When there’s even more to worry about than usual, a couple of drinks, with good company, in comfortably uncomplicated surroundings, is sometimes just what’s called for.
Very welcome weekend drinks in Ueno
Food and Drink
Panic buying, but not panic, in Tokyo
A violent jolt early yesterday, and another worrying shake last night, were a stark reminder that aftershocks are still a real threat, but the continuing uncertainty surrounding Fukushima’s nuclear plant is now arguably an even bigger fear — especially so as radiation, regardless of how negligible, was detected in the capital.
Not that there is any panic. Quite the opposite in fact. Even with the implementation of rolling blackouts. And, as I mentioned yesterday, there is a genuine feeling of camaraderie, with Tokyo far friendlier than it usually is.
Until that is it comes to necessities, then, even though it is done with the minimum amount of fuss, and the utmost politeness, it’s every man and woman for themselves. Meaning rice is now a rarity, as, perhaps more surprisingly, is bread. There is simply none to be had.
Apart from the really crap stuff.
Which even those in a hoarding panic won’t purchase.
And it’s the same with milk.
Some vegetables and fruit.
Plus without a doubt, instant noodles. They were the very first to go. All of which isn’t life threatening, and in many ways is merely a minor hindrance, but it does add to the growing sense of unease. Probably further panic buying too.
Basic Tokyo food and booze
Tokyo undoubtedly has an enormous amount of fancy, and even fancier priced, eateries; a situation not lost on Michelin, as it has been very liberally sprinkling the city with its money-filled stars over the last few years.
But despite this rich bounty, the capital still has a much larger number of places with splendidly basic surroundings.
As well as similarly unsophisticated sustenance.
And, for me at least, it’s far better for it.
Tofu time out
This particular traditional tofu shop may not possess ghostly apparitions in its window panes like some do, but despite only dealing with bean curd and not silently screaming demons, a break now and again is still definitely called for.
A photogenic old fella in a photogenic Shinjuku alley
Due to its complicated mass of overhead cables, cluttered confusion and seemingly carefree approach to building controls, Tokyo certainly isn’t one of the world’s prettiest cities.
But sometimes, somehow, all of these factors come together to create fabulously photogenic thoroughfares. Features that, when frequented by equally photogenic old fellas, are even more fantastic.
Maid(s) in Japan
Far from the brief fad it seemed destined to be, the maid cafe business surprisingly keeps battling on, with spin-offs from the original theme, such as vampire varieties, amazingly keeping the customers coming back.
But with so many cafes in operation, competition is understandably intense, and as such, it’s fair to say that flyer distributing maids are now as common on Akihabara’s corners as gadgetry. Or even camera carrying geeks.
