Tranquil time out

Calling out to the gods at this shrine it seems can be done conventionally with the relaxing ring of a red bell.

Or alternatively, and somewhat less conventionally, with the considerably less calming call of a cockerel.

With Japan’s population rapidly shrinking, and the country gradually turning into an enormous geriatric home where gate ball and grey are the new gods, it’s arguably nice, at least now and again, to see that relative rarity, a rug-rat.

A cigarette or senbei break for the temple sweeper it would seem. Which, without a leaf blower or the like, is especially well earned.

Japan’s economy may well be shrinking at its fastest rate since records began, but Tokyo’s rich Ginza region still obliviously boasts serious numbers of shoppers burdened with huge bags nearly bursting with big name brands.

And yet that said, for some it would seem, the simple pleasure of a book is way better than any bag could ever be.

And then some.