Culture

Mar 29 2011 10 Comments

Audio and pictures of a Noh actor practicing

Despite being well aware that the words would be unfathomable, and the story even less clear, I’ve always wanted to attend a Noh performance; the masks in particular, and also the mood created by the torchlight if it’s done traditionally, undoubtedly creating an incredible spectacle. Certainly not one to be easily forgotten, that’s for sure.

Seeing a Noh performer practicing in the sunshine, and sadly sans mask, on the other hand, obviously can’t match such ideals, but nevertheless, it’s still a mesmerising sight.

The moves.

His rather maudlin singing.

Along with the natural elements of the stage.

And its natural looking ones.

All making for a unique, as well as very private.

Performance.

Mar 23 2011 10 Comments

Graduations, just like life, go on

With this being the month for school and university graduation ceremonies, it’s clear that many of them must have been cancelled — especially those in, or even near, the earthquake and tsunami hit regions.

In Tokyo and its surrounding areas, however, a good number will undoubtedly have gone ahead, particularly if they were fortunate enough to dodge the day’s scheduled power cuts. Plus, despite current circumstances making the events far more sombre affairs than they’d normally be, it’s still an incredibly proud day for both parents and students alike.

One, just like the time this father and daughter enjoyed, that should be filled with photos.

And, once all the formalities are done, fun.

Mar 07 2011 5 Comments

Pre-cherry blossom practice

With the picture taking pandemonium that is cherry blossom season now just around the corner, the beginning of March rather fortuitously offers the perfect opportunity for some practice on petals of the plum persuasion.

Mar 03 2011 28 Comments

Kimono contemplation

As much as I love walking around Tokyo, it’s not, in most parts at least, the prettiest city in the world. But, with so many people milling about, there are always going to be moments — even if they are very brief — of beauty.

Like this young woman for example.

Quietly contemplating.

On a bridge.

In a kimono.

Jan 31 2011 6 Comments

Pachinko chindonya promotion

The distribution of leaflets and tissues, or the simple system of simply shouting, are tried and trusted techniques in Tokyo when it comes to promoting new businesses and big sales; both of which, considering how common they are, must result in at least some success.

Gauging the merits of a traditional campaign by a chindonya troupe, on the other hand, is probably much harder, but considering that there are only 30 or so groups still operating in and around Tokyo, it’s probably fair to say that they don’t draw in the customers like they once did back in the day.

Yet regardless of results, with their cheerful demeanor as well as drums, they do at least make for a very welcome change indeed.

Jan 26 2011 7 Comments

Shopping in Tokyo’s shotengai

With its opulent department stores and mass of shopping malls, Tokyo is undoubtedly a shoppers’ paradise, and the visiting of such sites is a very popular pastime indeed.

But despite the predominance of these modern emporiums, some parts of the capital still retain their old, character-filled and often covered shotengai.

Small enclaves that may not boast the brands of their bigger and brasher cousins, but at the same time still offer enough choice to keep a variety of regular customers coming back.

People of all walks of life.

And of all ages.

But mostly, especially in this neighbourhood, the elderly.

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