There's a popular group of Japanese "street entertainers" called the Tokyo Shock Boys. I seem to remember that they even had a video clip, but I can't remember the details (this statement makes this a music thread!).

From the theme of this thread, you should easily guess what their star trick is! No, I don't know their diet!

The best part though is that some bright promoter - no doubt funded by some Government Cultural Grant! brought them out to Australia, I think it was around or after the time of Expo 88 - I remember they visited Brisbane, I saw them in Queen Street Mall I think, although I am not certain they actually performed at EXPO...

One of the main reasons to bring them to Australia was to capitalise on their "entertainment via shocking behavour" value, their star trick was one of many "shocking public beaviour" things they did.

The poor guys were somewhat confused by Australians. Their performances usually did not create the sort of shocked response they were used to. And their star trick generally just produced the "so what" sort of response, some times even followed by genuine audience offers to show them how to really do it....

And no, I'm NOT making this up.... :-)

Perhaps this helps you understand some aspects of Aussie culture a little better...

Robin