Photographs from a small group of islands
Electric cars are all well and good, and Nissan’s upcoming Leaf will surely sell, but with their constant need for recharges, and a current lack of locations to supply them, ecology could seriously curtail convenience.
However, by considerably reducing the size of the car, battery usage it seems can be substantially shrunk, with this minuscule little motor rumoured to be able to carry one around town on only a couple of AAs.
In a time when religious belief is often used as a rallying cry, Japan makes a refreshing change with its decidedly carefree approach to faith, happily allowing for Buddhist funerals, Christian weddings and Shinto ‘christenings’ — the various doctrines of which, for many at least, are taken, quite literally in regards the latter, with a very large pinch of salt indeed.
And yet that said, many temples and shrines enjoy a surprisingly steady stream of visitors. From all walks of life. And of all ages. But whether it is down to something spiritual, more superstition-based, or merely a habit handed down from generation to generation, I simply don’t know.
But whichever it is. And whatever it is people wish for. Or want. Watching and wondering from afar is always fascinating.
Just like everywhere else in the world, times are tough in Tokyo, and as such, some people are prepared to do anything to, ahem,
get ahead.
If work really has to be done at the weekend, then there are probably worse places in the world to toil away for however long it takes.
When it’s as hot and humid as it was today, and one has heartily ploughed through the heftiest of hefty midday meal deals, a post-lunch lie down, practically anywhere that’s even remotely passable, is plainly a priority.
