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The development of Japanese snack bars from red-light districts to tourist destinations

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8 months ago

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Up steep steps, down a brightly signposted street in Tokyo, and behind a windowless door sits a “snack bar” that locals have long loved but has been closed to visitors—until recently. Snack bars are warm, nostalgic places that can be found all over Japan. They are frequently jam-packed into tiny spaces and have karaoke machines that reverberate long into the night. Usually, a lady known by the moniker “mama” runs them and engages in small talk with patrons while serving drinks and little bites like dried squid, almonds, or modest cooked meals.

Though the little, hidden pubs have been a mainstay of Japanese nightlife since the post-war era, their narrow layout can be daunting, particularly to foreign visitors. A company, thus, provides guided excursions to snack bars in the capital’s Shimbashi business sector, such as Kuriyakko. A family of Americans is heard singing “Hey Jude” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” while a poster depicting art deco is warmly illuminated by soft lights that bounce off the red wall tiles inside.

After viewing the trip on Instagram, Nora, who had lived in Japan, told AFP that she made reservations for her parents, sister, aunt, and uncle. “I’ve always seen the signs for snack bars, but I wasn’t sure of how to enter them, or what to do,” the 30-year-old stated. She did not want her last name to be made public and is currently based in San Francisco. “My family hasn’t really been in Japan very often, so it was a good opportunity to get a real experience of the bar culture” in a “jovial” yet “intimate” manner. A tour guide from Snack Yokocho shows the party how to say “cheers” in Japanese, “kanpai!” and how to order whiskey highballs and plum wine.

Roots of red light
“Mama” Kuri Awaji, who has been running Kuriyakko for 25 years, stands behind the bar wearing a sophisticated pastel kimono and wearing her hair up in a traditional manner. This snack bar is one of about 100,000 in Japan, according to Snack Yokocho, and some have a male “master” despite the majority being owned by women. With an emphasis on convivial discussion, the ambiance at snack bars is less sexually charged than at contemporary host and hostess clubs, although its origins may be traced back to Japan’s red-light districts.

According to Snack Yokocho spokesperson Mayuko Igarashi, several women turned to sex work after World War II in order to live, but anti-prostitution legislation were established around the time of the 1964 Olympics. They thus “took a simple wooden box to the regular street and served drinks and snacks” in order to generate income. These early snack restaurants gradually relocated indoors to smaller spaces that the women could run without needing to make elaborate food.

As per Igarashi, a lot of them were divorced and parenting their kids by themselves, which is why they were called “mama”. “It was difficult for them to work during the day when the children were around, so after they went to bed, women stood at the counter to work in the evening,” she continued.

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In person
According to Igarashi, there were 200,000 snack bars in Japan in the 1950s and 60s, but as the “mama” retire or sell up, the number has decreased. Snack Yokocho reports that interest in their excursions is rising as a result of the record number of visitors to Japan. In addition to well-known locations like Kuriyakko, the company’s tour guides take guests to snack bars with unique themes, like a golf bar featuring an artificial putting green.

It also occasionally arranges excursions for Japanese ladies who are interested in learning about the culture of snack bars but are hesitant to knock on a closed door by themselves. Igarashi claimed that practically all of the patrons of the bars were guys for a long time. However, snack bars have evolved a “place for them to relax, or talk to ‘mama’ about their problems”.

Social media is where people chat a lot, but nothing matches in-person conversation after a difficult day, the speaker continued. “At a snack bar, people can look into each others’ eyes, and get to know each other very quickly — even strangers.”

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Music Industry

Check out Diljit Dosanjh’s extravagant outfit on his birthday, which includes a 1.2 crore diamond watch and a 10 lakh Balenciaga jacket.

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2 weeks ago

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January 6, 2025

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Diljit Dosanjh’s refined sartorial taste is reflected in his exlcusive pieces, from clothing to accessories.

As Diljit Dosanjh turns 41, let’s take a look at his stylish wardrobe. The singer captures the hearts with his melodious, toe-tapping tunes but he also enthralls the hearts of fashion enthusiasts with his high-end wardrobe. Diljit is not only a music sensation but also a sartorial icon. While he dominates the music charts, his luxuriously dapper style firmly places him on the fashion radar as well.

He sets himself apart with a wardrobe that’s nothing short of exclusive. Here’s a glimpse into some unique pieces that showcase his lavish style, offering a sneak peek into the world of high-end fashion he effortlessly dominates.

Diljit owns an exclusive jacket from Balenciaga. The limited-edition racer jacket is available exclusively, with only 3 pieces worldwide. The jacket costs $12,300, which is approximately Rs.10,44,915. The uber-cool oversized neon yellow-back leather jacket amps up his style game.

Diamond encrusted watch

Diljit approaches his accessories game with king-like style, as he is the proud owner of a gold, diamond-encrusted piece, and the cost is sure to leave everyone dizzy in disbelief. The custom-made Audemars Piguet costs Rs.1.2 crore. He wore this watch to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where he was the guest.

