Japan is known for so much, but in the American mind it might be best known for its bizarre fads. From bagelheads to pillows shaped like breasts to eyeball licking, if it’s weird, Japan gets the blame. Almost all of it is undeserved, of course: although these things undoubtedly exist, many don’t originate in Japan and they definitely don’t permeate the culture the way they’re made out to. That said, Tokyo is pretty weird-tolerant, which is how you get things like the Yankii in Yoyogi Park and the eye-popping Harajuku fashion scene. Tokyo’s weirdness is easy to see but hard to participate in, so if you want to dip your toes, I recommend a visit to a maid café.
sutematsu 