AU promotion at 109..

There's almost always something going on in front of the 109 building in Shibuya, and last weekend it was some kind of promotion for one of the big three mobile phone companies, AU. I couldn't tell you what they were promoting, as more interesting to me were the crowds of guys with their digital cameras hanging on every word that the head promotion girl was saying. I'm not sure they were there to find out about the new phone either, but it did remind me that idol worship is alive and well here in Japan..

Maid in Japan..

Strolling through Yoyogi park on Sunday afternoon, and admiring kanzakura trees (thanks Neil) I spied a young lass decked out in full maid gear, stepping on someone's head! After a little further observation I surmised that it was probably some kind of satsuekai, where a group of young enthusiastic photographers get their click on with a young model. It wasn't all head stepping though for this young maiden, as the small group soon took up residence in front of the early blooming trees for a bit more straight up clickery..

Somewhere somebody's daughter.. 08

Tucked into the sanctuary of Shoto's Nabeshima koen, one may find any number of creative entities filming for tv or movies, or even shooting for magazines. On this fine day it was a group of fine lovelies getting what looked to be the 撮影会 (Satsuei Kai) treatment from a dozen or so eager photographic enthusiasts. Danny Choo has experienced the seemingly surreal world of "Group Idol Photography", and explains the dealio quite well here. Berry Waffle is a company that organizes such events, and for a mere 10,000 yen one can enjoy a full 60 seconds of free clickery..

お宅 (Otaku) Photography #2

..next verse, same as the first..

お宅 (Otaku) Photography

Every weekend on koen dori, loads of wanna-be idols line the streets and footpaths to perform. Otaku (nerdy JP guys) take advantage of this opportunity by crowding around them and filling their memory cards with.. memories??