Fabric? Polkatex! I love the name — it brings a smile to my face. However, it might not communicate “strong waterproof fabric” in America like it might in Japan.

Sadly, when the user opens the umbrella, each strut has to be snapped into place — a small hassle. But it’s comforting to know that the waterproofing will last a long time!

Though I can’t read a word, there are some fun things to see. Check it out.

Disclaimer: I do not approve of all the images on the site!

Anonand? That’s a name that might sound exotic to a Japanese person — but it has no exotic appeal to an American.

One of my favorite blogs these days is Tokyobling’s Blog. Why? I love Japan. I have never been there, but that culture fascinates me. The blog’s author is a great photographer and an expat living there, so they have an eye for what a foreigner might appreciate.

Someday I’ll do something with my place-holder blog that relates to Japan.

I’ve written about Japan before. I’ve never been there but always wanted to go. (James Taylor sang that about Mexico once.)

Anyhow, the thing that fascinates me about Japan is how they think so differently than Americans. I mean, you would never see a Hello Kitty popcorn machine in the USA!

(I stole the pic from Tokyobling’s Blog. The author is an expat living there and often has some fascinating stuff to show us all.)

Maybe someday I’ll get to go! Until then, I’ll visit Japan via Tokyobling and Shift Magazine. Shift was what got me started into the Japan thing — though I haven’t cruised their site much in the last few years.