Photographs from a small group of islands
With its fast internet and fair fees, Tokyo may well be one of the most wired cities in the world, but even technology loving Tokyoites would probably judge that Jaro’s cables could be just a little less conspicuous.
(click image for giant Jaro jumble)
With Japanese students falling in the global education rankings, officials may well be worried about the apparent slide in standards; however, they can at least comfort themselves in the knowledge that students aren’t simply spending their supposed study time staring out of the window or surreptitiously sending text messages, as instead they are painstakingly perfecting their pen spinning prowess.
A point that is possibly proven by, amongst other things, the presence of the Pen Spinning Association Japan, the plethora of paraphernalia one can purchase,
and the recent competition held by the aforementioned organisation in Tokyo over the weekend.
The rather aptly named Pen Spinning Tournament Japan was eventually won by 16-year-old Ryuki Omura, after the finalists were whittled down to a dextrous 276 die-hards, and then a far more frugal 16 for the final day.
A relative newcomer to the sport, young Omura apparently hadn’t picked up a pen for anything other than conventional purposes until 14 months ago, but a quick perusal of his performance that is available here proves that he is either naturally gifted, or his grades have disastrously took a dive, meaning he may have far more time in the future to practice than his mother presumably planned on.
Still, at least he won, whereas this failed finalist will probably receive only a repetitive stress injury for all his rehearsals.
In an effort to avert any action by the Japanese internet authorities, here are some more photos of pink petals in their prime. A second mention of this seasonal signpost happily keeping Tokyo Times in line with governmental guidelines in honour of hanami hype.
That said, it is an admittedly very pretty time of year, when, as well as being particularly packed,
it’s a time for paternal peace,
pictures of, erm, pictures,
and, perhaps predictably, the perfect place for some Kitty-chan kinship.
(click images for full-sized full bloom fun)
With the Tokyo Game Show somewhat surprisingly boasting a considerable cosplay contingent, it seemed a sure bet that the far more favourable Anime Fair would be equally as festoon; however, apart from Atom Boy,
a bloke in a big suit,
and beauties bearing booklets along with other such bumf,
As part of its campaign to attract more foreign tourists, the Japanese government’s newly formed, Cherry Blossom Ballyhoo Board, has declared that every website based in Japan has to make a minimum of two mentions of the famed flowers, or alternatively suffer some sort of sanction.
A decree that thankfully allows photos only,
although combinations of bunnies and bare legs have been deemed discretionary.
