A Tribute to Hen 'Ai (Particular Hobbies)

 

Yesterday, I was watching NHK's daily morning information show "Asaichi"（あさイチ）and the theme was hen'ai. I'd never heard of the term before but was wondering if it were transcribed thusly: 「変愛」. Of course, seeing that kanji in my mind, I went "Oh, geez...I didn't think these guys would go into fetishism this early in the day...and on NHK, no less!" . But then, I saw the proper kanji: 「偏愛」. According to jisho.org, the definition is favoritism or partiality, but for the purposes of "Asaichi", it actually referred to particularly unusual hobbies. So, the reporters visited a housewife who has been collecting bags from stores and restaurants for decades, another lady who often spent two hours a day enjoying removing aphids from her plants, and another woman who thrilled at admiring/passing through iron bridges. 

Perhaps then, the whole thing about non-Japanese people collecting Japanese City Pop albums can be considered hen'ai as well. I used to collect newspaper articles on Japan and astronomy when I was a kid until all that browning newsprint became too much of a fire hazard. 

Anyways, it is Hump Day and so to relieve the usual stress that comes in the middle of the week, I thought that I could provide some examples of those rarefied pastimes via music.

(1984) Akiko Yano -- Ramen Tabetai （ラーメン食べたい）

I love my ramen but I'm not quite on the same level as some of these other folks who make going out for ramen a daily ritual. I've even seen magazines devoted to the dish in the convenience stores.

(1984) Taeko Ohnuki -- Metropolitan Museum （メトロポリタン美術館）

This wasn't covered in "Asaichi", but I can imagine people who would just adore visiting the various museums in a particular city. Tokyo has no shortage of those historical and artistic institutions. 

(1993) Chisato Moritaka -- Watarasebashi (渡良瀬橋)

As I mentioned above, there is that middle-aged lady featured in "Asaichi" who loves iron bridges, even right down to the rust patterns.

(2007) Uruma Delvi -- Oshiri Kajiri Mushi（おしりかじり虫）

Of course, there is also the lady who has an affinity for going aphid-hunting. It was even reported in "Asaichi" that she's got a good battle comrade in the form of a praying mantis.

(2023) Ryuusei -- Oute!（王手!）

Board game enthusiasts such as players of shogi can be included. And perhaps it can include those who love to simply collect the tile sets.