Tokyo Times

Photographs from a small group of islands

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Japanese zombies in a Tokyo park

At the weekend in particular, Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park offers the visitor such a vast array of sights and sounds that it’s hard to be genuinely surprised by anything anymore. An attribute that means musicians, cosplayers and entertainers of all descriptions are not only commonplace, but what one comes to expect. And yet despite this, zombies, on a Saturday afternoon, did raise the odd eyebrow or two.

Japanese zombies

A small band of marauding living dead who, despite the rather antisocial behaviour of begging for brains, did still have the decency to be impeccably dressed.

Japanese zombies

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Fight the power?

Just over a week ago, the last of Japan’s 54 nuclear power plants was shut down; a process that took almost 14 months.

Primarily they were taken offline to conduct safety tests, but huge public opposition also played its part. A role that will be even more of a factor in the future when it comes to deciding which, if any of the reactors, should be restarted.

Unusually rare and vocal protest that it’d be nice to think could next be aimed directly at Tepco, the corrupt culprit behind the meltdown. Then there’s the ageing and faceless suits that are running Japan, as well as running it into the ground. Not to mention the equally old men who provide jobs for the boys, and not the girls.

Unfortunately, however, it’s hard to see any of that happening, and this fist may sadly be the only one raised to fight the powers that be.

Tokyo graffiti

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The touching sight of an old parrot and its equally ageing owner

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.

Japanese pet parrot

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Japan’s saddest cowboy?

There are lots of tedious jobs in Tokyo. Perhaps none more so than the holding up of placards promoting the likes of pachinko or new properties. And for this fella, in contrast to his rather jaunty hat, the toad work, to paraphrase Philip Larkin, seems to be well and truly squatting on his life.

Japanese cowboy

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A dog. Wearing glasses. Driving a remote controlled car. In Ginza

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.

Japanese dog in a remote controlled car

Amusing.

Japanese dog in a remote controlled car

And mystifying members of the public.

Japanese dog in a remote controlled car

In equal measure.

Japanese dog in a remote controlled car