I lived with a Japanese student while I myself was an exchange student — both of us in Australia for one year. I learned a lot about the culture, but for some reason it seemed like this was a bit too much. Your explanation makes sense, although I think someone should promptly make a free apple app to silence the noise. I mean, without it I would wake my puppy.

And always let the sleeping dog lie. Otherwise he’ll stay up barking all night ;-)

@diem
Your are right, I know this may sound unbelievable but it’s true. Yes, strictly speaking you cannot take pictures of a sleeping baby or a puppy with your mobile phone.

How can I prove this to you? I have been living here for 4 years and know it (why should I lie ;)). The Japanese blogger mentioned in my posting says it. And Apple went so far as to modifying their device just for the market over here. For a start, I would say this is quite OK for evidence ;).

You mean to tell me an entire society is so hell bent on the necessity to ensure loud cameraphone pictures that it overrides the need to take silent ones, like say, of a sleeping baby or puppy?

Where is the proof? What evidence do you have? I cannot believe this without solid evidence.