When is an African safari not an African safari?

The more you look at this, the scarier it gets

Over the years, I’ve pretty much come to expect every Japanese zoo will be a Zoo of Only Cute Animals, and that the aquarium is where people gaze at the exotic species of fish and debate whether they’d be better grilled or steamed, but until I rode the city bus in Beppu and saw these ads for a local animal park, I never guessed that an “African safari” might feature capybaras (which are from that other southern hemisphere continent that is only roughly the same shape as Africa)…

and kangaroos (last time I checked, Australia is also not in Africa)…

and the most exotic animal of all, that fierce apex predator, the African Longhaired Dachshund.

I wonder why they didn’t think the lions would be the biggest draw?

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. It’s one of the most memorable books I’ve read in a long time. 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

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