Photographs from a small group of islands
Seeing Buddhist monks praying on Tokyo’s streets never fails to fascinate, as they look so far removed from the reality around them, that they somehow seem to fit in — sort of.
Yet this man struck me — and clearly others — more than most. Not, however, due to his presence on a busy corner. Or indeed the soothing sound of his bell. But instead, his strangely unsettling stare.
Despite the unnecessary demands of Tokyo’s (hopefully outgoing) governor, Shintaro Ishihara, many people have already been out and about under the cherry blossoms this week. All of whom have, as expected, been enjoying themselves in a manner befitting recent events.
But, however people celebrate hanami, one constant is the military-like precision that goes into organising it. Not only do a time, place, and numbers need to be finalised and finely tuned, but the actual spot itself can often resemble a small, well equipped village; the likes of protective sheeting, furniture, and phenomenal amounts food and drink feasibly allowing those present to stay there for months.
Of course, there’s nothing at all wrong with that, but at the same time, it was nice to see a group of fellas with some cans from the convenience store just potter over. Put down some newspapers. And happily settle down for a few hours.
This little fella is undoubtedly well cared for, and similarly well clothed, but while patiently waiting for his master to fill up on beer and yakitori, he not only appeared sad.
But downright inconsolable.
Tokyo’s cherry blossoms are now well on their way to full bloom beauty, but, after everything that the country has been through, celebrations this year will, in many instances, be very subdued. In fact, some of the city’s popular hanami spots have curtailed activities, while others have asked people to simply not participate, or at the very least, do so quietly. A move that manages to strike a balance between those who feel that some kind of fun would allow people the much needed chance to blow off some steam, along with the equally valid point that exuberant celebrations could be deemed disrespectful.
Such a sensitive, common sense approach, however, is one Tokyo’s happily racist governor, Shintaro Ishihara, is clearly incapable of; the bespectacled bigot instead proclaiming, “This is not an era in which people at this time of year may drink viewing cherry blossoms, even during daytime.”
Comments that, although a little extreme and unnecessarily dictatorial, can still be viewed as the wishes of someone who just wants the capital’s citizens to be aware of those who, whether directly or indirectly, are still suffering from the devastating earthquake and tsunami. The trouble is though, only four days after the catastrophe, Ishihara declared the events of March 11 to be “divine punishment”. Then elaborating further by adding, “Taking advantage of the tsunami, Japanese people should wash away their selfish greed. I think that the tsunami is a punishment from Heaven.â€
Contrasting comments that display a level of hypocrisy that’s rare even amongst politicians, and a degree of insensitivity that is simply staggering. Actually, insensitivity really isn’t the right word, although I’m not at all sure what is.
But of course, people don’t need to be told what to do. Similarly, they are more than capable of deciding what is appropriate. And when. For some that’s a few drinks with friends and family, whereas for others, it’s the equally relaxing practice of painting some pictures.
Sod work. Sod the suit. And sod sunburn. It’s spring!
