Dancing in the Street...

he was.

Walking home from the train station yesterday afternoon, I'd just popped out of Starbucks (I'll defend my right to, and love of, S'bucks coffee some other time), caramel machiatto in hand, and was heading up one of the many little side streets where I live, only to come across a casually dressed middle-aged Japanese man - an oyaji type, hanging around outside a pachinko/games parlor, having a smoke. Our eyes meet briefly and the next thing I knew he was doing, what can only be described as, a jig in front of me. Or maybe it was more like a tap dance. Somewhat alarmed, I automatically began to get into self defence gaijin bitch mode but then realised that all he seemed to want to do is spread a little happiness. I accepted my portion gratefully and began to laugh as I continued walking. He called out "how are you?" in a tone that suggested that he didn't understand the question, never mind any likely answer I could give. "Been better, been worse," I said, without turning back.

Comments

[Frank Black]

So much to say, so little space...

I, too, have a secret love for Starbucks coffee, although I do try and avoid its use. There are many reasons for this, most of which have to do with those buzzwords like "ubiquitous", "predatory", "exploitive", etc. They are the beverage equivalent of Wal-Mart, so I have no love for this corporation at all. But, I love their coffee. Fortunately for me, I have two weapons: I only drink decaf (therefore, I am addicted purley through my weak mind, and not my weak body) and I have the best locally-owned coffee roaster in the world just a short drive away. A tiny shop with burlap bags strewn about 50% of the floor space, all sporting countries of origin that one sees only in a National Geographic special. But the oddest thing about my ties to Starbucks is that a particular group with whom I have a VERY close association has decided to hold its meetings in a Starbucks; which, in turn, is within a Barnes and Noble bookseller. Two mega corporations, one location. It wouldn't be so bad, but this particular group with whom I am involved is one that makes a practice out of calling to task such 800-pound gorillas. I finish this segment by taking a sip of my freshly-brewed, fair trade, locally-owned business coffee. Mmmmmmm.

O.K., I looked up "Oyaji" and constructed a fine image in my head. Thank you for another cultural gem from the Land of the Rising Sun. I don't know what it is about men and how they are so easily persueded to get their plumage preened and launch into the mating dance, but this guy seemed to take that metaphor quite literally. I don't know what it is about that age group (which, I must admit, is close to my own), but they seem to forget how odd it looks when they dance at weddings, try to play football in the back yard and dress themselves for public display. I think I'll get to work drafting legislation right after my visit here with you. Hmmmm, "The Oyaji Act"... Hey, if they're stupid enough to pass "The Patriot Act"...

Now, the last thing to do is to decide which version of "Dancing in the Street" to go out with... Martha and the Vandellas!

"Calling out, around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat?"

[tokyoredhed]

Yes, the S'bucks issue is a tough one and my only real defense is that I really like the coffee... Japanese oyaji on the otherhand are not my cup of tea...

[pachinkojo]

hay, the pachinko game is really nice one! I like it as well as japan itself