Here's a picture of my host mom Misako making a funny face as she rides JOBA. I was on the JOBA next to her taking the picture. JOBA is the 1/2 mechanical bull ride, 1/2 horse riding simulation exercise machine that is sweeping the nation. You sit on the contraption and it bucks back and forth like a stag, crunching your tummy, stretching your love handles, and supposedly giving you a super mid-body workout. I found my JOBA experience to be more embarassing than anything else - especially in the middle of the electronics store where everyone could stare at me. For just 15-minutes a day on this thing you can put yourself in super shape and pretend you're starring in Brokeback Mountain at the same time. The basic unit will only set you back about $1500. The matching JOBA lasso and spurs accessory pack costs extra.