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The Mainichi
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Edging Toward Japan: Expressing Solidarity with the 'Expo Lady'
It was in the news recently that that a woman, Tomiyo Yamada, 76, colloquially known as the "Expo Lady" ("Banpaku Obaasan") had managed not only to attend the Osaka Expo every day since it opened in April, but also to gain admittance to every single one of the 188 pavilions. The last one to succumb was the Netherlands Pavilion, which commemorated her arrival with a special welcome from the Dutch Consul General and the presentation of a "Miffy" soft toy. She intends to keep visiting every day until the final day of the Expo in October. News reports noted that that this was the latest in a series of Expo conquests by the indomitable lady, who had also attended every day of Expo 2005 in her native prefecture of Aichi, as well as the opening days of the expos in Shanghai and Yeosu, South Korea, and even moved, together with her husband and son, to a flat close to the Expo site in December last year. It's tempting to scoff at the battiness of such obsessive behaviour, but I found myself quietly admiring her. For one thing, I must confess that I rather share her enthusiasm for expos. I have noted a lot of jaded attitudes towards the Osaka Expo: "A waste of billions of dollars that could have been better spent elsewhere" is how one friend dismissed it, while telling me it wasn't his cup of tea. But I think the Osaka Expo is absolutely great. I went there on two consecutive days, walked my legs and hips into oblivion, and only got round less than half of it. If I had the time and money, I think I would make Facebook friends with the Expo Lady and keep going back every day as well. How can you not like the Expo? It's like having the ability to travel round the entire world in a single day, exploring countries you might never be able to get to in real life and finding out a little about their regions, foods, traditions, clothing, industries and hopes for the future. One minute you are in Uzbekistan, the next minute in Belize, and then you are in a display of a country you never even knew existed (apologies, Palau). You discover that Hungary and Japan are connected in ways you never expected. In this alternate universe, the real size of different countries and their populations is often disproportionate to the size, magnificence and inventiveness of their pavilions, and their contents often disconnected to anything you would expect. Spain, that hot dry country, has a display entirely devoted to oceanic ecosystems; Australia has weirdly gesticulating dancers on skateboards. So fantastical and fascinating was everything I saw over the course of two days that I never wanted to leave. I felt exactly the same about the last Osaka Expo way back in 1990, which continues to reign in my memory as a dreamscape of magical gardens and lush pavilions. It's been worth the wait for the Expo to come home to Osaka once more. But setting aside just for a moment my own enthusiasm for expos, I also have a sneaking regard for the Expo Lady in a different way as a next-level obsessive. The obsessives of this world often instinctively grasp that imbuing significance and attachment to something seemingly trivial can invest their own lives with purpose and meaning and sometimes yield the most spectacular results. I am reminded of the film "The Lost King", in which a middle-aged lady at a loose end after losing her job randomly conceives an interest in the English Plantagenet King Richard III (r. 1483-85), whose final resting place after being killed in battle had been a centuries' long mystery. She decides to obsessively read every book she can about him and attend meetings of other enthusiasts, until finally her pursuit leads her to actually working out where his body is buried (under a car park). As she heads into a bookshop at the start of her journey, the film's director cleverly inserts in the shop window a copy of "Moby Dick", the ultimate tale of an all-consuming pursuit around the world of a "White Whale". For the Expo Lady, the Expo itself is her "White Whale", but instead of chasing round after it on the high seas, she merely does daily circuits of a pretty, artificial island in Osaka Bay. Properly speaking the Expo Lady is a subset of the Obsessive genre known as the "Completionist". And again, my sympathies and admiration are entirely with her. We may not all have posted a map of the world on our wall and put pins in every country we have visited, but most of us have some kind of mental checklist of the places we have got to and know where we still need to tick off before we kick the bucket. A former British finance minister -- a fellow of no particular abilities or interest -- once gripped my attention when he revealed that he was spending his retirement attempting to visit every country in South America. This is the type of thing which every completionist can appreciate. Ticking things off, collecting things, getting a full set of something, these are all activities that human beings seem to be curiously drawn to. For many years I tended to fly back and forth to Japan with the Dutch carrier KLM. In my 20s and 30s, I flew so many times with them that my air miles built up and, joy of joys, I could finally upgrade myself every now and then to business class. It's a ritual of business class travel with KLM that at the end of the journey the cabin crew come round and offer you one of their mini Delft Blue Dutch Houses (modelled on 105 real historical houses in Amsterdam) filled with Bols liquor. Whenever I used to receive one of these, I would take it home, crack open the seal on the chimney and drink it. Only when I had collected seven or eight of them did someone point out to me that I wasn't supposed to be drinking them: I was supposed to be collecting them. The next time I wangled my way into business class, I observed a besuited executive take out a notebook with the list of dozens of numbers of all the mini houses he had collected so that he could carefully choose one that he did not already possess. I began to realize what an absolute amateur