Got a computer-related question, or a better answer to a previous
query? Send it to The Query Column by mail, e-mail (question@cj.gol.com),
or fax (03-3447-4925).
Of cyber-dining, RSI, and typewriter repair
by Thomas Caldwell
As I am finishing up the December "Query Column," the Tokyo-based
International Computer Association (ICA) has just held its 25th anniversary
party. I was asked to attend, since I am a past-president of the organization
(back in the "good ol' days," when the bubble economy was still
in full swing, and most of us could afford a new computer every six months).
I was very pleasantly surprised to find so many members and guests at the
ICA party who are regular readers of this column; it was a pleasure meeting
all of you. Thanks a lot for the kind words and column ideas -- and don't
forget to keep subscribing.
For those of you who couldn't attend, the ICA kicked off its next quarter-century
at a rather fascinating place called the ESCOT (Entertainment Space and
Communication Technology). Located near the Meiji-Jingumae subway station,
ESCOT is a building of many surprises -- including the Cybernet Cafe on
the 6th floor. It's a place where you can do more than plug your computer
in and order coffee or beer. The Cybernet Cafe has a built-in virtual reality
system that I cannot adequately describe in words alone; you have to see
it in person to fully understand. I highly recommend you stop by and check
it out.
The address of the Cybernet Cafe (phone 03-3423-7406) is OZ City 2-32-5
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
Repetitive Strain Injury
After I wrote a story a few months ago on RSI ("Repetitive Strain Injury:
The Hidden Workplace Danger," June 1995, page 43), a lot of very worried
people started asking me about where they can go to get diagnosed and, if
found to be suffering from the condition, where they could obtain treatment.
For those of you who didn't catch the story, RSI is a crippling muscle disorder
that can be brought on by the overuse of a keyboard in a poor ergonomic
environment. If you spend much of your life behind a computer terminal,
you should worry about it and take steps to prevent its occurrence.
There is only one hospital in the Tokyo area I was able to find that has
staff who are specialists on RSI and other work-related disorders and are
capable of providing effective treatment: Shiba Byoin (near Onarimon subway
station on the Mita line; 6-19-21 Shimbashi, Minato-ku; phone 03-3432-8701).
An appointment is necessary. Be forewarned that the staff there speak very
little (if any) English, so bring along an interpreter if you don't speak
the local lingo.
Typewriter repair services
I received a lot of feedback on the story I wrote about the magic of typewriters
("A Writer's Best Friend," December 1994, page 34). I was surprised
to discover there were many other people out there who also like the novelty
of using a typewriter in the computer age. Some of them have asked me where
in the Tokyo area they could bring their "best friend" when it
is in need of repair, or just a real good cleaning and tune-up.
At the news service where I work, a bespectacled, middle-aged repairman
stops by every month or two to give the few typewriters still being used
in our office a going-over. For only ¥750 yen, he cleans my little
Olivetti Lettera 32, tightens up anything that needs to be tightened, and
checks to see if everything else on the ancient contraption is working properly.
I have asked him on several occasions if I could publish his name and phone
number in my column, but he tells me that he has more than enough customers
and, being a one-man show, taking on any more would not be possible.
So I turned to another Tokyo-based columnist who has become legend around
town: Jean Pearce of the Japan Times -- the lady who is an expert
at getting things done. Jean was kind enough to go through her files for
me and dig out the names of several typewriter repair services here in Tokyo.
Most, as would be expected, have gone out of business, but a few still remain.
Thanks a lot Jean!
If you have a typewriter that is in need of service, check out:
K.K. Kurosawa
6-9-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku
Phone 03-3571-8441, fax 03-3571-4180
(repairs Canon, Brother, and Triumph, both manual and electric models)
Tokyo Typewriter Shoten
Tokyo Type Bldg, 1F
4-5-2 Nihonbashi Hongokucho, Chuo-ku
Phone 03-3241-0853 (no fax machine)
(repairs everything, both manual and electric models; has been in business
for 63 years)
Nihon Olivetti K.K., Repair Service
Castle Kyoshin Bldg, 2F
2-21-6 Himonya, Meguro-ku
Phone 03-3794-1681, fax 03-3794-1851
(repairs Olivetti only, both manual and electric models)
Be advised that the cost of having any labor-intensive service performed
in Tokyo can be expensive; typewriter repair is no exception. Quotes over
the phone are both impractical and unreliable. Call to make an appointment
to bring your typewriter by the shop, and get an exact quote.ç
Thomas Caldwell @ Shinjuku West in Tokyo, Japan
Freelance writer and radio journalist
caldwell@gol.com
http://www2.gol.com/users/caldwell
(c) Copyright 1996 by Computing Japan magazine