Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x
All Galleries
Download Add to Cart
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Cool Quirky Japan 255 images Created 9 Jul 2015

The industrial era of Japan brought new cultural products and thus new associations to Japan, including karaoke, Tamagotchi, Pokemon, and Hello Kitty and consequently has an edge on the rest of the world when it comes to bizarre kitsch, knick-knacks, oddball cafes devoted to vampires, baths made of wine or green tea, and the list goes on....and on....
Next
View: 100 | All

Loading ()...

  • Niijima Moai Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-1.jpg
  • Niijima Moai Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-2.jpg
  • Niijima Moai - Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more like outdoor sculptures, dotted along the coastline of Niijima. Oddly enough, Niijima Island is a part of Tokyo although it in no way resembles the crowded city - or any city for that matter.  In fact, it is more of a tropical paradise and hangout for surfer dudes, with huge wages and surf.  To make life more interesting, or some other reason, Niijima also has a smattering of moai or public art sculptures along the coast.  Though they are called "moai" these artifacts are more sculptures, dotted along the coastlines of Niijima.  Most of them are made of ryolite, a precious volcanic rock that is mined only on Niijima.  These sculptures are actually called moyai by the locals which means ‘work together’ in their dialect.
    Niijima-Moai-3.jpg
  • Shiraike Jigoku -According to its name, white pond hell features a pond of hot, milky white water.
    beppu-hell-5.jpg
  • Chinoike or "blood pond hell" features a pond of hot, red water. It is one of the most photogenic of the nine Beppu hells.
    beppu-hell-1.jpg
  • Kamado Jigoku or the  "cooking pot hell" features several boiling ponds and a fierce kitsch demon statue representing a devilish cook.
    cooking-pot-hell.jpg
  • The Hakone Open Air Museum creates a harmonic balance of the nature of Hakone National Park with art in the form of scultpures and other artwork, usually replicas, using the nature of Hakone National Park as a frame or background. The park encourages children to play and includes many light-hearted sculptures to entertain as well as inspire visitors.
    hakone-open-air-museum-10.jpg
  • Costume Play Frills portraying  the sweet-and-innocent look - On Sundays cosplay characters such as this woman converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Many casual observers believe cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. Since so many cosplayers meet in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake others consider it a statement on high fashion. Whatever the reason cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday.
    costume-play-6.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-9.jpg
  • Costume Play Goth Lolitas. A wide variety of "costume play" getups takes in goths, goth lollys, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between. Each and every Sunday these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku Tokyo's fashion district. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay kids congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. Though one does wonder what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-goths-2.jpg
  • Costume Play Bloody Nurse - Every Sunday cosplay characters come to Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter, to show off their latest creations.  Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to rigid rules in Japanese society. But since so many cosplayers meet up in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake still others consider this phenomenon a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One only wonders what they wear on Monday morning.
    costume-play-10.jpg
  • Costume Play Bloody Brunette Nurse - A wide variety of "costume play" getups from nurses, bloddy nurses,  goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga and anime...Every Sunday cosplayers meet up in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter and show their latest creations. Casual observers think that cos-play is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls Tokyo's high fashion district HQ for Hanae Mori, Fendi and Issey Miyake, some pundits observe that it is rather a reaction to high fashion.  You can't help but imagine what they could possibly wear on Monday mornings though.
    costume-play-3.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-12.jpg
  • Meguro Parasite Museum in Tokyo displaying worms
    parasite-museum.jpg
  • Costume Play Bloody Nurses. A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One wonders what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-11.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-10.jpg
  • A wide variety of "costume play" getups  from Japanese manga, anime,  imitations of favorite pop stars or combinations in between can be witnessed very Sunday in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Casual observers believe that cosplay is a reaction to  rigid rules of Japanese society but since so many cosplayers congregate in Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of world class designers Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, it is considered a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the reason cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. You can't help but wonder what they wear on Monday morning..
    costume-play-4.jpg
  • Tokyo Street Fashion - A wide variety of costume play getups can be seen every Sunday in Harajuku - Tokyo's fashion quarter.  Since so many cos-plaers congregate near Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, some consider this phenomenon to be a reaction to high fashion. Others, such as these girls, appear to be making a statement on fashion itself.
    costume-play-2.jpg
  • Hello Kitty Show at Sanrio Puroland - an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-1.jpg
  • Hello Kitty Show at Sanrio Puroland - an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-2.jpg
  • Costume Play Goths - A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One wonders what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-goths-3.jpg
  • Harajuku Goths.  A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One wonders what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-goths-4.jpg
  • Costume Play Plastic Jewelry - A wide variety of costume play getups goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime or combinations in between meet up every Sunday in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Many casual observers suppose cosplay is a reaction to rigid rules in Japanese society but since so many cosplayers flock to Harajuku and Aoyama, Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider that this may be a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes. One can only wonder what they wear on Monday morning to the office or school...
