesting too and learned more about culture shock, altogether for a short, funny book I don't consider it as informative or comprehensive.
If you want to read more of these kinds of books on japan, check out Hokkaido Highway Blues, by Will Ferguson, an former english teacher that hitchiked across the country during his stay. People that have already lived out here a while always find it a lot funnier than people that havent yet, but for what its worth it gives a really accurate depiction of what its like to be a westerner living out here.
this is such a disgrace for Japanese women!.......2003-02-26
Although this book gave a fair view of characteristic of Japanese in general, this book degraded Japanese women by depicting them almost like old stereotypic view of Japanese women being geisha. I was infuriated since I am Japanese and I can't believe that the author is Japanese as well (and also female)!! Skip the part about description of Japanese women near the beginning of the book. The description is totally incorrect and I have never heard of anyone who paints her chest to make it look attractive for men.
Get Culture Shock: Japan intstead........2002-04-22
Thsi book was disappointing. I've read others in the Xenophobes series, and they were informative and humorous, though not particularly practical as travel guides. However, the Japan guide was neither. Having already read Culture Shock: Japan, I was very disappointed in this book. It has less information -- and less humor -- than Culture Shock. In fact, the Xenophobes guide had exactly 2 facts not mentioned in Culture Shock. Whether you are interested in travelling to Japan, or just looking for multicultural humor, I do not recommend this particular Xenophobes Guide.
Book Description
Invaluable for those traveling to Japan, this guide features useful sidebars featuring English expressions commonly used in Japan. Pronunciation guides, a reference dictionary, sample dialogues, and an offensiveness-rating system from "use at will" to "use at your own risk" also help readers learn to communicate effectively.
Customer Reviews:
Kudos.......2007-09-10
This book is very informative and very funny. The author gives helpful tips on word pronounciation and on Japanese culture in general.
Anata no hon wa totemo ii desu!.......2007-06-27
HAR HAR HAR BERRY BERRY!!!
I haven't even ever been to Japan but have a slight case of the yellow fever and prefer the type that are authentically wet behind the ears if you catch my drift and my god is the this the handbook to have. Sleek, flexible, petite, and shiny is how I like em and this little number fits all four. I am ordering an extra for my brother just cause I know the apples don't fall far from the tree. Anyway, Matt Fargo probably got a lot of help writing this, I see no other way an American can have such a detailed insight into a foreign vernacular at such a ripe young age. What a stocking stuffer!
Getting Dirty in Japanese.......2007-06-27
I have often pointed out the importance of letting the locals know I bothered trying to learn something of their language when I visit - even if I know English is widely spoken. I will usually memorize a few of the essentials phrases and courtesies and then pull my trusty crash course language pamphlet and shamelessly plow ahead. I have butchered many a thank you and salutation. Fortunately, what I lack in language skills I make up for in polite sheepishness and hopeful confusion peppered with my genuine joy of traveling. Most people find my attempts endearing or don't mind because it is obvious that I am really trying. Still language is not my forte.
Over the years, I have amassed a tall pile of foreign language dictionaries and quickie guides: Easy German, French in 20 easy lessons, Instant Swahili. I have them all. So when I saw Dirty Japanese I couldn't resist the prospect of, well, dirty Japanese. While my days of speaking outrageously have naturally curbed over the years, the curiosity may never leave.
Dirty Japanese is a quick and lean read filled with a wide variety of slang set in a variety of situations, which surprisingly is much more than a lump of generic dictionary definitions all bound together. It offers the writer's insights into practical Japanese culture using humor and keen observation. This book made me laugh out loud and reminisce longingly about my own experiences in Japan. I need to go back!
While I can't really fathom diving into this book and practicing the time-honored tradition of learning only the dirty words of any language for its own sake, I can attest to the commentary by author Fargo as entertaining and worth perusal. Moreover, I have a few Japanese friends and will be trying out my `new' language essentials.
Matt Fargo has a Masters in Japanese lit, so he knows his stuff. I am not sure what he was thinking when he applied for grad school (seems like an impossible subject), but his book is a lot of fun and more importantly there is a lot more here than just `Dirty Japanese.'
