Thursday, January 29, 2009

J-blog of the Week Ed#3 Tokyo Damage Report

I have tried to explain and share the weirdness of Tokyo`s subcultures to others. In most cases I am either not believed or considered a real shit head for having an interest in such things. Well, as I have discovered, there are many things in Tokyo which fall way off the radar of anything mainstream. I often say that a person can find just about any kind of pleasure in Tokyo if they only turn over enough rocks. This week`s J-blog of the week is evidence that I might just be right.

Tokyo Damage Report is kind of like a personal tour/zine of all things vice and underground in Tokyo. I came across this site several months ago, while looking for something different to read. At first, I was a little taken back by the site`s content. The guy who does all the posts is real keen in this descriptions of the various topics. For a while, I was put off by the site, but over time I now understand the point of view he is coming from. You will not get a pretty glossy image of Tokyo with Tokyo Damage Report. Instead, you will get smacked in the head with all the off-beat and down right kinky side of Tokyo.

There are many very good posts on Tokyo Damage report. It is hard to pick a starting point to start exploring damage report. I guess one place to start off would be the TDR kanji lessons. Now as you might have guessed, these are not your regular kind of kanji lessons. TDR kanji lessons are for those who do not have time to learn the ends and outs of learning kanji. If you are working your ass off or attending college, these lessons are for you.

A big help for those you looking to drive into the Tokyo underground head first, the TDR tour guide is for you. This guide features all the dirty little places in Tokyo. You know, the kind of places that your mother would frown on. I really suggest checking out the Kabukicho section of the travel guide for a devilish good time.

Some of the choice posts include Akihabara-culture techno rave party, Cherry Blossoms at the Graveyard, Uyoku raising hell with the police, A La Mode Night, as well as, Gothic Bar Heaven. These are just a sample of the crazy and off beat stuff found at Tokyo Damage Report.

Be sure to also check out Hello Damage which is an earlier version of TDR. It features a lot of other sites worth checking out for sure.

So, if you want to go total Gonzo in Tokyo then TDR is a site you must study up on. It may not be for everyone but it is noteworthy and reports on a part of Tokyo that is over looked way too often.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your visit to my blog.
I followed your link, arrived here, and wow~ I'm scared, even just looking at the title of your blog! I'm kinda person who cannot resist watching surgery scene on TV, or the blood in the injection that are from my body...(LOL)

Anyway, your blog was impressive to me. :)

Anonymous said...

actually shithead is one word.

Jon Doe said...

Thank you shithead