The grass may seem neater on the other side, but Japan's clutter tells a different story. It's one that reveals a far more complex and nuanced relationship with stuff, one that suggests minimalism and clutter aren't opposites, but two sides of the same coin. For the nation of Japan is filled with spaces that are as meticulously cluttered as minimalist ones are meticulously simplified. These packed places, which are every bit as charming as the emptied ones, force us to question our assumptions and worldviews. What if we've all been wrong about clutter?

Tokyo hypnosis bar

via SoraNews24:

Located near Islam Yokocho (“Islam Alley”) in Shin-Okubo, the bar is called “Fushigi no Heso” (“Mysterious Belly Button”), and it allows you to experiment with the magical world through tarot card readings as well.

The main draw here, though, is the chance to be hypnotised by Endo, a veteran hypnotist who previously astounded patrons with his powers at the bar’s previous locations in Kitasenju and Ikebukuro. Prices for hypnosis are 1,000 yen (US$6.46) per person, with people between the ages of 20 and 40 able to take part, and for groups of 10 or more, if one of the participants fails to fall into a hypnotic state like the kind commonly seen on T.V., they will receive a prize.

BAD CITY (Kensuke Sonomura, 2022)

(***+ / *****): Deliciously pulpy Yakuza flick rife with excellent characters – each member of the Special Division crew, especially, stood out and had a unique story – anchored by Hitoshi Ozawa channeling a perfect Eastwoodian fury. That being said, the film could’ve done with more imaginative direction: felt like it wanted to be more throughout – but you could do a lot worse on a Saturday night.