    costume-play-12.jpg
  • The faithful dog Hachiko saw Professor Ueno off and greeted him at the end of the day at Shibuya Station in Tokyo. In  1925 Professor Ueno didn't return one evening as he had suffered a stroke at the university that day. Hachiko continued to come to the station every day for 10 years, waiting for her master to get off the train.  When Hachiko finally died, a statue of this famous dog was erected in front of Shibuya Station and has become a popular meeting place for Tokyo residents.
    hachiko-2.jpg
  • Costume Play Checkerboard - A wide variety of "costume play" creations are to be seen every Sunday in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter.  The freakier the costume, the more hits they get.
    costume-play-5.jpg
  • Costume Play Diver with Accessories - A wide variety of "costume play" getups: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime, the sweet & innocent frilly look of "maids" or combinations in between.  Every Sunday these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion district to strut their stuff. Most casual observers imagine that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of high fashion designers, some consider this to be a some kind of reaction to orthodox fashion. Whatever the cause cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes, making the phenomenon a hit all around the world.
    costume-play-1.jpg
  • Costume Play Lolita - The classic  sweet and innocent frilly look in costume play sometimes takes the form of a "maid" though the "Lolita" is a favorite innocent look.  Every Sunday, cosplay characters of various stripes from goths, nurses, impersonators of manga, anime or pop bands converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter.  Cosplayers put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes.  Ths innocent look has always been popular in Japan.
    costume-play-9.jpg
  • A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a lot of effort into their clothing and makeup.
    costume-play-7.jpg
  • Tokyo Big Sight is the popular nickname for the Tokyo International Exhibition Center at Odaiba.  The center is one of the largest convention venues in Tokyo, and its most iconic representation the visually distinctive Conference Tower - the thing most associated with the sight, the glass and titanium paneled tower appears as a set of four inverted pyramids.
    big-sight-1.jpg
  • Costume Play Punks Harajuku - A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One wonders what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-13.jpg
  • The Takenokuzoku in Harajuku are the forerunners of the costume players, and still make occasional appearances regularly in Harajuku on Sunday, dancing their hearts out after carefully coiffing their hair-dos.
    Takenokozoku.jpg
  • Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama Center, Tokyo that attracts over 1.5 million visitors per year and hosts various musicals, restaurants, attractions, and theme rides using popular characters such as Hello Kitty, Pochacco, Keroppi, and many more. While many of the shows are only in Japanese, Puroland nevertheless attracts many visitors from overseas as well as Japan because of the worldwide popularity of these characters.   Puroland has become one of Japan's most popular attractions.
    sanrio-puroland-11.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-7.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-8.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-9.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-1.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-2.jpg
  • Long Nosed Mengake Mask at  Mengake Parade Procession at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-6.jpg
  • Bald Mengake Mask at the Mengake Mask Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this unique Kamakura event local men wearing grotesque or comical masks leave Goshi Shrine parade through the nearby streets before returning to the shrine for the ceremony.
    mengake-4.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-5.jpg
  • Mengake Mask Procession - Mengake or Masked Parade at Goryo Jinja shrine.  At this festival a group of ten people take part in this annual ritual: 8 men and 2 women. Wearing grotesque or comical masks  leave the shrine and parade through the nearby streets accompanied by portable shrine and festival music.
    mengake-3.jpg
  • Tanuki is the Japanese word for a raccoon.  These creatures have been represented in Japanese folklore for hundreds of years.  The tanuki have a reputation for being mischievous.  At the same time they are jolly, good at disguising themselves. They are also absent-minded. and gullible according to legend.
    tanuki-2.jpg
  • Tanuki is the Japanese word for a raccoon.  These creatures have been represented in Japanese folklore for hundreds of years.  The tanuki have a reputation for being mischievous.  At the same time they are jolly, good at disguising themselves. They are also absent-minded. and gullible according to legend.
    tanuki-5.jpg
  • Tanuki is the Japanese word for a raccoon.  These creatures have been represented in Japanese folklore for hundreds of years.  The tanuki have a reputation for being mischievous.  At the same time they are jolly, good at disguising themselves. They are also absent-minded. and gullible according to legend.
    tanuki.jpg
  • Tanuki is the Japanese word for a raccoon.  These creatures have been represented in Japanese folklore for hundreds of years.  The tanuki have a reputation for being mischievous.  At the same time they are jolly, good at disguising themselves. They are also absent-minded. and gullible according to legend.
    tanuki-3.jpg
  • Kanamara Matsuri or Festival of the Phallus is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki in spring. The penis forms the central theme of the event that is reflected everywhere: candy, carved vegetables, decorations, sake bottles and a parade. The Kanamara Matsuri is centered around a local penis venerating shrine once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against sexual problems and diseases.
