Tokyo News Today

"Passengers using streetcars in Kumamoto are able to borrow an umbrella during unexpected showers now that the transport company recycles some of the 1700 umbrellas left behind on its networks each year."

"Osaka officials say taste tests prove that the city's tap water is more delicious than imported mineral water."

"Two stolen flutes worth 12 million yen were found in a coin locker in Tokyo station."

"Companies and government offices in Hokkaido told their staff to come to work an hour early over the summer to prove to the powers that be that adopting summer time in Japan would be a good thing. The morning sun wakes most of us up early anyway, so we might as well be doing something productive."

"Roppongi is cursed because of the destruction of ancient shrines in the area and the arrival of 'foreigners who worship their own deities' according to a feng shui master in The Japan Times."

"Three experts from the Japan Toilet Maintenance institute were dispatched to Singapore to boost morale among local toilet cleaners, teach new techniques and impart 'the right values' for world-class toilet specialists."

"Members of the Japan Adoring Husband Organization have designated January 31st 'Adoring Wives Day", on which they will stand in a field in Gunma and shout declarations of love."

"Some universities are providing free breakfasts to encourage students to come to class and 'lead stable lives'."

"In Nihonbashi, salarymen can grab 40 winks (40 minutes) in a lounge chair at Good Sleep Salon Napia for 800 yen. However, the salon recommends 30 minutes tops to avoid drowsiness."

"JR East raised the air conditioning on the Yamanote line by 1 degree celcius to 25 C following complaints."

(Metropolis Magazine)

Stats of the day:

• 24.8 billion chopsticks are used in Japan anually.
• 13, ooo Yen is the price of one of Japan's famous square watermelons.
• There are 539 types of cosmetics for men stocked at Ito-Yokado in Hachioji.