At the northern tip of Taiwan last weekend was the 5th annual Bear Beach Party. A lot of big boys, sun, and fun. I’ll share some more photos this week.
Just back from Taipei Bear Beach Party
sun
The beach view from inside the UV tent
Sun and wind with perfect summer clouds made for a great beach day. Screaming yankiis, tattoos, a pink donut, and good friends.
Sun never sets on sacred Japan
Is this my future? At least us oldies and wierdos visiting the Emperor for his new year’s declaration don’t need to be bothered by “normal” families and young people.
Alas, this is the end of the Imperial Palace visit series when my ostensible purpose was to listen to the Emperor’s address and admire the princesses. Mostly, I watched the police and felt communion with the assorted freaks and foreigners in attendance.
Ladies in kimono make me breathless
It’s true that most of my observation tends towards the louche, the extreme and even shocking. Yet somehow my heart is also touched by the frequent displays of stately elegance that can take your breath away in Tokyo. Recently, I saw this group of elderly ladies in kimonos and sun umbrellas arriving at Taiikukan as I left the pool. I love how five are wearing identical blue kimonos with a ginko leaf pattern, while the sixth has chosen a different color. There’s something elevated and magical about their costume, posture, and their broad formation.
South Koreans simulating a sea landing
Not sure how this group exercise simulates a sea landing, per the original account. To many, it may more readily evoke adult movies. I wonder if the South Korea military hires special position as sunblock applicator?
Via Savage Love’s blog, and originally the BBC’s Day in Pictures.
Is bicycle mother drag the most moe moe?
Sorry dear readers, I cannot find an illustration. Thanks to the hubb for providing these excellent images!
Last week I re-met the lovely director and producer Charles Herman-Wurmfeld at the Tokyo Lesbian and Gay Film Festival talking about his latest film “Hollywood, J’Adore,” directed by his spouse Jason Bushman. As first time visitors to Japan, Charles and Jason were astonished to see gardens, Shinto temples, and fashion. Charles pointed out the incredible construction worker drag (my favorite, in addition to the balloon pants, are the white rubber boots).
But truly his moe-est moe is his fascination with the summer anti-sun strategy of the Japanese bicycle mothers. Full gloves past the elbow for bike riding, sometimes attached directly to the handlebar for 100% compliance. And the enormous plastic UV shield that covers the face. It’s a mama-cheri look that rivals the burqa for full coverage.
Charles, being in his 40s, immediately realized how practical that would be for biking in Silver Lake and Los Angeles. I am very disappointed not to find a proper image of this everyday outfit that receives far less attention than construction worker, ramen chef, Tokyo Metro worker, and, of course, school girls.
Can anyone please send in a photo of this moe get-up?! Actually, now I am only missing the image of the front visor. You know, the one that goes from crown of the head to below the chin!
Exile performs for Emperor’s anniversary
Update: The performance is already on YouTube. It begins with an absurd dance routine and ends with a long, chorus-less song in tribute to the “country of the sun.” Best part is that, in honor of the Emperor and Empress, all 14 members forsook their trademark sunglasses.
I think the average host or country yankii looks better than these 14 guys. What do you think?
Today Japanese hip hop dance band EXILE will perform in the official celebration of the Emperor’s 20th anniversary of assuming the throne. 天皇陛下、おめでとうございます。
First Lady Encounter
I wonder what Japan’s new First Lady told Michelle Obama? Did she invite her to visit Venus on the UFO together? To eat the sun with her and her husband? Do you think Miyuki-sama’s stockings are too white? Maybe she should have considered platform shoes!
Husband resting on balcony
Spring comes slowly in Tokyo. Here’s the husband enjoying a rare bit of sun on our balcony. You can see my ceramics and the city views from the 10th floor.
Balcony garden re-made
Our south-facing balcony continues to be warm and full of sun. I’ve renovated the garden to include a small plant stand by the living room window and several boxes hanging on the railing. The eleven flower pots that weren’t sold are the stars of the garden.
Some of my new plants include winter pansies and kale, grown on top of spring tulip bulbs. Also, a rose from our friend K. And a cool moss-ball, bonsai pine tree from I.
Tokyo Moe 