Photographs from a small group of islands
One of the great joys of living in Tokyo is that despite all the regulation, it is also incredibly random, meaning it’s impossible to predict what’s round the next corner. And it’s even better when any unexpected sightings have the common courtesy to cover any further surprises.
Many pedestrians were rather taken aback by the rabbit. And I certainly surprised the young lady. But the supposedly timid animal itself simply carried on regardless.
Seeing an old lady looking after a load of goldfish with a parrot on her shoulder is definitely not an everyday sight. Or at least it’s not if you don’t live anywhere near an old lady who sells fish and has a parrot.
But add to that the rather forlorn appearance of said pet, along with it looking about the same age as its owner, and the pair are even more unusual.
And yet seeing the two of them so quiet and content in each other’s company was arguably even more striking — not to mention touching.
Tokyo’s glitzy Ginza district is mostly known for its expensive brands and flagships stores. A place where the rich go to buy, and the rest to browse.
At the weekend, however, when the main street is pedestrianised, some people go for a family day out, or to simply sit and chat. Plus, for a seemingly growing number of visitors, it also offers the chance to show off their preposterously sized or suited pets. A movement that may — or worryingly may not — have reached its nadir with this dog. A poodle that as well as wearing glasses, was also whizzing around in a remote controlled car.
Amusing.
And mystifying members of the public.
In equal measure.
In a country that places such a great importance on appearance, it’s surprising how many salary men sport truly shocking wigs. Hairpieces that are often so obvious it can only be assumed that the wearers eyesight has faded as much as their follicles.
Yet for their own — not to mention other commuters — convenience, thankfully none of them are as ludicrous as this wonderfully large creation.
