COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 17 - “MAGIC PHONE BOOTH PART 2”

A few weeks back I posted a different shot of this magically lit phone booth. While the previous photo was indeed magical, I think this shot may be a bit more magical due to streak of light in the background.

Anyway, my point is this… if Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter ever reunite to make my dream film, Bill and Ted’s Totally Gnarly Voyage, I really hope that they use this phone booth in the scene where they travel back in time to Kochi in an effort to make out with Vicki’s totally awesome Grandmom.

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 16 - “COOL COWBOYS LIVE IN OLD MOVIES”

This sign was so awesome, yet so confusing, all at the same time. Here’s how our little sign adventure went down…

Me: “I’m so confused? Is this sign pro-smoking or anti-smoking? I think it’s gotta be anti-smoking, right? But at the same time it’s making me want to smoke, so I’m not sure what to think. I’m torn Vicki… I’m a torn man.”

Vicki: “Good grief torn man! It’s not even about smoking! It’s about littering.”

Me: “Really, I don’t think so, I’m pretty sure it’s definitely about smok”

Vicki (yelling): “IT’S SO OBVIOUS!!!”

At this point I give Vicki a grumpy look and then proceed to closely examine the sign for about thirty seconds.

Me: “Hmmm… I see what you’re saying, but the question nonetheless remains… is it pro-littering or anti-littering? As such, I remain a torn man.”

Vicki: “AGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!”

An awkward silence ensues. After a minute or so I break the tension with this little gem…

Me: “So, whaddya think the odds are of us actually finding chicken teriyaki today?”

At this point Vicki threw her cup of coffee at me.

Me: “Looks like someone is living in an old movie!”

Vicki (reluctantly): “Okay… that’s actually kind of funny.”

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 15 - “IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER”

If you don’t know what famous SNL sketch is being referenced by my title than you are most likely a delinquent kid who could use a visit from motivation speaker Matt Foley.

I’m embarrassed to even write this as I love my wife, but not only did Vicki NOT get the reference, she also went on to add that the van in this photo is nowhere near a river. I clearly married a delinquent who likes to rub it in. Damn. 

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 14 - “TWO OPTIONS”

As far as I can tell I’ve got two options…

1. I can let this rather mysterious photo stand on it’s own as a photograph and not ruin it with some stupid caption. 

2. I can write something about Clark Kent’s regrettable business trip to Japan where he had several awkward encounters in Japanese phone booths.

Damn, I think I just went with option two without even realizing it.

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 12 - “KING OF FLAGS”

From a purely graphic design standpoint I’d say that Japan’s flag is the champion of flags. 

However, if you have a crazy busy flag like we do in America you can invent awesome fictional characters based solely on the flag. I’m talking to you Uncle Sam. And you too Captain America. If there was no flag neither of you would exist!

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 11 - “PLAYBOY HI-TOPS”

It’d be cool if Tumblr made a similar pair of custom hi-tops.

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 10 - “WHALEORAMA DIORAMA”

As I was walking through Kochi Castle in my socks I stumbled upon this rather incredible diorama. Even if you’re a die-hard animal rights activist you’ve gotta admit two things…

1. This diorama is better than any diorama you’ve ever made.

2. Their teamwork is better than any teamwork you’ve ever had.

Here’s a few more pictures…

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 09 - “COOKIE MONSTER AND STITCH”

It’s a scam, even if you somehow magically manage to catch Cookie Monster with the claw, there’s no way in hell he’s gonna fit down that tube. Trust me, I know from 270,000 yen worth of experience. 

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 08 - “KOCHI BUS”

Opinion: Buses in Japan are ten times more adorable than buses in America.

Fact: Buses in Japan transform into robots.

COOL STUFF IN JAPAN 07 - “KOCHI TROLLEY”

I rather enjoyed the trolleys in Kochi as the red and green interiors reminded me of Amélie, one of my favorite films ever.

Aside from that, simply being on a trolley in the year 2011 was in-and-of-itself a really magical experience. Outside of San Francisco and Mister Rogers reruns you don’t see them too much these days.