neon ballroom

Susukino (すすきの), to the south of the centre of Sapporo, is one of Japan's largest nightlife (and red-light) districts. It is the place where a large proportion of salary-men and salary-women hit after a hard day's work.

bicycles in japan

Mama-chari is the affectionate term used to describe the bicycles frequently used by Japan's legions of housewives (and pretty much everyone else).


Derived from the English word "mama" and "charinko," Japanese slang for bicycle, the mama-chari is usually equipped with a basket to store groceries or the briefcase.