Terry Ito Column Vol.4 Japan! The number of ethnic groups facing hardship is increasing

Recently, the number of barber shops has decreased and the number of barber refugees has increased, but when you walk around town, you still find potential refugees.
First of all, there are no CD/record shops to be found anywhere near stations. When Morning Musume and Hikaru Genji were all the rage, there were two or three in every shopping district. Until recently, it was trendy to go to TSUTAYA to look for CDs, but now music from all over the world can be downloaded instantly. However, it's difficult to pick up a CD jacket and choose one right away. I'm truly a music refugee!
Next, you can't see any bookstores in town. In Tsukiji, where my parents live, there were three bookstores, but they've all disappeared! It's so sad that the only magazines available are those in convenience stores.
Do you buy books from Amazon when you want them? Elderly people who don't use the internet have to go to big entertainment districts. They are book refugees.

It's also hard to find a traditional "normal coffee shop."We visit various cities for location shoots, but there is no place to hold meetings. There are stylish cafes like Starbucks and Tully's Coffee, but they are not relaxing and it is difficult to speak out loud.
I want a place that offers breakfast (with sausages and boiled eggs) and sports newspapers. I'm a real boiled egg refugee!

The largest refugee population is at gas stations.Modern cars are so fuel-efficient that gas stations are losing money and the number of gas stations is rapidly decreasing. The other day, while driving in Asakusa, I didn't notice that the gas gauge was empty, which caused a big problem. The gas station I used to go to was gone, so I frantically searched for a gas station and managed to get to a gas station in Uguisudani, 10 kilometers away, by driving in an ultra-eco-friendly manner. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this experience.

To make matters worse, electric vehicle (EV) charging refugees have become a social problem.On Sundays, when returning from sightseeing spots, the queues of cars waiting to charge at service areas on the Tomei Expressway can become a serious problem. During rush hour, if there are four cars ahead of you, you could end up waiting for two hours. This can ruin even the most enjoyable memories! As a result, more and more drivers are selling their EVs. They are truly charging refugees.

On the other hand, what kind of stores have opened in the shopping district?I conducted my research in Musashi-Koyama Shopping Street (Shinagawa Ward).
The number of body care shops offering "shiatsu massage, chiropractic treatment, foot reflexology massage" and more is on the rise! They are used by people of all ages and genders. Is it true that people all over Japan are tired? What's the reason for this? Massages are good, but I thought it was important to get some exercise first, and I found it! There are four sports gyms in the shopping district.
That's right, I'm very satisfied with working out and getting a massage! Japanese people are so peaceful. I wonder if it's the same in America?

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry