Political steps taken over the past several months by the Japanese to bolster their military and strengthen their diplomatic resolve - not to mention the recent court decision to hang cult killer Shoko Asahara - have convinced me that the country is moving inexorably towards confident international stature and sensible domestic polity. Moving inexorably if slowly, that is.
Yes, ladies and gents, that's ""Nippon Seaman Ship, Seaman Ship, For Love...For Peace." The marketing division responsible for this call to arms (outstretched, gaily, while twirling) was convinced that peace through strength of arms could be promoted with levity. And, from the looks of the photograph, superb dance choreography. Has the same advertising agency been working on a public image boost to the Young Men's Shinto Association? This week's Photo Journal doesn't say, but offers insight on 360-degree realtime imaging, paper mâché rhinos, digital snappers and tennis players indulging in tiaras while overseas. Take a look.