As our 2nd decade of the 21st century comes to a close, now is a good time to clear out the photo vault.
What follows is a collection of photos from the past 4 ½ years in Japan. The overall theme is “Miscellaneous.”
But first some recent news. Japan hosted the Rugby World Cup this autumn.
The Japanese team won all four of their games and advanced to the quarter finals for the first time. However, they lost to the eventual winners, South Africa [Internet photo].
In other sports news, Japan is preparing for the 2020 summer Olympics.
This photo from 2017 shows construction of the new Olympic Stadium in the heart of Tokyo…
… and here it is just 2 1/2 years later.
A wonderful Olympic Museum has opened across the street from the stadium. Japan will be ready this summer.
The weather has been a challenge this year. In October, Typhoon Higibis slammed into Japan — the most powerful storm in 50 years [Internet photo].
300 rivers overflowed and 850 landslides were recorded [Internet photo].
Many shelves at my local supermarket were picked clean.
Japan is well prepared for natural disasters. This map at the local hardware store shows earthquake hot spots…
… and provides all the necessities to help survive.
These braces help prevent cabinets from tipping over.
Here’s a 2015 photo of Greg after installing them at our apartment.
Buildings are designed to withstand major quakes.
Note the built-in shock absorbers.
Halloween has become very popular in Japan.
The costumes are elaborate.
This is a live owl.
I wish I could say this was Halloween…
… but this was a random selfie opportunity in Ginza.
It rains often in Japan.
Umbrellas are a necessity.
Trains are the lifeblood of Japanese transportation. The Shinkansen “bullet trains” are amazingly fast, smooth, and always on time.
The local train networks in the cities are comprehensive.
I ride trains on a daily basis and witness countless people during their daily commutes.
Some people use the time productively…
… and efficiently…
… for transporting dry cleaning…
… and for sleeping.
Some people sleep very deeply.
I could fill a book with photos like this.
I’m certain this guy missed his train…
… and i’m certain this guy missed his stop.
Yes, trains are crowded during rush hour.
There’s always room for one more.
Platform assistance is always available…
…to push…
… and push some more …
… until the doors close.
Even this hardened commuter was shocked at the tight compression of people.
However, more space is available outside of rush hour.
The traditional neighborhood ceremony of Mikoshi can often be seen on weekends.
Dozens of volunteers move a temporary Shinto Shrine between it’s main shrine and a temporary shrine.
It’s important to have the appropriate wardrobe.
Yes, this is the correct wardrobe.
Speaking of wardrobe, women are typically looking for extra height.
Every school child has a backpack…
… which is typically purchased by the grandparents who try to outdo each other. This backpack costs 110,000 JPY ($1,000 USD).
American celebrities hawk products in Japan (Tommy Lee Jones for coffee)…
…and Elvis for Coke.
Classic MINIs are seen often…
… as are customized colors.
This is not very aerodynamic, but it sure is a good way to get attention for your business.
This is also attention-getting…
… but this 2nd hand clothing store wins the prize for making people stop and look.
Fresh seafood is always available in Japan…
…mouth-watering fresh.
Eyeballs are included with this appetizer.
These prawns were thrown live on the grill and flopped around until succumbing to the heat. Within 3 minutes, they were sliced and ingested. Now that’s fresh.
McDonald’s delivers in Japan…
…and sometimes with pedal power.
Some people text when they ride…
…others are more safety minded.
I see this often — moms with two children and a bag full of groceries.
Be careful where you park your bike…
… or the bike police with haul it away. (as happened with all these bikes).
Let’s move onto dogs.
People love their dogs…
… and dress them up.
…with matching outfits.
This has to be the coolest dog in Tokyo.
Some dogs are massive…
…. but most are tiny. This little pet-store pup costs 348,000 JPY ($3,200 USD).
Yes, even dogs need umbrellas.
The Tokyo tuna auction is a unique experience, I queued at 4:00 am for the 6:00 am auction.
The tuna are caught in the Atlantic ocean, frozen, and then flown to Japan, thus the name “jumbo tuna” (named for the jumbo jets which fly them).
The auction was over in a few minutes…
… and then the tuna were off to the band saw to create smaller pieces for wider distribution.
These Kofun ancient graves outside of Osaka were built between the 3rd and 7th centuries. More than 160,000 sites have been found throughout Japan.
Space is at a premium in Japan. Haneda Airport was built over the waters of Tokyo Bay.
Highways are triple stacked.
This proves that there are no problems – only solutions.
These apartments come with an eye-level view of the traffic on this elevated highway.
This highway on-ramp uses space wisely.
Parking spaces are cleverly created… .
.. and are incredibly precious.
Gas pumps are above to save space.
This half-soccer field is on the 9th floor of a department store.
The population density in Tokyo is tight, thus budding musicians practice in the park.
Yes, the neighbors would certainly complain if you practiced at home.
Those trying to advance a budding romance, but are confined to a tiny apartment with hovering parents come to this area of Shibuya known for “Love Hotels…”
… where rooms are available for 3 hours.
Restocking time is certainly consolidated with this approach.
The weather forecast comes with “ash reports” in areas of active volcanoes.
This unique onsen (hot spring) is only accessible + / – one hour from low tide.
… where bathers strip down, toss their clothes on a rock and jump in.
Please enjoy the bonus photos below.
Happy new year to all. ts
Ukrainian Tom 