Photographs from a small group of islands
Despite having a swing not all that dissimilar to an inebriated octopus playing golf for the first time whilst also participating in a spot of tentacle porn, being a member of Koganei Country Club, the most expensive and exclusive golf club in the world, Watanabe-san is sadly still under the impression that not only is he devastatingly handsome and supremely intelligent, but he also has the swing of a young Jack Nicklaus.
Or maybe it was Jack Nicholson.
There’s no doubt about it that when it comes to tiny little bars that would be a fire hazard if more than a handful of people happened to be in them, Tokyo isn’t lacking in its selection. Not by a long shot. Or even short, expensive shot.
But even then, there are arguably few with lights as lovely to look at,
as these.
The gold-tinted glow of Ginza, or the neon-lit nightscapes of Shinjuku and Shibuya, can easily lead one to conclude that while the Japanese may well spend a lot of time at the office, their work ethic at least means they are wealthy.
A situation that is undoubtedly true for many, although for a growing number of working poor, it is way off the mark, with hardship rather than happiness much more to the fore, whether it be in the hours they do, or their home life — if indeed they have one.
But despite this, it’s a topic that’s not covered too often, although whereas this photo can only hint at any such hardship,
the excellent documentary, Japan: A Story of Love and Hate, does the job properly. Both in-depth and directly.
Which is now, thankfully, on YouTube, albeit in slightly irritating ten minute chunks. And here is part one.
Regardless of whether it’s in a really fancy or more run of the mill restaurant, sharing a plethora of dishes is always a pleasure, as not only is it social, but it also affords a super selection of food.
However, that said, sometimes it’s equally nice to get something more simple, and it doesn’t get any more basic than a load of meat and a lager.
Revelling in their democratic right, the citizens of Tokyo vote today on whether to opt for a party of out of touch old men complicit in cronyism, or a party of out of touch old men possibly not quite as complicit in cronyism.
While I — opting to accompany the missus in order to feel at least a part of such a splendid political process — could only get this far before being told in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t allowed in with her.
Which wasn’t what I went for, and wasn’t very welcome.