The term urawaza is far, far older than gaming. It may be the latest use of it but It has been used in just about any endeavor in Japan from sports to cooking, whatever. It's just a hidden and unexpected technique to gain "the upper hand", if you will.

Have you ever tasted Guinness? It's not a bitter beer by a long shot. What it has is malty, chocolatey goodness. It probably makes a better, richer cupcake than the $2.00 - $3.00 ones sold at the foo-foo cafes and bakeries. I've used it in my dark rye and pumpernickel recipes. They make Guinness glazed ribs in Malaysia and Singapore, BTW.

Did I say foo-foo? Been hanging around my 7 yo niece too much!

I lived in Japan (Okinawa) from 1955 to 1973 and this stuff really brings back memories! Most of my friends in the US base schools listened to western rock bands exclusively but I listened to the Japanese bands also. I'm truly bummed that I missed a lot after leaving in '73 to attend college in Oregon but later after I moved to Seattle, I was able to find some good Japanese music at the small used record shops. I love YMO but I think Haruomi Hosono is the real treasure. I hope Julian covers later Japanese music, too. All the other great artists/bands deserve coverage. I've seen the Boredoms, Pizzicato 5, Cornelius and Buffalo Daughter among others here in Seattle.

Truly a shame. I just saw them about a month ago in Seattle.