It’s generally tough to go wrong with ramen; a comforting dish even in a run-of-the-mill chain restaurant. But when it’s made by a couple of fellas who have presumably been producing it for decades, it’s even better.
Bent double in Tokyo but still battling on
Shinjuku is arguably different from the equally well known Tokyo districts of Shibuya and Harajuku in that it appeals to a much broader age demographic; lacking, as it does, the distinct youth culture (and subcultures) of the latter two.
At the same time, however, it isn’t exactly an ideal location for the elderly. Or at least that has always been my assumption. But despite her obvious difficulties, this old woman battled through the crowds and across the wide streets in encouragingly confident fashion.
Tokyo alley life
Yasukuni Shrine on the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender
Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine is a divisive place of worship at the best of times, but on August 15th, the anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, it’s an element that is even more pronounced. The vast majority of people are there for the right reason — to simply remember the past. The very noticeable contingent from the far right, however, are there to revere it. And some, quite possibly, are somewhere in-between.
Lost in time Tokyo shopper
Or should it be lost in place rather than time? Possibly even both?
A small, character-filled Japanese bar
Thirty years or so ago, the bar below was a butchers. Falling returns, however, meant a rethink, and so a bar it became. A decision that seems to have been a good one, as not only is it still in operation, but it also has a steady stream of customers.
Filled with cuttings and photos from the owner’s baseball-related past, it’s a happy home-from-home for him, and a similarly happy drinking hole for those who drop in.