Go for a ride!

In a little canal in Akiahabara there was a group of people about to take a ride on these speed boats. It was a little cold, but it didn't seem to bother them. I wish I could have gone with them...instead I went shopping for electronics, that is what this area is famous for after all.

Salvation in Tokyo

Tokyo is known for many things, but I don't think churches is one of them. Considering that less than 1% of the population in Japan is Christian, the amount of churches that I've seen in Tokyo was an unexpected surprise.
Unfortunately it was closed when I got to this one, so my soul couldn't be saved...better luck next time.

Only in Harajuku...

Pimps have them in their shoes and this guy wears them in his ears....live goldfishes.
You can only get away with this Harajuku.
It is a must see area if you go to Tokyo, no matter how you look it is never too crazy for Harajuku.

Condom Heaven

Once again a discovery made in Tokyo. This little 'condomania' store provides you with the most original condoms ever. Alle the flavors, sizes, shapes and colors you can dream of. This store should be named, 'condom heaven'. ..
If you are ever near one, check it out. And...always remember: don't be a fool, wrap your tool!

Delicious deliciousness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally some real pizza without mayonnaise!!! Yes people it's true...at Shakey's you can find it. And it gets better...it's all you can eat pizza!!!!!
The Shakey's I discoverd was in Tokyo, but I have heard rumors of one being right here in Osaka.

Writings on the wall

This picture was taken in Umeda, in front of a host club. These writings don't make any sense,
and is therefore a good example of how the English language is being (mis)used in Japan. Just like T-shirts and adds that have English slogans on them and have no meaning at all.

Blog Essay 1 - Japan doesn't want you...

This recent development in Japanese Foreign Policy only adds more to my personal feelings that Japan is very anti-non Japanese. I always wanted to come to Japan and experience all I've seen and heard about, but I also saw that foreigners weren't the most welcome bunch in Japan. Foreigners wishing to come into Japan already have to jump through hoops and those wishing to stay for an extended period of time have a much more difficult procedure.

All signs in the Japanese government point in the direction that foreigners are not wanted. At first long ago, I believed that it was because Japan is a small country, heavily populated country and the government didn't want the extra stress of more people living in Japan. This could be true on some level but this move shows me that the case is that Japan doesn't want you.

When this goes into affect, once you enter Japan you will be fingerprinted and photographed, this reminds me very much of oh.. being arrested. As soon as you enter the country you are treated like a criminal.

Relatively Japan did not come out of isolation too long ago and it is my opinion that if given the opportunity the Japanese government would return to isolation. I feel that that period of isolation and a general mindset that someone who isn't born Japanese can never be Japanese or at least a normal citizen has hurt Japan in its diversity and view towards foreigners.

In America for example if you were born in America you are American. If someone has been in Japan for an extended period of time and even holds property in Japan or a foreign family has many generations in and born in Japan, they are still and forever will be foreigners. These feelings of unwantedness and negative feeling/images of foreigners arise once again when I read of this new policy. I feel sad now..

Original post:

Visual Anthropology of Japan: Information for Foreign Nationals Entering Japan