Finding the perfect gift for the monkey in your life is always a challenge. It’s especially difficult when the monkey is on the Tokyo police department’s Most Wanted list. How are you going to get that gift to the monkey while the monkey is being chased by cops? It’s not like the simian safe houses are listed in the phonebook. But this cute little bundle of fur and speed who ran through Shibuya station last summer has brought us so much joy. We can’t forget our little macaque elf who is now all alone on the streets of Tokyo. So here’s our list of ideas for presents for "our" monkey, and yours…

"I suggest an "Omawari-san Navi", the latest police detector for monkeys."
From Nick at JapanSoc .

Keiko suggests "Three day trip to Nikko." Keiko adds "Watch this funny movie! Monkey attacks tourists in countryside." (Ed. - No relation to the kindly Shibuya monkey we’re sure).

"The monkey is in need of some direction and there is only one role model for him. For Christmas I would get him the following: ‘Monkey’." (What is "Monkey"? Watch the video.) submitted by Danielle from Narrative Disorder.

Yoko says: "Gift ne…staying at Onsen hotel. Escape from big city!!(???)"

"How about a map so he can find his way back to his forest?" Suggested by an englishman in osaka.

"A backpack in the form of a tiny, stuffed, Tokyo policeman to keep his yama imo in…" Suggested by Digital World Tokyo.

And from the staff (me) here at Lets Japan:
A gift card for a lifetime supply of bananas valid at all supermarkets and green grocers in Japan.

An IC card security system that tracks kids is being offered by Tokyu Land Corp.
Homeowners who purchase a Tokyo Security home security service plan have the option to enable the Tokyu Kids Security system. Tokyu has partnered with PASMO Co. which issues rechargeable contactless PASMO IC smartcards for rail and bus systems in Japan.

With the child security function enabled, when the child uses the PASMO card to enter a train station, an email is automatically sent to sent to pre-registered addresses. The email indicates the location and the text says "passed over the entrance". The Tokyu Security website depicts the child using the IC card at stations, school, and after school at cram school. Tokyu sells the colorful Tokyu Kids Security PASMO card readers.

Some new offices and residential buildings constructed by Tokyu utilize the PASMO security system at the building entrance. The card is used as a key to enter entrance and lobby areas and the owner’s front door. If a condo owner purchases the optional Kids Security plan, the "passed over the entrance" email is automatically sent to pre-registered addresses when the child uses the card to enter or exit the building. The Kids Security plan costs JPY 525 per month in addition to the cost of the basic residential security plan.

Tokyu’s Branz City Denen Hills condominium in Machida City near Tokyo is one of the new buildings utilizing the the PASMO security system. Existing buildings can be retrofitted at the entrances to enable the PASMO IC card security system.

Lets Japan is a fan of MAD magazine, America’s longest-running humor magazine. MAD often jokes about Japan, because, you know, Japan is a funny place. The satire and parody magazine doesn’t publish a Japanese edtion. MAD doesn’t even know about Lets Japan. So don’t tell MAD. Now, here’s another in our continuing Japan in MAD series…

excerpt from "Up -and-Coming Mixed Martial Arts Fighters", MAD magazine number #494 Oct. 2008

Engines Off While Waiting
A campaign to get drivers to stop idling car engines has been underway for more than ten years in Japan. The Japan Ministry Of Environment started the effort in June 1997. Large quantities of "stop idling" stickers were distributed by the Environment office, to be posted on trucks and taxis. The agency also provide information about the effects of idling to concerned industry asscociations and local governments. Tokyo and Osaka have city ordinances that prohibit vehicle engine idling when parked.

Idle-Stop Devices Increasing Aftermarket devices that stop engine idling automatically are available now in Japan. Vehicle engine idle stopping devices are intended to cut air pollution, reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, and contribute to the effort to reduce global warming. The idle-stop systems also enable energy conservation and noise pollution reduction.

The sleek control box of the M-K Japan ITS-1200/2400 idle stopping unit perches on the steering column and retails for about JPY 57000.

The less-elegant EcoStarter dash-mounted idling-stopping button and installed box offered by Ecomotion retails for about JPY 40000.