More than 20 Jesii competed in the Hunky Jesus contest

More than 20 scantily clad Jesii took the stage at the Hunky Jesus contest in Golden Gate Park’s Hellman Hollow (named after a generous local financier). The sheer variety of interpretations is inspiring. In the top photo, there’s Carpenter Jesus, Space Jesus, USA Jesus, Vacation Jesus, and one more. You can also see the back of Garfield the photographer’s head. Why Garfield on Easter?

Below is Muscle Jesus, Vegan Jesus, Roller Disco Jesus, Actually Jesus, and Baby Jesus. The third group include Banana Jesus and a possessed by the devil Jesus.

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Tattooed kewpie: bad boy or firefighter?!

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).