Crazy track suit, with yellow Crocs and iPhone

Spotted near our apartment. Is this outdoor wear?

Folsom Street Fair, censored poster and nostalgia

When I think of gay religious holidays, I naturally imagine Folsom Street Fair, the world’s largest leather and fetish outdoor event. Hundreds of thousands attend. All the spiritual uplifting and community without the tedious obligations and family fighting.

Above is this year’s censored poster (click to enbiggin). I couldn’t find the au natural version on the interwebs, alas. It’s this Sunday, September 23.

Wadabori outdoor pool welcomes most of the public

I visited Wadabori outdoor pool during the last week of the season. It’s super old but beautiful, with two sides facing a large, forested temple. It’s also close to Zenpukuji river. Highly recommend it, except that visible tattoos and piercings are not allowed. Not cool!

I’m also confused by the other typical Tokyo pool rule that prohibits sun tan lotion. Ever heard of skin cancer? Apparently not, since the lifeguards are often the shade of burnt toast.

Shiba Koen outdoor summer pool

In the shadow of Tokyo Tower, Minato ward has opened their outdoor summer pool one minute from the Shibakoen Toei Mita station. Apparently sunblock is not permitted, so I won’t be there between 10 am and 4 pm. I made my first visit on Friday after work: a beautiful sunset over Tokyo Tower and the surrounding towers. As hyped by word-of-mouth, this outdoor pool is mega-gay.

The funniest moment was arriving at the clean and new facility. There were many, many posters explaining how tattoos are not permitted. I love the Western shoulder tattoo and the attempt at universal language, plus Japanese and English. Is it passive-aggressive to also explain how to hide your tattoos, with rash guards, “supporter,” taping, etc.

I didn’t get to visit, but I heard there’s a mezzanine area with lounge chairs, canvas sun shields, vending machines, and a smoking area! Way to promote fitness tied to tanning and smoking. Yumm! Apart from the very warm pool water, I recommend a visit. But after seeing all the minimal swimsuits, I think I may need to buy a smaller one!

BTW, this pool closes on September 15. Hours are 9 am to 8 pm, with a 5 pm closing time after September 1. They are also closed on August 2 for cleaning. I’ll post more night photos of the pool house exterior and Tokyo Tower soon.

Random San Francisco post

OK. To be honest this post has nothing to do with Tokyo. Except perhaps in a comparative studies sort-a-way. Above is a photo from an absurdly fetishistic site called Brolores Park, featuring male “bromances” in the famed park between the Mission and Castro. You might also check out 7 Places to Get Drunk and Lose Your Dignity.

Do you think the movie Hump Day will come to Japan?