Electric Pig

As the shops open again after the New Year break here in Tokyo, shoppers, frothing at the mouth after 2 days of national holidays and rapid at the thought of the New Year sales, swarm back into shops to be greeted by Fukubukuros. Fukubukuros (literally "lucky bags"), are sealed bags that are sold in most shops on the first day of the January sales. They usually sell for about 10,000円 or about £50. Normally they contain goods worth slightly more than that, but from the previous year's stock. My girlfriend works for a shop that does a very brisk trade in Fukubukuros (they made 1,500,000円 in a day from them), and tells me that the ones they sold, mainly had stock they couldn't get rid of, from the 2006 season. They also occasionally have much more expensive items in them, to act as an incentive for shoppers, and to represent the "lucky" in the "lucky bags". I was tempted to queue for 2 hours in the local camera shop to get one, as I knew I had a one-in-300-chance of getting the 120,000円 lens I am after, for 10,000円. I didn't though, sleep being a more tempting offer. Yesterday having spent 5 hours looking for a present for the missus, she rewarded me by allowing me to visit Few Many, one of my favourite toy shops. They were also selling Fukubukuro, in 1,000円, 3,000円, and 10,000円 versions. I've never bought a Fukubukuro before but for 1,000円 I succumbed and am exceedingly glad I did! Click the picture below to see the loot that was hidden within. Also shown is the Few Many Temple Omikuji (fortune) I got. It's the worst one possible. The Japanese text states that the god has no idea what I can do to improve my chances in life, love, fortune and work. Great. Oh well, at least I won a free postcard...can't be that unlucky.