From stylish Omote Sando in Tokyo, to the far rural areas of Japan, “Watch for Molesters” signs are a common sight.

(above: The chikan sign in Omote Sando: “Chikan attention. Immediately call 110”)

[“Watch for Chikan” gallery ][“Watch for Chikan” homemade][Osaka police “Stop Chikan”]

Aichi Police - How to Avoid or Catch Chikan in 10 Easy Steps

Miyagi Police Catch a Molester poster.

Kanagawa Police

Kanagawa penalties: Molestation: 6 months prison or a fine of up to 500,000 yen; voyeurism, spy photos, 1 year in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen.

Hidden microphones and cameras are increasingly being used for corporate spying in Japan.

The Daily Yomiuri reports competition has lead to increased snooping.

And many Japanese companies are not sufficiently protected.

So who ya gonna call?

Well information leak control officers at the Tokyo-based, non-profit, Japan Information Leak Control Management (JILCoM) will check for hidden devices.

Bugging devices can be bought for 30,000 yen to 80,000 yen in Akihabara, Tokyo, or Nipponbashi, Osaka.

Other companies that offer bug inspections: NEC Facilities, Ltd. in Tokyo and NTT-Neomeit in Osaka.

Nippon Express Company’s moving services division began offering bug sweeps in January 2008, because many firms have their new offices inspected when they relocate.

Images: Top, Perfect Security ; bottom, Wireless Tsukamoto

Disposable deodorizing high-absorbent polymer “pet toilet sheets”.

A friend’s who’s family is often too busy to walk the dog told me about this time-saving product. Convenience is emphasized in the marketing.The few similar items found online outside Japan are marketed with emphasis as a training aid, to eventually have the dog relieve itself outdoors.



(left, center: training pads U.S., UK; right: Polymer mesh )

• Rakuten Pet sheets
• Rakuten Pet Sheets Details
• Fresh n Clean
• Simple Solution Training Pads

ABC Cooking Studio is offering two desserts created from ABC recipes, at Seven Eleven stores in Japan.

The fresh ?Creme Earl Grey? and ?Grapefruit Yogurt Mousse? packages include QR codes to access the product recipe online using a cell phone. (Once you have the URL, you can also view the web page on your PC.)

Earl Gray; Grapefruit Yogurt

ABC Cooking Studio lessons in English
ABC Cooking Studio (Japanese)

Seven Eleven in Japan has also been offering cook-at-home meals.

Order a fresh meal online, pick it up at a Seven Eleven outlet, and cook the food at your home. Lots of sets to choose from, including two ?original recipe? dishes from ABC Cooking Studio.