Continuing with his high-end style, Diljit effortlessly masters the accessory game. His collection is not just about bling and glam, but also features suave statement-making chunky pieces that elevate his overall look. Gucci’s chunky pendant chain, priced at Rs.2,40,000, is a perfect example of his bold and refined style. He carries this pendant with a fierce aplomb.

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Festival

When will the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela begin? View Shahi Snan’s dates, background, importance, and more.

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3 weeks ago

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January 6, 2025

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Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, from January 13 to February 26, invites pilgrims for purification and spiritual growth at the sacred Triveni Sangam.

Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest and most sacred gatherings in Hinduism, occurs once every twelve years. In 2025, millions of devotees will converge in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to partake in this auspicious event. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to cleanse themselves spiritually by taking a ritual bath at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers. Here’s everything you need to know, from the event’s dates to its rich history.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Key dates for holy baths
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is set to begin on January 13, 2025, with the Paush Purnima Snan, and will conclude on February 26, 2025, aligning with Maha Shivratri.

Important bathing dates:

Important Bathing Dates Occasion
January 13, 2025 Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day)
January 15, 2025 Makar Sankranti Snan
January 29, 2025 Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 3, 2025 Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan)
February 12, 2025 Maghi Purnima Snan
February 26, 2025 Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day)
These sacred bathing rituals, or Shahi Snans, are believed to purify the soul and wash away sins, making them the spiritual highlights of the event.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 history
The origins of the Kumbh Mela trace back to Hindu mythology, specifically the legend of Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. According to ancient scriptures, this celestial event was a collaborative effort between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) to retrieve Amrit, the nectar of immortality.

During the process, a Kumbh (pot) filled with sacred nectar emerged. To safeguard it from the demons, Lord Vishnu, disguised as Mohini, seized the pot and fled. Along his journey, a few drops of the nectar spilt at four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, making them holy sites for the Kumbh Mela. These four sites became sacred, hosting the Kumbh Mela on a rotating basis.

Significance of Maha Kumbh Mela
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) holds immense spiritual significance due to its mythological roots and geography. It is home to the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—revered as one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. The Kumbh Mela follows a 12-year cycle based on the celestial positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter.

The 2025 Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj is especially rare, occurring once every 144 years. This unique alignment is believed to make it an exceptionally auspicious time for prayers and rituals. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the rivers, seeking purification and moksha (liberation). Beyond its religious significance, the Kumbh Mela reflects India’s rich cultural heritage, uniting millions in a grand celebration of faith, devotion, and harmony.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 key riruals
Shahi snan (royal bath): A sacred dip performed by saints, including Naga sadhus and spiritual leaders, in the holy rivers. It is believed to cleanse sins and bestow divine blessings.

Sankirtan and bhajans: Devotees sing hymns, chants, and bhajans, filling the atmosphere with spiritual energy and devotion.

Yoga and meditation: Pilgrims participate in yoga and meditation sessions to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Spiritual discourses: Renowned scholars and spiritual leaders deliver sermons and philosophical talks, offering insights into religion, spirituality, and life.

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India

At the Delhi station, NRI charged ₹10,000 for a “free” wheelchair: In response, the railways revoke the licence of the porter.

Published

3 weeks ago

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January 3, 2025

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An NRI filed a complaint with the GRP after she learned that a Delhi porter had charged her money for the wheelchair service provided for free at stations.

Indian Railways cancelled the license of a porter after it was found that he charged ₹10,000 for wheelchair assistance and carrying the luggage of a non-resident Indian (NRI) family. The issue reportedly came to light after the man’s daughter filed a complaint with the railways after learning about the free wheelchair service at the stations.

Originally from Gujarat but now residing in London, an NRI named Payel arrived at Hazrat Nizamuddin station in Delhi on December 21, reported Moneycontrol. She booked a porter to carry the luggage and assist her dad, who is in a wheelchair. The porter demanded ₹10,000 for his services.

The family then travelled to Agra from Delhi, where, during the tour, Payel reportedly told the secretary of the Prepaid Auto Taxi Drivers’ Union, Anil Sharma, about the charges. That’s when she learned that wheelchair assistance at railway stations is free. Further, porters are not allowed to charge exuberant amounts for their services.

She then approached the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Agra Cantt station. The GRP coordinated with their counterpart in Delhi and launched the investigation. The authorities identified the porter and ordered him to return ₹9,000 to the family. The railways also expressed that the organization has a “zero-tolerance policy” for such incidents.

Does Indian Railways provide wheelchair service for free?
According to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website, “The wheelchair is provided free of charge, depending on the availability on first come first service with booking voucher.”

However, the passenger/attendant needs to deposit ₹500 in cash, along with a valid government-issued identification card. The deposit will be “returned on return of wheelchair.”

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