Honda stunt team..

These guys were awesome! Though slightly cut short by (yet) another rainy afternoon, the Honda stunt team put on a great show for a small crowd of people enjoying the Harajuku/Omotesando summer festival on Sunday at Yoyogi.

Needless to say, they certainly know their way around a bike..

Bubble bloke..

Someone once said a man should have a skill with his hands, and on Sunday I was wondering if this guy would get a pass. Bubble bloke occasionally entertains at festivals down at Yoyogi, creating massive bubbles by dragging soapy water laden thread through the air. The results are often quite amazing in a zen kind of way, with the bubbles drifting peacefully through the air until they unceremoniously come into contact with a tree, or maybe even an inquisitive child that just can't resist..

Awa Odori

The Awa Dance Festival in Koenji dates back to the mid 50's, and is basically a great big party. During the daytime a dance called Nagashi is performed, but at night the dancers switch to a frenzied dance called Zomeki. The dancers dance and walk while they follow an accompaniment using such instruments as shamisen, drum, and flute. They wear brightly coloured regional costumes and often sing while dancing. Last night's festival was wet, really wet, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowds that gathered to watch the parade of dancers and soak up the amazing festival atmosphere. While it was a little difficult managing the camera and negotiating the canopy of umbrellas, I somehow managed to snap a few pics off without spilling too much of my drink..









These dudes rocked.. Btw guys, thanks for the shochu!!

J-babe and friends live cross from Koen Dori..

Wandering past NHK this fine evening I chanced upon a BS TV crew filming a live spot for some concert they were broadcasting. As the live cross drew nearer and the talent rehearsed her lines, passers by were dragged in to join in on the song. By the time the final group of people that joined had hastily put down their Donkihote bags and stood with the group, there was about 10 seconds to go..

Shady shopping..

Nothing like a little bit of shady shopping in Shibuya to make those rainy afternoons pass right on by. One would hope there was at least a footstool for this (seemingly) vertically challenged bloke, especially seeing as his interest seems to be in the 'top shelf' items..

Parking..

Parking in Shibuya is generally a nightmare, especially if you aren't lucky enough to have a designated space. Parking spaces can range in cost, anything from 2000 to (up to) 60,000 yen per month, and if you don't have a space the dreaded parking inspectors will most likely find you soon enough. Unfortunately some buildings have absolutely NO spaces, and so tenants (or employees) are forced to find something on the street. This creative Shibuya bike owner solved his parking problem with a set of carpentry tools and a positive attitude towards problem solving!

Random night shot.. 10

Centregai bloke revisited..

Shibuya is certainly host to many interesting characters, and the longer I am here, the more I see this guy. Standing in centergai with his little bag of pictures, he is somewhat reminiscent of a "catch" guy, but packaged differently and always targeting high school girls. While I think the guy that said he is probably scouting girls for pictures is probably right, I still can't work him out..

Text addendum: turns out that the dude is somewhat of a social worker. His name is Jimmy, and he's even just started his own clothing line.. Thanks to Don for the info!