Tokyo Times

Oct 05 2009 11 Comments

Amazingly narrow apartment

The apparently small size of most Japanese apartments is often mentioned in the media, but it’s far from the case for a huge number of homes.

That said, however, stereotypes invariably contain a considerable amount of truth, although even this previously posted monolith-like place is positively massive when compared to the preposterously narrow apartment pictured below.

Its mindbogglingly compact design making simply getting a cat inside somewhat complicated, let alone setting about trying to swing it.

Oct 01 2009 16 Comments

Feisty Japanese lantern festival

The majority of Japanese festivals, with their cacophony of colours and men carrying mikoshi, are rarely reserved affairs, although those held after dark could possibly be deemed as even more dynamic. And especially so it seems when lots of lanterns are being lit.

But to begin with, at this particular procession at least, there was a considerable level of calm.

Even control.

Along with what appeared to be a fair amount of foreboding for those going forth for the first time.

However, once the proceedings got going, it was nothing but impeccably behaved bedlam, with the sound equalling the spectacle.

A short sample of which can be heard here:

And yet, even in the midst of such mayhem, there were still hints of composure.

Along with contemplation.

But on the whole, it was basically just people having a blast,

making a noise, and carrying lanterns both big,

and small.

With the further aloft they were the more fitting and fun it was.

Sep 30 2009 2 Comments

Tranquil time out #58

Making the most of the late September sun, with a ride, read and some relaxation.

Sep 29 2009 3 Comments

Sumo saunter

Sumo’s autumn tournament has just recently finished in Tokyo, with Mongolian Yokozuna Asashoryu winning with a hugely impressive and almost effortless record of 14 wins and 1 defeat; silencing his many critics with a dominant, and thankfully almost controversy free, display.

Yet as regular as the wrestlers look in the ring, whether it be live or from the living room, out in the real world and mingling with the masses, they still sort of fit in,

but yet at the same time rather fascinatingly don’t.

Especially so considering the strict controls over their clobber.

Along with not only their heft, but more often than not, height.

And, for the higher ranked rikishi at least, their hairstyles.

All of which, despite the sport’s worryingly waining popularity among the nation’s youth, still makes them mesmerising to many.

Mask or no mask.

Sep 28 2009 6 Comments

Japanese workers working #19

Exactly how many years this little old lady has been plying her trade is a mystery, although feasibly it’s for longer than the salary man whose shoes she’s servicing has actually been salaried.

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