Tokyo Times

Oct 14 2010 8 Comments

It’s a (Japanese) dog’s life

For the vast number of Japanese dogs, especially those of a diminutive nature, being pampered is commonplace — compulsory even; a practice that sees canines carried, carted about and even coloured, as well as being cooed over and constantly surrounded by cacophonous cries of Kawaii!

And yet that said, there are exceptions. Like this poor little fella for example.

As, not only is he equipped with his own backpack for carrying the essentials that no discerning dog would be seen without, such as a ball and a bone maybe, but he also has to stand guard, mind-numbingly watching over his masters while they sleep.

A situation that he clearly wasn’t pleased about, and one that definitely doesn’t beat dashing about after that ball that he actually took the trouble of taking in the first place.

Oct 13 2010 9 Comments

An internal Tokyo time-lapse?

All cities change, there’s no doubt about that, but Tokyo sometimes seems like it’s in an almost constant state of flux, with shops regularly being reinvented and buildings getting razed and rebuilt at a really quite staggering rate.

In fact, even in the 12 years or so that I’ve been here, some of the areas I’m familiar with have changed enormously, so what kind of transformation this old lady has seen as she leisurely looks out from her balcony must be truly mind-blowing.

Oct 12 2010 11 Comments

More sinister Japanese scarecrows

Opting for a similar approach to last year, and in no way content with merely looking sad or strangely serene, this season’s scarecrows are once again set on being sinister.

Or, at the very least, a tad intimidating.

The addition of raggedy flags only adding to the effect.

Although for some, equally ragged fashion,

along with weather affected features, are probably more than enough.

And definitely so when it comes to this truly frightening figure.

A face that does away with sinister and deals only in the demonic.

Oct 11 2010 3 Comments

Forlorn bus stop furniture

Many Japanese bus stops offer mostly well past their best benches for waiting passengers to while away some time on. Or, alternatively, nearby residents will ~~dump~~ kindly donate an assorted array of old seats.

Some of which, it has to be said, are considerably more comfortable than others.