The Japanese obsession with vending machines goes too far....

On our way to Nagasaki for Xmas shopping recently, we passed by a little hut with neon writing by the side of the road. I wondered what it was and Jenny told me that another friend of hers had said it was a porn shack. Elaborating further Jenny explained to my innocent self, that this was in fact a little shack where there were several vending machines selling pornographic videos and accessories. It was supposed to be more anonymous since there was no seller in the shop – just you and the machines.

Curiosity got the better of me and so on the way back I insisted that we check it out. It was dirty! The best part of it though was the USED woman’s thongs and underwear that is sold in little boxes. Yes, used underwear from a vending machine – only in Japan. I love it!

It also occurred to me while in the shack that if porn purchasing was made more anonymous in North America even more people would buy it…..especially if they wanted something a little kinkier, like used underwear. Hmmm…business ideas are developing in my head everyday.

Shopping in Nagasaki was fun. I think Nagasaki is growing on me actually. At first I found it too cramped and confusing and not nearly as fun as Fukuoka, but now I’m getting used to it. At the last conference in Nag a few weeks ago I actually had a lot of fun. Conferences are always so rough though since everyone from further away gets together and inevitably goes out drinking at a nomihodai (all you can drink). Of course, we have to wake up early the next day, so day 2 of the conference is always spent nursing a hangover and trying not to puke or laugh at various points throughout the day. It’s worth it in any case since the conferences are so damn boring.

Also, Nagasaki is really beautiful at night. It’s got a really quaint charm, especially at the wharf, where you can sit by the water and enjoy the reflection of the lights. Fukuoka may be way more fun, and have more amenities, but it is also essentially a modern city. Nagasaki on the other hand, has a much more historical feel to it that I am learning to slowly appreciate.

Anyways, back to the porn shack….