What is a 'puchi cerebu'? It's a bit of a buzzword, really, that you might have heard on the Japanese media recently. "Puchi" means "little" or "mini"(like "puchi bakansuu" for a "mini-vacation," or "puchi ritaiyaa" for a "mini-retirement), while 'cerebu' is the katakana-ized version of "celebrity."In short, the phrase means something like a "mini-celebrity," and is usually used to describe mindful splurges by otherwise frugal people on things that make them happy - or make them feel like a "miniature celebrity."
I am a firm believer in frugality with a purpose - if you're just scrimping and saving with no joy or end goal in mind, then you probably will either: 1) be miserable, or 2) won't be frugal for very long. Even people forced into frugality through unfortunate circumstances such as a lost job, sudden illness, or other factors should leave a wee bit of room in their budgets for an occasional treat. In Japan, all the dismal, gray concrete, small living spaces, and culture shock can really bear down on you sometimes, and I find these treats, or 'gohobi,' particularly important. Thus - today's suggestion of a few bargain (relatively) "puchi cerebu" experiences.
What are some suggestions? Well, deluxe city hotels offer some great deals during the Obon week, when most guests and business travelers head for the hills. Weekend stays are, of course, quite expensive, but mid-week deals are a real steal. For example, the Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel (that immense 40F skyscraper south of Shibuya Station) offers a number of packages, including a 'Mid-Summer 10-Day Deal' of 10,000 yen per person for a non-smoking, 'city-view' twin room from August 6-16th. Given that the average room price is 19,735 yen per person, this is almost a 50% discount! (Prices vary by day.) Interested in other luxury hotel steals/deals? Check out http://www.ikyu.com (Japanese only).
If you're looking for a slightly different 'celebrity' option, why not try a facial or pedicure (for ladies)? Dashing Diva Salon in Tokyo has monthly 'nail parties,' costing 10,000 yen for a luxury pedicure, manicure, massage, and drinks, all sponsored by Being a Broad.
Men, in case I've lost your attention, why not consider a full-or half-day rental of a luxury car? One unique service in Tokyo (30,000 or 15,000 yen/month) offers members special pricing on half or full-day rentals on a number of luxury automobiles, including a new BMW 320 (E90) for 10,800 yen for 12 hours, or an Alpha Romeo GTV for 10,800 yen/day (weekday special). They'll even drive the car to your home or a nearby railway station for 2,000 yen! Interested? Visit http://www.spacewin.jp for the "Kaiinsei Gaisha Club" (Import Car Exclusive Membership Club). Unfortunately, the website is in Japanese only.
Now, the 'puchi cerebu' experience is not for every cheapskate - some frugal folk are, rightly, uncomfortable spending money on things they view as frivolous. People like this would be better off saving their money! But, if you are a Frugalite with expensive tastes at heart, then the 'puchi cerebu' experience is probably right up your alley.
By Wendy J. Imura. Copyright 2005.