Pooping On Laundry Prohibited!

PigeonPoop

Okay, this sign actually reads “Don’t Give Food To The Pigeons!” but it goes on to give a rather elaborate rationale for withholding bread crumbs from the little beggars. It seems that not only will feeding them provoke an unnatural population explosion, the poop from all those extra pigeons will be a scourge on local residents’ laundry.

I had to laugh, because in Japan, this approach will totally work. It’s bad enough that all too often, you look out the classroom window, see rain streaking the glass, and curse the fact that you bet on the 70% chance it wouldn’t rain. All the socks and underwear you own are hanging out on your balcony, and they’re all now soaking wet. Imagining coming home to find them covered in pigeon poop on the days it doesn’t rain should be enough to give pause to all but the most rabid bird lover.

It’s the year 1784 and the shōgun rules with an iron fist . . . except within the walled pleasure quarter of Yoshiwara. Inside the Great Gate, samurai law does not apply, and it’s women who pull the strings

The Samurai’s Octopus…is a truly remarkable book, one that surprised and charmed me at every turn of the page. You’re in for a treat.”
James Ziskin, Anthony, Barry, and Macavity Award-winning author of the Ellie Stone mysteries

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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had

Published by Jonelle Patrick

Author of The Last Tea Bowl Thief

2 thoughts on “Pooping On Laundry Prohibited!

  1. Hah! This reminds me of a post I did a while back about when a cicada peed on my husband’s head. Wish there was a way to control that revolting population.

    1. Actually, now that you mention it, it’s kind of amazing that more people don’t get pooped on by cicadas! They are EVERYWHERE and they are HUGE. Of course, they are also The Sacred Haiku-Endorsed Sign Of Summer, so I’m pretty sure we won’t be seeing anti-semi signs anytime soon.

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