In terms of practice, this book would really only benefit a reader with more than minimal Japanese. It would benefit someone with the basics and someone who has some close Japanese friends with a sense of humor as to not offend. Wisely, the author deftly covers this topic as well.
I will be bringing this little book along with me on my next visit to Japan.
Got me laid.......2007-05-13
I got this book for a trip I took to Japan to visit a friend who works in Tokyo. I wasn't sure at first if it would be any good, but it turned out to be perfect. I memorized some phrases on the plane ride over and tried them on some Japanese business men I was meeting -- they laughed super hard and bought me sake. And then I met this girl my friend works with, and I used the dating lines on her -- SMOOTH. I hung out with her for the rest of the trip. I've already bought a copy for my buddy who works there. You HAVE to read this book.
Omoroi koto!.......2007-05-10
"Dirty Japanese" is hilarious! It covers a WIDE array of slang topics in such a tiny book; some chapters are tame while others are so explicit like 'Horny Japanese' that I was embarrassed to actually say some of the phrases. It's a fun, quick read with up-to-date Japanese slang. I had previously bought 'Making out in Japanese' and found the Japanese outdated and the phrases lacking. I really recommend "Dirty Japanese" to anyone that wants a great, comprehensive - and of course DIRTY - Japanese slang guide.
Average customer rating:
- Depends on what you're looking for
- Wickedly Funny
- This is humor - not to be taken seriously
- Loaded with Stereotypes
- great one liners in Japanese
|
Wicked Japanese For The Business Traveler
Howard Tomb
Manufacturer: Workman
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Wicked Greek (Wicked Travel Series)
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Wicked Spanish (Wicked)
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Outrageous Japanese: Slang, Curses & Epithets
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Wicked German (Wicked Travel Series)
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Wicked Italian (Wicked)
ASIN: 0894808621 |
Book Description
From the sneakily successful travel series with over 1,000,000 copies in print, here is the pocket-sized guide that combines verbal self-defense with cultural insight. Specifically focused on getting in, getting around, and getting the deal done, Wicked Japanese prepares the gaijin (that's you) for a world so alien that just wearing the wrong necktie can spell certain death to the bargain you flew 18 hours to seal.
Impress your host with your politeness--and recite the correct apology for grazing a stranger with your sleeve: Buchoho de makoto ni moshiwake gozaimasen ("Sorry to have injured you with my stupid clumsiness"). And if planning to work for a Japanese company, show that you're a team player: Yumei na daigaisha no hitotsu no hagurama ni nalitai ("I wish to be a tiny cog in a huge and honorable machine"). 93,000 copies in print.
Customer Reviews:
Depends on what you're looking for.......2002-11-20
I was looking for books to send to my niece in Japan. She thoroughly enjoyed the Max Danger book I sent and I wanted something in the same vein. This book is aimed at the male traveller. While it's entertaining as far as it goes, it doesn't really suit a twenty-something female. Now I face the dilemma of paying shipping to return an inexpensive book...
Wickedly Funny.......2001-01-30
This book is definitely not politically correct, but if sarcastic, biting humor is your thing, this one will have you rolling. As other reviewers have stated, the humor in this book is often lost on Japanese people, but if you've ever lived here, you'll probably laugh yourself to tears by the middle of the book. I use the author's explanation on why few people travel to Japan for tourism often, and it always gets laughs.
Be very careful about using the Japanese in this book, as some of the phrases are quite offensive. Still, this is a good antidote when you've read too many boring phrasebooks, or you've had a nasty bout of culture shock.
This is humor - not to be taken seriously.......2000-06-24
As the previous reviewer indicated, this book is not a serious study of the Japanese language, and yes, it is full of stereotypes. But Howard Tomb's take on Japanese society is often hilarious! The book is especially funny for those foreigners who have lived or stayed in Japan for an extended period of time, although that is not a prerequisite to understand the humor.
