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Mar 05 2012 17 Comments

Pikachu, using a phone, on a train, in Tokyo

Due to the city’s size, and the sheer number of tracks that cross it, Tokyo’s trains carry all walks of life — from the regular salaryman, to the odd Hollywood pirate. And yet that said, this was definitely the first time I’ve ever seen someone who popped out dressed as Pikachu.

Pikachu in Japan

Categorized: Odd, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mimi says

    3/5/2012 at 12:01 pm

    Haha that’s actually kinda cute

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/5/2012 at 4:44 pm

      Yes, not something one sees everyday.

      Reply
  2. Matt says

    3/5/2012 at 12:03 pm

    I always love how no one seems to bat an eyelid at this in Japan. What camera did you shoot this with? Do you have your camera with you at all times?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/5/2012 at 4:46 pm

      I know. Someone getting on the train dressed as Pikachu appeared to be the most normal thing in the world…

      I used a Leica M8 to get this shot. Don’t always have it with me, but I very often do.

      Reply
  3. auberginefleur says

    3/5/2012 at 12:36 pm

    I forgot to mention I saw Pikachu again recently just outside mejiro eki,
    advertising for a karaoke place.
    Perhaps, that is he on the train going home afterwork?

    AF

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/5/2012 at 4:49 pm

      There must be several of them, as this person got on the Seibu-Shinjuku at Kodaira. Either that or the job involves lots of travel.

      I’ve seen people in all kinds of outfits advertising Pachinko, but it does seem rather odd to not get changed before heading home!

      Reply
  4. El-Branden Brazil says

    3/5/2012 at 5:43 pm

    You use Leica now?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/5/2012 at 6:04 pm

      For most of my street photography, yes. Have done for a while now. I like its (relative) discreetness and ease of use.

      Reply
      • Jeffrey says

        3/6/2012 at 3:28 am

        So, business is good, you received a legacy, you’re now a pick-pocket? Not a cheap point and shoot.

        Reply
        • Lee says

          3/6/2012 at 8:51 am

          Sadly no, and I’ve certainly not resorted to illegal activities. At least not yet. Rather a good second hand deal from a private seller. Be a while before I can add a Leica lens to it though…

          I took a photo for a couple the other day with their point and shoot. It was farcical. I was all fingers and thumbs — even causing the flash to pop up rather than take a picture!

          Reply
          • Jeffrey says

            3/6/2012 at 1:02 pm

            That’s funny and I know the feeling. I miss the weight and heft of a film SLR camera. Anything that you can hand hold that doesn’t require a tripod is much easier to steady than something that weighs just a few ounces. Then again, with the cheapest cameras almost all having digital “steadying” real photographic skills just don’t count for much any more.

            Reply
  5. winnie says

    3/5/2012 at 7:39 pm

    Cute!!
    He wearing a Kigurumi, which is also Full animal disguise pajamas.
    I also like to buy one but wear as sleepwear !! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/5/2012 at 11:10 pm

      I had no idea such outfits had a name!

      Reply
  6. Andy says

    3/6/2012 at 12:27 am

    How do you get Pikachu on a train? You poke him on.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      3/6/2012 at 12:35 am

      Haha, brilliant! That made posting the photo more than worth it.

      Reply
  7. Shizuo says

    3/10/2012 at 6:16 am

    Ahahahaha, that’s quite funny

    Pikaaa pikaaaa chhhhuuu!!!

    Reply
  8. Crazy says

    11/26/2012 at 3:36 am

    What is that!? Is that a PIKACHUU!? LOL

    Reply

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