I was in the world of completionist collecting, merely picking out a Dutch house based on a vague memory of the ones I already had. If you can't beat them, join them... Soon I too was showing up with the numbers of Dutch houses I already had at home, intent on adding a couple more to the set. And then, just when I had built up a small collection, I stopped flying as much and was peremptorily returned to economy on an almost permanent basis. For most of us in life, we are lucky if we get to one or two South American countries, lucky to have a couple of pretty Dutch houses as souvenirs of travelling business class, lucky to spend a couple of days at Osaka Expo... But we can surely summon up admiration for those who refuse to compromise, who want the full set, and manage like the Expo Lady to get round all 188 pavilions. When she got into the Dutch Pavilion, my only regret is that the Dutch Consul General did not present her -- instead of a silly "Miffy" toy -- with the full set of 105 Delft Blue Dutch houses. That would have been a truly suitable presentation to the amazing Expo Lady, that most superbly accomplished hunter of the White Whale. @DamianFlanagan (This is Part 66 of a series) In this column, Damian Flanagan, a researcher in Japanese literature, ponders about Japanese culture as he travels back and forth between Japan and Britain. Profile: Damian Flanagan is an author and critic born in Britain in 1969. He studied in Tokyo and Kyoto between 1989 and 1990 while a student at Cambridge University. He was engaged in research activities at Kobe University from 1993 through 1999. After taking the master's and doctoral courses in Japanese literature, he earned a Ph.D. in 2000. He is now based in both Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and Manchester. He is the author of "Natsume Soseki: Superstar of World Literature" (Sekai Bungaku no superstar Natsume Soseki).
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I 5ft1 & Rita Ora's Primark collection has the best summer skirts – people say they ‘look so expensive' but they're NOT
IF you're desperate to find a stunning skirt that's sure to turn heads this summer, you've come to the right place. A fashionista has found not just one, but two gorgeous skirts that are incredibly stylish and perfect for warm days. 4 A fashionista has proudly showed off two gorgeous skirts from Rita Ora's latest Primark range Credit: Instagram/pia_gracesmith 4 Not only do they "look expensive", but they're super affordable too Credit: Instagram/pia_gracesmith 4 This Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt is just £16 Credit: Primark 4 The Rita Ora Broderie Mini Skirt is £18 and is sure to add some playful movement to your wardrobe Credit: Primark Not only this, but despite looking 'so expensive', they are actually incredibly affordable. So if your purse is feeling the pinch, but you're eager to upgrade your wardrobe as temperatures rise, fear not, you won't have to break the bank to look glam this season. Pia Grace Smith, a content creator who describes herself as 'your 5ft1 clothes guru', took to social media to show off her latest Primark haul, leaving many totally stunned. Not only did she try on a gorgeous maxi dress and a burgundy co-ord, but the brunette beauty also modelled two skirts from Rita Ora's latest Primark collection. Alongside the short clip, the influencer wrote: 'The new Rita Ora collection in Primark is a slay 😍 What's your fav??' Pia, who is from the UK, was left beaming with her new purchases, one of which was the Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt, which is just £16. The brown midi skirt is covered in sequins, beading and embroidered floral details, and is sure to impress. According to Primark bosses, the midi length 'keeps it polished, while the elasticated waistband makes it easy to slip on and go'. Pia also nabbed the Rita Ora Broderie Mini Skirt, which is priced at £18. The tiered broderie mini skirt not only has ruffles, but an elasticated waistband too, making it great for bloated days. What's new in at Primark for spring-summer It's sure to add some playful movement to your wardrobe and is designed with lightweight fabric and gathered tiers. Whether you style it with sandals or boots, according to those at Primark, this ruffled mini is 'made for twirling, strolling and everything in between.' Top Primark summer buys IF you're looking for more Primark summer buys, then you've come to the right place. Shoppers have recently been raving about the new Miffy PJs from Primark. Others were desperate to nab the new leopard print nightwear. If animal print is your thing, you'll want to check out the new maxi skirts. The haltnerneck tops are perfect for summer. If you're on a budget, these trousers are identical to a pair from Zara, but without the hefty price tag. There's brilliant travel essentials for less than £10. And if you plan on heading to the beach, you won't want to miss these crochet bags. Fashion fans beam The Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @pia_gracesmith, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 420,000 views, 1,932 likes and 50 comments. Fashion fans were left gushing with Pia's Primark haul and many eagerly rushed to the comments to share their thoughts on her summery skirts. No way this is Primark, what the hell Instagram user One person said: 'Obsessed with it all.' Another added: 'All looks amazing.' A third commented: 'Literally everything looks good on you. You genuinely make it all look so expensive.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'No way this is Primark, what the hell.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Primark has ‘pulled it out the bag' with £2.50 holiday buy – it's an ‘absolute beauty' & is ‘so needed for warm weather'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH summer in full swing and the weather heating up, shoppers are sure to be pleased when they see this brand new, Primark essential. Not only has it been hailed an 'absolute beauty', but it's also said to be 'so needed for the warm weather.