Portable backdrop shimmers in gold sequins

Attention caught! The giant gold disc seems unwieldy in crowds and totally worth it.

 

And now for some Tokyo Rainbow Parade photos

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.

 

It’s time to remember how to tie the obi for my yukata

I love seeing crowds of men in yukata. And these are very understated.

Ginza manias

Looking like pork on a spit, this is actually one of Tokyo’s latest crazes, a “baum kuchen.” Usually people form long lines to buy these German cakes in Ginza, but today’s rain chased away the crowds.

Another Ginza mania I discovered in the underground passageways connecting three Ginza subway stations. The camera phone crowds have gathered together to capture the Disney QR codes. It’s like a religious group activity, no?

Nakano Broadway

Ah, Nakano Broadway! You have your own mascot Pipi, just like the Police, the Post Office, and every other institution in this lucky nation. While your showing your age, more or less the same as this author’s, your low-ceilings, lack of windows, and hundreds of tiny shops catering to local, national and international otaku (nerds) make me happy to call Nakano home. You never fail to provide an abundance of shopping, from boy-band memoriabilia to fujoshi comics, costume shops, and the home-roasted coffee from the always immaculate sisters. And the crowds you attract make me feel down right understated.

Do you have any new year’s resolutions? My number 1 resolution is to get fat. I’m also trying to improve my Japanese, learn some more about ceramics, and explore the many charms of Nakano.