The nice thing about Japanese culture seems to be that women who take their clothes off seem to be more respected that in the west, giving them an “idol” status.

Online entertainment site ZAKZAK has created the Japanese Gravure Idol Award, a prize that gives the nation’s hard-working bikini models the recognition they so richly deserve.

The judges take into consideration the likes of photo album sales and media exposure, along with an ample number of other assets.

And, after some no doubt lengthy deliberations, the judges finally presented the first ever title to 24-year-old Yuko Ogura.

More on TokyoTimes

Technorati Tags: bikini models, culture, idols, Japan, Japanese Gravure Idol Award, Yuko Ogura

Buddhist monks process around Bangkok’s Hua Lam Pong temple on Asalha Puja, which commemorates the day when Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five disciples.

Via BBC

Technorati Tags: Bangkok, Buddhist monks, Hua Lam Pong temple, Asalha Puja

I only think of congee when I’m ill. I guess its the oriental equivalent of chicken soup.

Adding goji berries makes it look much more appealing and healthier too than looking like a slop of porridge that it is!

The blog Appetite for China shows you how its done, together with sautéed chicken.

Via TasteSpotting

Technorati Tags: China, congee, cuisine, goji berries

Marcus of essenmitsosse.de, wanted to create a more realistic rendering of Mario’s arch enemy Bowser and so came up with this frightening portrayal.

He used PhotoShop to create Bowser from scratch, developing a realistic texture and reworking the forms and proportions.

Read more on essenmitsosse.de

Via NotCot

Technorati Tags: art, Bowser, illustration, Mario

Buddhists hang pieces of paper containing prayer wishes on lanterns during a prayer meeting to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha at the Jogye temple in Seoul, May 12, 2008.

From Reuters

Via NotCot

Technorati Tags: buddhists, lanterns, prayer wishes, Jogye temple, Seoul

Workers move tuna in Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market, which is recovering from a one-day fisherman’s strike over oil prices.

Via BBC

Technorati Tags: Tokyo, Tsukiji fish market

Here are some ads for Maone bank by advertising agency DCS (out of Porto Alegre, Brazil) and art director Gregory Kickow.

Nice use of texture for these origami pieces.

From
Via NotCot

Technorati Tags: Maone bank, crafts, Japan, origami

A colourful old man takes time out. I love the way his white beard just disappears into his scarf.

Via TokyoTimes

Technorati Tags: colourful old man, Japan, old man