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Primark fans are racing to get to their nearest store after spotting a £2.50 buy that's a must for summer Credit: Getty 3 Not only is it cheap, but it's sure to cool you down on warm days too Credit: Facebook/Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group 3 Sharon McCabe Kerr was beaming with her "absolute beauty" of a fan Credit: Facebook/Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group One happy shopper was left overjoyed when she spotted the affordable £2.50 buy when queuing up to pay in her local Primark store. Thrilled with her purse-friendly find, Sharon McCabe Kerr eagerly raced to social media to show off her new purchase with others. Posting on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, a private Facebook group with 2.6 million members, Sharon uploaded a snap of her new £2.50 fan. Alongside the post, Sharon showed off her zebra print buy and said: 'Primark, you absolute beauty. 'You've pulled it out of the bag.' She then explained: 'Situated in the till queueing section and just £2.50. 'I saw this one and a plain black one, not sure if there were other patterns.' Not only does Sharon's new fan 'fit nicely into a handbag', but she also expressed: 'So needed for the warm weather, going on holidays or ladies of a certain age.' So if you're lucky enough to be jetting abroad any time soon, or are looking for a cheap buy that will cool you down on warm days, you'll need to head to the high street as quickly as you can for this Primark find. And it's clear that Sharon's post has impressed many, as at the time of writing, it had quickly racked up 623 likes and 131 comments. Primark hops on the 'mini beauty' trend with new range of teeny essentials, and they're perfect for using on the plane Not only did many 'need' the fan for their travels, but others claimed it would be good for dancing, or even in a hospital bag for pregnant women too. One person simply said: 'I NEED THIS!!!!!' Top Primark summer buys IF you're looking for more Primark summer buys, then you've come to the right place. Shoppers have recently been raving about the new Miffy PJs from Primark. Others were desperate to nab the new leopard print nightwear. If animal print is your thing, you'll want to check out the new maxi skirts. The haltnerneck tops are perfect for summer. If you're on a budget, these trousers are identical to a pair from Zara, but without the hefty price tag. There's brilliant travel essentials for less than £10. And if you plan on heading to the beach, you won't want to miss these crochet bags. Another added: 'Went the two hour round trip to Primark yesterday… why did I not see this post beforehand.' Meanwhile, a third advised: 'Pregnant mamas grab one for that hospital bag.' I'll need it for all the dancing! Facebook user At the same time, one user tagged a family member and asked: 'Get me one of these if you go please.' A second alerted a Primark shopper and advised: 'Grab a couple!!!' Whilst someone else mentioned a loved one and wrote: 'If you're going to Primark before Friday, can you grab me one please. I'll need it for all the dancing!!' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Primark's ‘timeless' £18 dress with stretchy material that's easy to throw on is selling for half price of Asos' version
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe without breaking the budget, Primark may be the answer. Fashion fans can now nab a variety of looks for a fraction of the price of competitors, including a stylish denim dress. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Fashion influencer Perrie Sian showed her followers the denim mini dress she picked up from Primark Credit: TikTok/@perriesian 3 Primark shoppers can pick up the £18 denim mini dress right now Credit: Primark Fashion influencer Perrie Sian tried on the look in her latest Primark haul video. She described the look as a finding a hidden "treasure" in the shop's denim trove. Perrie advised her audience to go in search for "denim goodies" such as the mini dress she picked up. "How gorgeous is this? This is giving me very much Top Shop or Asos vibes," she said as she modelled the look. "It's so nice, the denim is stretchy, I love the wash, it's got a zip all the way down the back." Perrie did point out that the look could be "a couple of inches" longer but otherwise said she was a fan. Dress details The Denim Mini Dress is currently available for just £18 from Primark, half the price of a similar Asos look. Asos Design's Denim Mini Shift Dress with a scoop back is listed for £36. Primark's sleeveless denim dress is available in a light blue and mid blue wash. Shoppers can pick the look up in sizes six through 20. 'Finally' big busted girls praise Primark's new saucy matching £8 underwear sets and they now go up to size 44H Asos denim dress Meanwhile, the Asos look has an almost identical cut, down to the boat neckline. It even features a similar zip feature at the back but that may be where the similarities end. The Asos dress features a scoop back whereas the Primark buy has full coverage. It is also constructed with 100% cotton, creating a non-stretchy finish. Asos Design features sizes designed for all body types, including curve, tall, and petite. Top Primark summer buys IF you're looking for more Primark summer buys, then you've come to the right place. Shoppers have recently been raving about the new Miffy PJs from Primark. Others were desperate to nab the new leopard print nightwear. If animal print is your thing, you'll want to check out the new maxi skirts. The haltnerneck tops are perfect for summer. If you're on a budget, these trousers are identical to a pair from Zara, but without the hefty price tag. There's brilliant travel essentials for less than £10. And if you plan on heading to the beach, you won't want to miss these crochet bags. Other Primark finds Perrie also tried on a viral summer dress from the budget fashion retailer. Meanwhile, another a size 14 shopper picked up the perfect floaty summer dress. Primark customers can also find a budget-friendly dupe of a designer bag. Plus, the Primark shorts that fashion experts are calling a summer wardrobe must-have. And a £2 Primark buy festival-goers are racing to pick up this summer.
