How to dance the momi movi?

Sex change surgery is not simple and socially not so acceptable but in some cases it can do wonderful things. that is exactly what a Japanese man Kenji Ounishi did by becoming a sexy woman Ai Haruna after undergoing gender reassignment surgery. She went on to become a popular Japanese idol by launching her music career (though her voice does retain some of the male intonation but that might even make her more appealing to her fans) and then also won the Miss International beauty pageant in Thailand.

What attracted me to her that like Obon or para para in Japan and macarena or Whine Up here at home, she has now come up with a new dance form called Momi Momi. Watch this clip in which she performs this dance wearing a schoolgirl costume.

And in the same spirit as Kat DeLuna who taught how to perform the Whine Up dance moves, here is an instructional video in Japanese if you want to try out the Momi-Momi moves.

LED fake eyelashes

I already know how the celebs popularized eyelash extensions and there are some really crazy fake eyelashes out there (here is a video that explains how to apply fake eyelashes) but this video from Japan shows eyelash extensions (if I can call them) that are simply over the top. I can clearly see how they would be awesome for Halloween or a wild party of Christmas party.

Robogeisha movie

When one thinks of a geisha the immediate thought that comes to mind is that of a young girl in Kyoto that is sweet, gentle, polite, delicate, and vulnerable but is charming enough to seduce you and make you forget all your worries through just conversation and sharing green tea or sake with you.

Not the Robogeisha. Inspired by deadly robots (different from the substitute teacher robot or sushi chef robot) the Robo Geisha (Aya Kiguchi) assumes many roles that we associate with Japanese girls, including kogal, OL, or Ninja and more. After all the movie is made by Noboru Iguchi and Yoshihiro Nishimura, the people behind movies like Tokyo Gore Police, Machine Girl, and Vampire Girl.

Nicholas Cage Japanese commercials

We all know that Hollywood actors act in Japanese commercials but they just don't talk about them here at home. However, the Internet has now allowed us to watch the TV ads that Hollywood celebs secretly film for the Japanese market. Here is a compilation of commercials that Nick Cage did for pachinko-maker Sankyo.

Sayaconcept music

Apart from Miki Ariyama and Sown, I have now been introduced to another upcoming band (it is so hard to call them Japanese since the membership is global -- Japan, Europe, and Vietnam) called Sayaconcept. What is interesting about their music is that it is an eclectic mix between traditional Japanese music and modern music. Listen to this clip below:

Angelina Jolie for Shiseido cosmetics

The dirty little secret of Hollywood celebrities is that they star in advertisements in Japan but not so in Hollywood. Why? The money in Japanese advertising business is just too big to say no. Almost every star has pitched a product to Japanese consumers who are often obsessed with American celebs. Watch the commercial of Angelina Jolie pushing Shiseido cosmetics.

Japanese obon dance

Fans of Japanese culture know that dance is an integral part. Of course, many gaijins think of Roppongi nightclubs as a window into dancing in Japan or even para-para, but obon dancing is what I am talking about here. This is a form of dance that is embedded into the Japanese culture for centuries and this dance is performed during summer to honor the dead loved ones. Here is a one brief clip of the dance.

Life in Japan video

Life in Japan is different and there are parts of Japanese life that you can never find out if you are just visiting as a tourist. You might even stay in a traditional "ryokan" (Japanese style inn) or even have a Japanese friend be your guide. I lived in Japan for years and despite my being immersed in Japanese culture and society, I continue to discover that there are so many things about Japan that I know nothing about. While excellent knowledge of the Japanese language helps, it is not everything.

But what if you were curious about Japan but didn't have the time to do all of the above? Watch this video clip that within a matter of minutes gives you a snapshot of what life in Japan is like. Forget the lyrics and I thought the music was nice.

Video of Japanese movers

One thing that Japanese do very well is to serve their customers. There is something else that do even better. Make a fool of themselves on Japanese television. Watch this funny clip of how a bunch of employees have a great time helping a Japanese cutie move out of her apartment.

The video is in Japanese but shouldn't matter - these Japanese men are hilarious.