The film has been developed so I am going to post some photos from last week’s Tokyo Rainbow Parade. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and the crowds seemed larger and happier than ever. I like this conductor’s costume, and the hunky saxophone section at the entrance to the Yoyogi park gathering spot.
My favorite photo from this summer’s Nichome Rainbow matsuri. Because of thunder storms, the normally 3 hour festival was shorted. Still, plenty of beautiful people out in the street. I love this girl’s costume and attitude.
I would rate this pole dancer a high score for sheer strength, but a few deductions for form and costume. She’s my kind of lady. 
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.
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.
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!
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?
I salute, thee, lifeguard. Costume and staging cannot be over-estimated.
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!
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.
Tokyo Moe 