Engrish in Japan, 2009

Engrish in Japan, Part II

Happy Bath Day--shampoo or something

The best part about this ad is that when "Happy Birthday" is pronounced by a Japanese speaker, it actually sounds like the name of the this product.

Be.Escort--beachwear? You tell me.

Koguma Head Shop--I know there are "head shops" in America, usually specializing in substances and substance accessories. But this store sells hats.

Accessary Joy--self-explanatory, but you gotta love the spelling!!! And on the marquee as well as the carpet.

The Fine building--no clue

Nudy Aura--can you see it? This one is better:

Michiyo asked me why this was funny. All I could say was that the word nudy is not really used, unless as an old-fashioned referenced to adult magazines.

And finally, one of the best.

Ever.

I give you. . .

Cabbages & Condoms, Thai Foods Restaurant.
Just like "JimLand," I REALLY wish this was a random name. However, after diligent research, I found that there is not only a reason, but a good cause behind this establishment. The restaurant has a goal of promoting AIDS education, and part of the experience of dining here
involves getting told a little bit about the spread of HIV and AIDS, and what are some prevention messages. So the Cabbages is about the food, the Condoms are about the AIDS education. I daresay that in PC America, this place would have had the name "Apples and Abstinence." I have heard the food here is fantastic, as Thai fare usually is. Unfortunately, when we tried to eat here at lunch time, the place was closed. Perhaps it's only a dinner establishment.

More fun with English in Asia can be found at http://www.engrish.com/.