We can learn a lot from the Japanese -- like how to love the underdog -- or a losing horse. She's no Seabiscuit -- she actually loses all her races. But in a depressed economy, where workers feel used by their corporate employers, Haru Urara is the thoroughbred everyone loves to watch lose. This tidbit came from a column called Asian Pop in the San Francisco Chronicle that covered this and other current trends happening in Tokyo (thanks Debbie!).

The column also mentioned glittery new cellphone accessories inspired by the whole secret agent thing; the Oedo Onsen ("hot springs"), which is the new "amusement park du jour"; evil sticker versions of corporate logos ("Shell" becomes "Hell," Mickey D's golden arches loom over the words "Marijuana: over 1 billion stoned"); an evil pink teddy bear that attacks children; neat blue tent towns for homeless people; and "Wrist Puppies" or "Wrist Kitties" (Tamagotchi-like "big nose" critters) -- I want a Boxer wrist puppy! I actually bought my dog a raincoat tonight...

Posted by anastasia