Naked guy encourages booze buying at Koenji’s Awa Odori

Just over a week ago, Koenji had its fantastic Awa Odori festival, and I took many photos of participants, food & booze sellers, & other attendees. I’m going to post them over a few posts and a few days.

This barely legal guy literally has the price of beer scrawled across his naked back. I love the very DIY, un-hemmed red fundoshi he’s sporting, and the brazenness of his pitch. Check out below where this customer is juggling his cigarette, man-bag, and wallet to get boozed up as quickly as possible. This is Japan when it’s not working.

Waiting at JR Nakano Station

Last week I was waiting for a friend at the Nakano JR station. He was late, but it didn’t matter. That station is one of my favorite people watching spots. At any time of day or night, there are always people waiting at the North Exit for friends to show up. Nakano has none of the desperate fashion extremes of Shibuya or Harajuku (fueled largely by suburban visitors, no doubt), but always a fun mix of mod, retro, regular and unique styles. I like this young guy’s studied indifference to being watched and photographed. Not sure about the 70s shark skin jacket, but I love the over-sized man-bag and boots. Plus the photo includes a bonus salaryman’s back side.

White pointy boots

My eyes are always riveted in the wrong direction. We were at Jindaiji Temple for Girl’s Day, and there was a beautiful temple with monk musicians and chanting, thousands of daruma good luck dolls for sale (plus a return bin for those whose wishes had come true), a variety of snacks served by yakuza, and on-and-on.

I simply could not get enough of these boots. It combines two impractical elements: pointy form and white color– into one splendor of male vanity. Could I squeeze my fat feet into such gorgeous vessels? Would I need to buy a larger man bag to pull of the look?