Tomb divides the book into different situations with explanations and a number of phrases for each. The phrases start out innocently enough, but get progressively outlandish and funny. For example, in the section for "Life in a Japanese Firm" you will note phrases with Japanese translations like:
"I will always agree with my superiors, even when they are totally wrong" or
"My dream is to be a tiny cog in a huge and honorable machine"
I had a friend who actually tried to use these phrases in Japanese while working for a Japanese company, but no-one understood the sarcasm (everyone took his statements seriously!). In short, the book is often hilarious in English, but not necessarily so in Japanese.
Wicked Japanese is definately worth the [money] for the laughs that it generates, but be careful if you actually decide to use it.
Loaded with Stereotypes.......2000-02-05
This book had its moments, but it's certainly not to be taken seriously as phrasebook. Chockful of American stereotypes of Japan, most of the phrases, while actually Japanese, I can't imagine actually being used in real situations.
Well, maybe the phrases to use if you're a female being groped on a train ("Arrest this pervert!").
great one liners in Japanese.......1998-09-19
if you become annoyed with your Japanese hosts and need a witty comeback, this book is for you. Learn how to yell insults at baseball games, for example "Hey, little fella, stand up!"
Book Description
Instant Karma! Our original Bonsai Mini Kit has sold 600,000 copies. This tongue-in-cheek kit pokes fun at western culture's twin desires for inner harmony and instant gratification. A Bonsai Potato grows in about a month. Miniature pruning shears and scissors are included to help your Bonsai Potato fulfill its true inner vision.
Customer Reviews:
FUNNY! FUNNY! FUNNY!.......2003-11-07
I recently purchased the "Art of the Bonsai Potato" kit for my husband who enjoys a good laugh now and then, and he loved it. I read the book as well, and we have both began our own "Zen cultivation" operation in an unused cupboard in our kitchen. They're fun, quirky, and great for kids, too. Young and old will appreciate the quick-witted tongue-and-cheek writing in the book included in the kit, and the Bonsai Potatoes are fun and easy to grow and "maintain" with the handy-dandy clippers and tweezers included! This kit makes a superb little gifts or stocking-stuffers at Christmas (or big-money dreidel ante at Chanukah!). Also, in doing a little more research on "Potato Bonsai," I discovered even more information on this new artform on the internet! This kit is very cool, and I would recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor and an open mind!
Customer Reviews:
Hilarious!.......2004-12-19
I picked up a translation of this series when I was living in Japan. The entire series is fantastic. I could relate very well from my past experiences working as a temp and as an administrative assistant. Things aren't so different in the US from how women are treated in business environments in Japan.
This volume gets a little bit darker and makes more direct jokes about the way that women are under valued and how the OL's adapt to deal with it. The girls are also hung over in every third strip. Very VERY funny!
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic!.......2004-12-19
I picked up a translation of this series while living in Japan. The entire series is fantastic. I could relate very well from my past experiences working as a temp and as an administrative assistant. Things aren't so different in the US from how women are treated in business environments in Japan. There are sharp jokes about the way that women are under valued and how the OL's adapt to deal with it. The girls are also hung over in every third strip. Very VERY funny! Horribly addictive.
Average customer rating:
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Haiku Humor: Wit and Folly in Japanese Poems and Prints
Stephen Addiss ,
Fumiko Y. Yamamoto , and
Akira Y. Yamamoto
Manufacturer: Weatherhill
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Measured by Stone
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ASIN: 1590304721
Release Date: 2007-10-09 |
Book Description
Humor has long been a lively element in traditional Japanese culture. Through parody, satire, personification, and wit, Japanese humor has a playful, subtle, and incongruous nature. Here, the benign and gentle quality of Japanese humor is presented through 120 haiku by such masters as Basho, Issa, and Buson, among others. Color reproductions of over fifty woodblock prints, paintings, and drawings accompany the poems.
Books:
- The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander: From Preschool to High School--How Parents and Teachers Can Help Break the Cycle of Violence
- The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future
- The Code of the Woosters
- The Code of the Woosters
- The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes (Sandpiper Books)
- The Deed of Paksenarrion: A Novel
- The First Man-Made Man: The Story of Two Sex Changes, One Love Affair, and a Twentieth-Century Medical Revolution
- The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy
- The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina
- The Lady & Sons Just Desserts: More Than 120 Sweet Temptations from Savannah's Favorite Restaurant
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