Carry on painting

Japanese are often described as polite and hard-working, yet passive or shy. But one area Japanese people are not shy about is when it comes to nudity. Japan has a very different approach to nudity than any other country I have visited.

Research suggests that it is rooted in Japan's love of onsen's or hot springs. I am told that there, nakedness is the great leveller, and that many fellow bathers welcome it as an opportunity to build bridges that in clothed mode they might find difficult or daunting. The local advice is to go there open-minded, naked, defenseless, and see what the communal bareness brings. I have to admit to being a tad sceptical!

Today's picture is not from an onsen but is one of two large panels displayed in the main entrance of a popular train station!!

Warning: Clothing has been shown to cause extreme psychological dependence. Wear it at your own risk.
Ben Thornton