Winter costume, artifice, health, and hair

In Tokyo, it’s always mask season. I remember how “shocked” the international media was after the Fukushima nuke disaster, to see the multitudes in Tokyo all wearing masks. Nothing special in the facial mask technology for radiation, or at least not yet.

Since the winds started blowing on March 1, everyone’s talking about the start of spring hay fever season. I wonder if the mask adds a certain mystery and allure for the wearer? Seduction through withholding? Could the facial mask be the Japanese unisex niqab? As much as I dislike winter, perhaps there’s something to be appreciated in the layers of costume, artifice, health, and hair.

Thanks to Al for lending me his camera.

Emeritus Pope Bennie will continue to live with Gorgeous George

Would Archbishop Georg Ganswein, Benedict’s longtime confidante and personal secretary, look so pretty in a sack cloth? Fortunately, we’ll never know. Glad to see that newly retired emeritus pope B will continue to live with his Vatican “friend,” who will also be head of the new pope’s “household.” This makes for a great costume drama.

A close-up view of Harumafuji ringside

Harumafuji is making a lot of ringside seniors very happy. The cords decorating his thighs are somewhat reminiscent of a Cher costume. But much more sexy!

Before the upper level matches, all the wrestlers form a circle and raise their arms

Catholics have some great paintings, but Shinto can not be beat for its corporeal beauty and costumes. I love the moment in the sumo tournament where all the wrestlers raise their arms. Are my feelings spiritual, carnal, or simply gleeful?

Outfit and stage make the man on top of lifeguard tower

I salute, thee, lifeguard. Costume and staging cannot be over-estimated.

Giant Ebi Fry at Rainbow Pride parade last week

The giant fried shrimp in the center of this group portrait was my favorite costume at last week’s Rainbow Pride parade. The event’s theme was the vague “the power of the rainbow.” I think there’s more power in platform boots and sky-high head sculptures!

Is sumo sport, ritual, or fetish?

Attending in person has changed my impression about sumo. It’s a parallel universe of enormous men who wear lovely colored kimono in public and ass-baring costumes in the ring. The sumo performers conduct strange rituals under Shinto banners that last far longer than the fights themselves, and their extended careers create fascinating rivalries. Oh, and it’s a sport that’s open to large men from many countries, including Mongolia and East Europe.

I love watching the sumo players moving through Tokyo and, of course, arriving at the sumo hall by taxi. I also like how the station near the hall memorializes decades of personalities, outfits, and flesh.

Nipples, uniforms, & body paint featured at Sept 11 anti-nuke protest in Tokyo

Tokyo Moe could not have done better. Hats off to James Hadfield for the most fetishistic possible photograph of the Sept 11 anti-nuke demonstration in Tokyo. Nipples, uniforms, and body paint (plus lots of costumes and music) marked the 6 month anniversary of Fukushima’s nuclear disaster.

This photo seems to be saying that while it may be dangerous to live in Japan right now, it sure has a lot of visual stimuli as compensation.

(Source).

Okinawa dance and music at Tokyo Pride Parade

This Okinawa dance and music group is a regular participant at Tokyo pride events. They performed at the stage during Tokyo Pride Parade and the following day at the Shinjuku ni-chome festival or omatsuri (more on that soon).

I caught some photos of their rehearsing prior to the performance, a video of the performance, and their getting out of costume afterwards.

Scary drag at Tokyo Pride Parade

Tokyo Pride Parade, like any gay festival, has its fair share of scary drag. Above is a possibly female, definitely middle-aged school girl with a small stuffed animal pinned to her head. Below is what the hubb calls “Akebake” or Akihabara inspired costume that includes a long un-styled wig and hugge paws with pink palms. I’ll post some more appealing images tomorrow!