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Akihabara

Sunday is always fun in Akihabara. Big crowds, lots of events and shops being promoted. For example..

#1 … these models outside one of the figure shops near the JR Akihabara train station entrance.

Cosplay Models In Akihabara

#2 … and this giant panda passing out flyers for an animation event in the building behind him.

Event Panda

#3 This TV Tokyo crew was going around doing “man on the street” interviews – and they interviewed ME! They wanted my impression of Akihabara. Then they showed me a photo of this district from 100 years ago and filmed my reaction. I tried to speak in my pidgin Japanese – botched it up real good like. The show is on TV Tokyo on January 26 at 7pm for those of you over here. I hope they use the clip they filmed with me, should be really embarassing.

TV Tokyo Crew

#4 – Speaking of embarrassing, I also stopped for lunch at one of the dozens of “maid cafes”. Besides having a magic love spell cast on my cup of coffee and enjoying a song and dance number of the stage at the back of the cafe, I also got a photo with one of the “performers/servers” before I left.  Hate to admit it, but I had a blast and I will go back.

Striking The Kitty-Cat Pose

Harajuku

From Akihabara, I hopped the Yamanote over to Harajuku. This station is next to Meiji Jingu – the royal family’s shrine, Yoyogi Park and Shibuya. There’s always goth and lolita fans dressing up in their home-made costumes here. Sunday was no exception.

#5 – The tourists standing in front of me said “I wonder what their parents think about them doing this?” I turned to them and said, “Their parents probably helped them make the outfits.”

Goth?

#6 Around the corner at the entrance to Yoyogi park, the Tokyo Rockbilly Club and a couple other clubs were doing their usual Rockabilly dancing 50’s style. Don’t get too close though – they’ll let you know when you’ve crossed into their territory!

Rockabilly Gangsta's

#7 On my way from Yoyogi park to Shibuya, I walked the overpass to the NHK building. That’s where I came across this great bit of street art. Went from the street all the way up to the bottom of the bridge – huge.

Hidden Dragon

And As Promised, 1 Scary….

If you didn’t think #4 was the scary picture, here’s one more shot from near the entrance to Meji shrine in Harajuku. These guys were having way too much fun.

Actually They Were Very Friendly, Not Scary At All

If you’ve never been to Tokyo, make sure to hit Akihabara and Harajuku on a Sunday and get a taste of the truly unique in Japan!

Beautiful day out today, so we decided to start gardening. In November? Yup…