Photographs from a small group of islands
Tokyo’s many glitzy emporiums offer all the brands it’s possible to think of — and many more it’s not. But for real character, and a glimpse of how Tokyo once was (and to a certain extent still is), the city’s old and family run shops are far more interesting, if not exactly fashionable.
It’s possible I don’t have the patience, and definite I don’t have the skills, but it’s still hard to imagine a job that appears more relaxing, and bequeaths its bearers with more beauty, than that of a bonsai master.
Tokyo is hot and humid every summer, but this year is going to be a stinker, with power saving setsuden setting the agenda. A situation that means many workplaces are now sticky and uncomfortable sweat-boxes, and the once soothingly baltic climes of a convenience are now barely cool.
However, while escape from the heat is hard to find, it can at least be countered, and some tunes and a beer or two isn’t a bad way of going about it.
Since its inception in 2005, Cool Biz arguably gets talked about much more than it’s taken notice of.
Introduced during the Koizumi years, the concept of conserving power during the summer by dressing accordingly is suddenly more relevant than it has ever been. In fact, with saving electricity now a necessity rather than just a nod in the right direction, even Super Cool Biz has been introduced, allowing workers to not only ditch their jackets and ties, but even don sandals and polo shirts.
And yet even as temperatures continue to rise, and offices become ever more uncomfortable, for many, even tossing out the tie is still tough.
Due to not having the desire, or indeed the right gear, to photograph them, insects aren’t something you’d normally see on this site. Dragonflies, however, are definitely one of the more likeable arthropods, and this one, in fiery red, seemed to perfectly sum up the currently sizzling Tokyo summer — the heat of which will more than likely last longer than the insect it summoned.
And unfortunately, so will its prey, the far more malevolent mosquito.
