I saw this amazing tattooed Kewpie in the middle of a display of dozens of good luck ornaments at the Hanazono Shinto shrine for the Torinoichi festival. This shrine is conveniently located between Ni-chome and Kabukicho, and certainly draws some of Tokyo’s most beautiful nocturnal beings seeking spirituality and cash for the new year.
Of course I assumed that this Kewpie was a yakuza, with his handsome full body tattoo. No, the husband informed me later, his little flag says that he’s a firefighter. It’s odd that tattoos are so taboo in Japan, and worn not only by gangsters but also firefighters and carpenters.
Don’t those who rescue us and build our homes deserve to go into the neighborhood sento baths with the rest of us? Or is it better that they are relegated to specific places that accept them (and their admirers)?
(For beautiful people spotting and/or tattooed kewpie buying, this festival concludes next Wednesday and Thursday nights Thursday and Friday nights, Nov 18 and Nov 19).
Tokyo Moe 
As I am a fan of both beautiful people spotting and (as of now) tattooed kewpie dolls, I might check it out if I get a minute free from studying. How late does it go?
Kathryn, I believe it goes until 3 am. Seems like the correct dates are this Thursday and Friday. You will love it!
Thursday is possible… Friday, I’ve got a concert to go to at Tokyo Dome, hopefully 😀
A smaller festival in June attracted some beautiful people. Check out this hair-spray-and-pickles-on-a-stick photo.