Handing out flyers or tissues is the standard form of promotion in Tokyo, but sometimes alternatives can be seen, such as the far more traditional chindonya.
And yet as colourful as the latter in particular can be, even they are arguably eclipsed by this congenial, and incredibly jolly, gentleman.
Biggie says
but his eyes ain’t smiling
gunmagirl says
actually, I thought his eyes were smiling. I was surprised at the energy and warmth that comes out of the top of a really weird costume.
Lee says
Hmm, it’s a tough one. The more I look, the harder it becomes to say, but after first watching him, and then photographing him, I’d say he was genuinely smiling.
mooga says
His smile is genuine. Look at the wrinkles around his eyes.
willy says
He looks like a clown crossed with a feral biology experiment… only in Japan…ah.. love it…
Lee says
“A clown crossed with a feral biology experiment” is a fantastic description. Thank you!
Joel says
I found men and people that dresses like a clown or something funny quite remarkable wether they do it as something just to be paid for or as a professional cause they like it. Bringing children or other people a smile to their faces it for me the hardest job in the world, remarkable job indeed. And I think this man like to wear that, hahahahha.
Lee says
Watching him interact with local business owners as well as visitors, did seem to suggest that, like you say, he was doing it primarily because he enjoyed it. He certainly made me smile that’s for sure.
Badboy says
There is a famous and old kids insult that starts something like:
Baka
Caba
Chindoya..
Basically your mother is a stupid hippo who dances on the sidewalk and some other insulting kids stuff. Never seen the word outside the rhyme.
auberginefleur says
There’s a guy dressed as Pikachu advertising karaoke, who stand near the police box outside mejiro station on some evenings. He’s a real sweetie! It would be wonderful to have him captured on film.
-AF
Lee says
Thanks for the tip. I’ll have to remember that for the future. Maybe even tell him he’s a sweetie!