Hi, welcome to “Is This a Pen”  This will be a site dedicated to providing you with information, news, and just plain weird stuff about mostly Japan (other countries as well, if the need arises.  I’m still getting things set up, so the look, feel, and whatnot may change fairly regularly until I settle on something I like. 

So the question on all your minds must be what does “Is This a Pen?” mean, anyway?  Well, there’s quite an interesting story behind this.  While I was in Japan, I came across a pamphlet promoting a jazz orchestra.  That in itself is pretty weird (who listens to jazz orchestras anyway?) but weirder yet was a section they had written in English.  Take a look for yourself (I’ve crossed out identifying phrases as to not cause them embarassment):

Here is a closeup of the Engrish section:

For those of you who are still having a hard time, the text is as follows:

“Ladys and gentle men.  This is wa __________ Jazz Orchestra.  Do you know jazz?  Yes.  You know Jazz.  You like Jazz.  Welcome to mellow.  Is this a pen?  No it’s a dog.”

So from this, I have learned a few things.

1. I know Jazz.
2. I like Jazz.
3. They know I like Jazz
4. PEOPLE IN JAPAN COMMONLY MISTAKE DOGS FOR PENS!!!

So not only is it totally random (what does a dog or a pen have to do with a jazz orchestra?), but it makes no sense whatsoever!  And that’s what this site about.

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