Watch out for Flying Pigs!

I just got this oddball gift from a friend in Japan. It’s called Pitamin, a squishy lil’ oinkster you throw at the wall when life stresses you out. Its name purposely sounds like ‘vitamin’ because its supposed to make you feel better — even as you batter it to death.

Pitamin is among a long line of Japan’s ‘feel-better’ products. It’s a silicone blob that feels like a water balloon except you can’t really pop it. Push it, pull it or even sit on it, this little piggy ain’t gonna lose its cool. Just watch this video:

At first, I was pretty skeptical about its stress-relieving properties. But as I got my hands on it and flung it against the wall I felt pretty damn good. I picked it up again and threw it at the door just as my annoying roommate walked in. **SPLAT!** I felt even better.

After a bit of searching, I found other versions of the toy that look like people. They’re all men and they’re made to represent your bosses at work. (Of course, this is a mere oversight since there are plenty of mean female bosses too.) What a great concept to have voodoo dolls that you don’t need needle pins for! ***\(^o^)/***

Himawari

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Massage Therapy is on Every Corner

Ever thought of hiring a personal masseuse?

Well, unless you’re loaded, you probably can’t afford one. So what’s the next best thing? How about a massage shop on every corner?

Okay, maybe not be as abundant as Starbucks, but shops catering to soothing the knots of a stressful work day are only steps away; in a department store or along a busy shopping arcade, even at the airport. No need to reserve, all you do is walk in and within minutes you’ll be kneaded like putty.

Hour-long sessions are about 6,000 yen, which comes out to 95 cents a minute. Not exactly chump change, but still affordable. Back in the day when my Tokyo dorm rent was only $100 monthly (I miss being a student), I’d treat myself to a massage nearly every week. Especially when winter came around, I’d mentally write off massages as a necessary expense for my health. Regular visits boost circulation and keep you warm.

Massage shops fit a particular category called iyashi-kei — that which heals the body and mind. Certain music can be considered iyashi-kei if it rejuvenates you, as can certain food if it comforts you. Even certain celebrities are iyashi-kei if, just with a glance at their image, can turn angry men into teddy bears. Like I’ve mentioned before, Japan is a high-stress society, so people will pay top yen to take a load off.

Next time you visit Japan, stop by a massage shop. It’s a whole new experience, far better than what you can get in the U.S. You’ll experience customer service at its best and you don’t even have to leave tip! (^D^)/

Himawari

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Thinking of doing business in Japan? We can make it easy for you!
JPBizDirect, a Los Angeles based company, provides practical solutions for U.S. ? Japan business projects. Our experienced Japanese staff will support all phases of your business project to seize business opportunities and turn your vision into a reality. >> Learn more
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