It's NOT One World!

• Weird Japan, Again: (1) Among the sites Japan has submitted for 2017 United Nations World Heritage status is the island of Okinoshima, home of a sacred shrine with which Shinto gods have been "protecting" fishermen as long ago as the fourth century. (The island is so sacred that females have never been allowed on it -- judged either too delicate to make the trip or menstrually unclean).

• (2) A current Tokyo craze, reported an Australian Broadcasting correspondent, involves "stressed out" professionals and office workers publicly outfitted in colorful, full-body lycra suits ("zentai") in a rebellion against the nation's stultifying conformity. Said one, "I'm a different person wearing this. I can be friendly to anyone." [Daily Telegraph (London), 1-13-2016] [Australian Broadcasting Corp. News, 1-10-2016]

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