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm a size 14 & have found a winning summer dress from Primark – it's floaty, great quality & there's a mini-me version
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FASHIONISTA has claimed to have found a winning summer dress from Primark that's sure to turn heads this season. So if you want to look stylish but without breaking the bank, you've come to the right place and won't want to miss this. 5 A Primark megafan has praised a winning summer dress that's floaty and cool Credit: tiktok/@my_style_ideas/ 5 Not only is it perfect for warm days, but it's affordable too Credit: tiktok/@my_style_ideas/ 5 The Trapeze Mini Dress is priced at £20 Credit: Primark 5 It's also available in green Credit: Primark Amanda, the self-proclaimed "confidence queen' and size 14 fashionista, who regularly shares high-street fashion content online, has praised a Primark frock that's super floaty and cool. Not only is it lightweight and perfect for warm days, but she praised the "fantastic" quality too. But that's not all, as there's also a matching mini-me version too - so if you want to match with your little one, you'll need to check this out. Posting on social media, the blonde beauty held up her Primark shopping bag and said: 'It is blooming boiling - I have found four beautiful dresses to wear in the UK in this gorgeous heatwave.' After trying on an 'unreal' dress that covers upper arms and has recently gone viral online, Amanda then modelled a sleeveless V-neck mini dress that's ideal for holidays. Thrilled with the white trapeze dress, which features an elegant tiered shape, the content creator beamed: 'This one might just win me over girls, because there's a mini-me. 'The quality of this feels absolutely fantastic.' Clearly overjoyed with the Trapeze Mini Dress, which is made from a 'lightweight fabric', the mother continued: 'It's lovely and floaty and oversized.' According to Primark bosses, this mini dress will ensure you keep things 'easy and breezy' this season. It is said to 'flow in a tiered silhouette that moves with you' and is spot on for a 'simple, summery feel.' 'I need it all ASAP!' fashion fans gasp as Primark prepares to drop new summer range, including a 'beach bag of dreams' Not only will it keep you looking 'cool and casual,' but it's great for dressing up and down, making it an 'effortless option for warm-weather days.' The mini dress is available not only in white, but green too. Top Primark summer buys IF you're looking for more Primark summer buys, then you've come to the right place. Shoppers have recently been raving about the new Miffy PJs from Primark. Others were desperate to nab the new leopard print nightwear. If animal print is your thing, you'll want to check out the new maxi skirts. The haltnerneck tops are perfect for summer. If you're on a budget, these trousers are identical to a pair from Zara, but without the hefty price tag. There's brilliant travel essentials for less than £10. And if you plan on heading to the beach, you won't want to miss these crochet bags. It's priced at just £20, which we think is a real steal, and sizes range from a 6 to an 18. Meanwhile, the matching children's Trapeze Summer Dress is just £8. It ranges from 1.5-2 years to 7-8 years and is available to order on the chain's new Click & Collect service. 5 The mini-me version is £8 and available through the chain's Click & Collect service Credit: Primark Fashion fans beam The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @my_style_ideas, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 133,400 views, 1,541 likes and 160 comments. Fashion fans were gobsmacked by the purse-friendly dress and many 'loved' it, which numerous users raced to the comments to express. It's lovely and floaty and oversized Amanda One person said: 'You look lovely in all of them.' Another added: 'They all look stunning.' A third described the dress as 'gorgeous' while someone else gushed: 'Love them all!!' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
