Joe,
What's with all the (appear to be) cords coming out of these things??

Yes, the Japanese do love cord.
I've got a customer that's HQ'd in Osaka, and it's a continuous battle to keep them from using cord for everything, regardless of where they are.

I've likened it to a person coming from the UK, and driving down the left side of the street, and they still don't get it...(no offense to those from the UK, Paul)...S