Surprise, Surprise

First, the massive Chev. Then, the 'Pegasus' van. Finally, the biggest surprise: a mint condition Auto Rickshaw (which does not operate as a taxi, lacking the required green number plate).

The Yen's Weakness

Japanese media are reporting that the yen has hit a 37-year low against the US dollar, falling to 160.4, a level not seen since Japan's so-called Bubble Era. This is great for: exporters and international tourists. But I can tell you that it's not brilliant for those who live in resource-poor Japan and rely on imports: foodstuffs and energy, to name just two. Not to mention the cost of trips overseas (for someone like me) to visit family and friends.

The Daily Special, University Cafeteria

Pork sautee, miso, gyoza... 500 yen.

Artistic License in Hiroshige

Not included in the brief clip from the NHK program on Hiroshige is the final work in the series, Sanjo Ohashi. Showing such iconic and representative Kyoto sights as Kiyomizu Temple, the 5-storey pagoda at Yasaka, and Higashiyama, the print also includes sacred Mt. Hiei, which is not, in fact, in its correct location. (The mountain has, in a manner of speaking, come to Hiroshige.) The print is here.

NHK History Detective: Ukiyoe Master Hiroshige

National broadcaster NHK airs a program on Wednesday evenings called 歴史探偵, or 'History Detective'. Yesterday evening's theme was Edo Era artist Hiroshige, master of ukiyoe. His best-known series, which depicts 53 scenes from the post towns along the old Tokai Road linking Edo and Kyoto, contains striking examples of artistic license, as this clip reveals. Registration required to watch the full episode. (Including the start at Nihonbashi and finish, Sanjo Ohashi, the full series runs to 55 prints.) For the complete series, see here .

License Required to 'Operate' Motorized Suitcases

Police in Osaka have referred to prosecutors the case of a Chinese exchange student cited with unlawful operation of a motorized suitcase (top speed 13 km/h). The woman, who denies the allegation, claims she was unaware of the licensure requirement.