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Oct 29 2012 15 Comments

Himiko: Tokyo’s futuristic ferry

Much is made of Japan’s technological prowess and high-tech cities, but beneath a wafer thin veneer of modernity, Tokyo is generally very traditional — often even antiquated. An aspect that quickly becomes apparent when one drifts even slightly away from busier districts.

But the capital does of course have its moments, and a world away from Tokyo’s only man-powered ferry boat, is Himiko. A vessel that while certainly modern, also seems that way in a 1960s science fiction sense of the word. Arguably like some of the city it can be seen in.

Himiko, Tokyo

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matt says

    10/29/2012 at 8:51 am

    Cool. At what point of the journey does it dive beneath the water?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/29/2012 at 11:45 am

      Haha. That would be something!

      Reply
  2. john says

    10/29/2012 at 8:51 am

    Very futuristic, like out of a 1960’s tea/cigarette card set, with a retro HDR look too.
    It does remind me of an item of footwear though (even without a logo)?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/29/2012 at 11:49 am

      Yes, I suppose it does. An athletic shoe designed to breathe and make you run faster. All the while looking utterly ridiculous!

      Reply
  3. Roberto says

    10/29/2012 at 7:29 pm

    Hi, there IS a reason for that look, that ship was designed by Leiji Matsumoto, manga author of Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999 and other famous stories.
    It’s not a ship that just looks futuristic, it was designed by Matsumoto to have exactly that look.
    Roberto.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/29/2012 at 8:27 pm

      Cheers for the info, Roberto. Interesting stuff.

      Reply
  4. Lizzy says

    10/29/2012 at 9:10 pm

    That is AWESOME!!! If people would start designing more stuff like this we could live in the “future” everyone dreamed of.

    Reply
    • Lizzy says

      10/29/2012 at 9:11 pm

      Aesthetically, at least.

      Reply
  5. Willy says

    10/29/2012 at 9:58 pm

    Reminds me of ‘Space 1999’ …

    Reply
  6. Hans ter Horst says

    10/30/2012 at 12:11 am

    Cool ferry! The future is now

    Reply
  7. Magnus360 says

    10/30/2012 at 5:10 pm

    That is a beautiful craft- from looking at the layout, seems like it’s got a lot of empty space in it as well. If you ever take a ride, take pics so we can see it from the inside. (not that I wouldn’t love to do so myself, but somehow, I don’t see that happening… )

    Reply
    • Lee says

      10/30/2012 at 6:47 pm

      Yeah, it looks pretty spacious inside. Having finally seen it, I’m keen to take a ride in it, so when I do I’ll definitely take photos.

      Reply
  8. A Former Expat says

    11/1/2012 at 3:13 am

    Perhaps I am just being grumpy but the ferry reminds me of a halibut.

    Reply
  9. Paul says

    11/1/2012 at 6:44 pm

    MARINEVILLE… PREPARE TO LAUNCH STINGRAY!!!

    Reply
  10. Leo J. Surprenant says

    2/17/2013 at 4:32 pm

    Miraculeux !

    Reply

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