Go Tokyo Your Experience
For a long time, Zhai Zhai News has introduced the subtle, roundabout, and cryptic expressions used by the people of Kyoto during their interactions. For example, if a friend living in Kyoto is complimented by a neighbor saying “Your daughter plays the piano really well”, the underlying message might be “The piano sound is a bit noisy”; or if someone says “Your watch is really nice”, they might be subtly hinting “You really talk a lot”.
Due to the growing attention to this Kyoto characteristic of “dark humor” culture in online and variety shows, a souvenir shop in Kyoto seized the opportunity to launch a series of creative gifts with a self-deprecating touch — the “Dark Humor Kyoto People” themed sticker series, which has become very popular. So, what’s so special about these stickers? Let’s find out together!
Recently, a souvenir from Kyoto has sparked widespread discussion.
During the Japanese Yomiuri Television’s variety show “Osaka Honwaka Television,” reporters learned that a popular souvenir was launched by a local specialty store in Kyoto, and they decided to investigate.
The clue is hidden on the sticker on this family’s mailbox…
The envelope says, “I’m sorry that my family’s mailbox is so small, thank you for your trouble.“
This sticker looks polite no matter how you view it; why has it become a topic of discussion?
If you turn the sticker over, you will see..
“Don’t shove a bunch of useless flyers! ”
This sticker is currently one of the popular souvenir gifts from Kyoto!
This series of stickers has four designs, each featuring a polite sentence on the front along with a photo of an elegant woman from Kyoto. However, when you flip it over, you will discover the true voice of the people of Kyoto, and even the originally graceful woman instantly takes on a fierce appearance. This contrast allows one to experience the cultural characteristics exhibited by the people of Kyoto through their roundabout expressions.
The front of the sticker symbolizes the surface politeness of the people of Kyoto, while the back reveals their true thoughts.
This series of stickers includes a total of four styles.
Not only is there the “Mailbox Edition,” but also the “Toilet Edition”…
It says on the front…
“Perhaps you think that the toilet in my humble home should be uncomfortable, but please try sitting on it. ”
The back side says…
“Please don’t stand and pee, okay?”
Next is the “Entrance Chapter”
It says on the front…
Welcome to my humble abode. Your clothes have clearly weathered many storms; have you been to Lake Pipa for sightseeing?
The back is written…
Don’t come in with that filthy look; jump into the Duck River and wash up!
Finally, it’s the ‘table setting’ section…
It says on the front…
Did you know? When eating buckwheat noodles, making slurping sounds is also considered a sign of enjoying the food.
The back side says…
“Making a chattering noise while eating is really annoying! ”
These four stickers are called “Ikze Sticker“, and they are sold at Kyoto Station and major local souvenir shops.
It is said that more than 1,000 of them can be sold every month, which is astonishing!
By the way, the female figure on the sticker is based on Miss Ohnishi, the fourth-generation owner of the old fan shop “Ohnishi Tsuneshoten” in Kyoto.
Miss Ohnishi explained that the way Kyoto people speak is actually an art form that requires not only quick-witted and flexible thinking but also plays a positive role in communication. She hopes that this art will not only be popular in Kyoto but can also be promoted to more regions to enhance communication between people.
This way of speaking can make people feel comfortable while clearly expressing their thoughts.
This also tests a person’s ability to ‘say difficult things.’
I think this way of speaking is not only applicable to Kyoto, but also to other places in modern society.
Have you successfully deciphered the true meaning behind these words?
