The title may sound more like a pop song than a profession, but elevator girls can still be seen in Tokyo. Not so often. And presumably not nearly so much as many moons ago. But, in this day and age, it’s still a calling that seems strangely archaic.
Brett says
On the plus side, it injects $3.7 million a year into the spiffy hat and gloves manufacturing industry.
Lee says
Better still, the gloves look like they might be those favoured by taxi drivers too.
Jeffrey says
That mask! That glove! She must have been a huge fan of Michael Jackson is later years.
Lee says
Now you mention it, that’s all I can think of, but it hadn’t even crossed my mind til I read your comment.
Linette says
So that’s where Michael Jackson got his look.
Lee says
Perhaps that’s why he opted for just one glove — to distance himself from elevator girls!
Jeffrey says
There’s a snarky joke there involve girls and distance that I can’t quite bring myself to typing.
LAObserver says
Nothing wrong with a business expressing customer appreciation through convenient services. Bravo on Nippon !
Lee says
That’s very true. Something that’s certainly appreciated (or at least expected) here. Still seems a bit demeaning though.
Meow • Japan & Urbex says
Are you sure she’s not one of those famous pick pocket women?
Lee says
If she is, she was rubbish. Or that good I just haven’t realised I was robbed!
Ed says
Right on, Jeffrey! I even thought for a second, this IS M.J.
Gijs says
I’ve seen elevator men too in Japan, they just don’t stop talking about the doors and floors! 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, they do like to let people know what is on each floor.
Lizzy says
I’ve never been in an elevator that was ‘manned’ by anybody, but there’s still something very endearing about this image. I really like it.
Lee says
Cheers Lizzy. Japan is the only place I’ve seen them, although they are far from common theses days.
Ed says
Last century, during the communist era, in the capital of the country where ozeki Kotooshu is from, I’ve seen them in the Central Universal Mall, seriously. It wasn’t more than five-level mall.
Lee says
Probably no more these days, unless the big fella is sponsering them.
mimi says
Kinda creepy to me. Do they have to wear that hat?
Lee says
Yes, all part of the uniform. That, and the gloves.
lina says
I agree. Seen them a lot when I first visited Japan years ago, but hardly ever seen them during our most recent visits. Maybe I didn’t go to posh enough places to see them. ^^
asansörler says
they just don’t stop talking about the doors and floors!