full colonic or just an ear massage?
Japan has been many things to me but when it comes to cleanliness i have certainly been taught a thing or two. and to anybody from Edinburgh, no, thats not cause I'm from Glasgow.
I sometimes remember, waking up in a cold sweat, the first time I used a Japanese washlette (automatic toilet) - it was my first visit back in 1997 and I thought I should try out the bidet function just to say I had. being a man and not a boy I turned it up full and my eyes went from sedated to fully open (I think my mouth too) but couldn't understand enough kanji to turn it off. I also couldn't walk away because it would have sprayed the whole room but eventually Yuka came to the rescue. I think she heard the shreik. anyway - washlettes are magic and now I'm accustomed to them it's a nice luxury when we visit rich people.
another sensation is hand driers in public toilets that work. hand driers in the UK are crap. you end up using your sweater or t-shirt to finish the job. here they have harnessed the energy from last years typhoons and managed to store these winds inside driers the length and breadth of Japan. all you do is place your hand into a void (almost the same action as dipping your hands in water which is nice) and within a few seconds you are dry. a bloody good reason to wash your hands for all those soap-dodgers out there.
finally for the time being, I must mention the mimikaki - which roughly translates as ear sex. and the mimikaki is not just a great name - it cleans your ears with such satisfaction it becomes a habit. it's a bit odd at first - sticking a thin bit of metal or bamboo into your ear - but soon the pleasure is obvious, initially perhaps with a table-tennis sized ball of wax thumping onto the table. the best experience is returning from holiday having forgotten to take one with you. thats the best feeling. the traditional ones have famous characters attached to the ends - and now you can choose between traditional or electric. mmmmmmmm. electric.
also known in the west as a coke spoon.
no, no, no. you're thinking of my mate with the nice toilet....
Posted by: stu at August 12, 2005 10:24 PM
You must be rich! That's a fairly large pile at Japanese prices.
Posted by: Justin at August 12, 2005 12:15 PM