    kanamara-shrine-3.jpg
  • Japanese "Love hotels" attempt various themes to lighten the mood of such assignations,  this particular love hotel likes soft lights and moody colors.  this particular love hotel could almost pass for a real, normal hotel except for the smoked glass dark windows for privacy and the hidden entrance...Japanese love hotels always have a discreet entrance. More commonly they are "drive-through" with hidden parking lots or at least giant mud flaps hiding cars, or that is to say, car license plates in case the wife happens to drive by.
    japanese-love-hotel-1.jpg
  • The White House Love Hotel Hayama. One wonders what the President and the First Lady would think if they were to see this particular Japanese Love Hotel, located in Hayama on the Shonan Coast of Japan, south of Tokyo and Yokohama. Like all Japanese love hotels, this one has a theme, but it is doubtful if the intention is political...
    japanese-love-hotel-2.jpg
  • Lucky Pierrot Cafe is one of the most quirky places in Hakodate, if you don't count the whimsically painted streetcars with masks and anima characters.
    lucky-pierrot-hakodate.jpg
  • Toya Lake Swan Boats - part of the Shikotsu Toya National Park. In addition to the lake itself Toya region features hot springs and an active volcano Mount Usu, which last erupted in the year 2000. The area also offers many fishing and hiking opportunities.
    japanese-swan-boats-2.jpg
  • Lake Toya  or Toyako as it is known in Japanese is part of the Shikotsu Toya National Park. In addition to the lake itself, the Toyako region features hot springs and an active volcano, Mount Usu, which last erupted in the year 2000. The area also offers many fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities..The picturesque lake was chosen as the location of the the G8 summit which Japan hosted from July 7 to 9, 2008. The leaders of the world's eight major industrialized democracies met at the Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa.
    lake-toya-3.jpg
  • The post-industrial era of Japan has brought new cultural products and thus new associations to Japan, including karaoke, Tamagotchi, Pokemon, Aibo, and Hello Kitty and countless other forms of kitsch.
    japanese-kitsch-2.jpg
  • The post-industrial era of Japan has brought new cultural products and thus new associations to Japan, including karaoke, Tamagotchi, Pokemon, Aibo, and Hello Kitty.
    japanese-kitsch-1.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-5.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-4.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-3.jpg
  • Oni are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously called demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre. Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic, creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads. They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes. Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.
    oni-1.jpg
  • Egypt Replica at Tobu World Square -a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-3.jpg
  • Sphinx Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-2.jpg
  • Pyramids Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-10.jpg
  • Narita Airport Replica at Tobu World Square- a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-9.jpg
  • Old Imperial Hotel Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-8.jpg
  • Taj Mahal Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-7.jpg
  • Sagrada Familia Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-4.jpg
  • Eiffel Tower Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-6.jpg
  • Buckingham Palace Replica at Tobu World Square - a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-5.jpg
  • Tobu World Square, Kremlin Replica - Tobu World Square is a theme park near Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The theme park boasts 42 exquisitely crafted scale models of famous UNESCO  Heritage Sites, complete  with 140,000 miniature people.  Along with the World Heritage Sites, more mundane buildings are Tokyo Station, Narita Airport and Tokyo Dome, along with show pavilions for various hokey performances.
    tobu-world-square-1.jpg
  • "Tetra Mound" by Isamu Noguchi installed at Moerenuma Park in Sapporo.  The installation was designed by Noguchi a Japanese-American artist and architect. Construction of the park was begun in 1988, and opened in 2005. The park has won a number of awards including the Good Design Award in 2002.  The park is considered to be one complete sculpture. The triangular sculpture over a grassy mound is called "Tetra Mound".
    moerenuma-park-7.jpg
  • "Play Mountain"  Moerenuma Park - Moerenuma Park is a municipal park in Sapporo. The park was designed by Isamu Noguchi who was a Japanese-American artist.  The park has won a number of awards - including the Good Design Award. The park is considered to be one complete sculpture as a whole.
    moerenuma-park-4.jpg
  • Modern Rest Room at Moerenuma Park - a municipal park in  Sapporo designed by Isamu Noguchi a Japanese-American architect and artist who has won a number of awards.  The whole park is considered as one complete sculptural entity.  Shown is a  modern  white rest room facility.
    moerenuma-park-10.jpg
  • Gundam was series of Japanese anime created by Sunrise Studios that featured giant robots called "Gundam."  An eighteen metre tall statue of the title robot was installed at Odaiba, Tokyo's landfill island, in August 2009.
    gundam-5.jpg
  • The Ramen Museum, Yokohama, bills itself as the first museum in Japan devoted to food, that is - Japanese ramen noodles and features a recreation of Tokyo in the year 1958 - significantly the year instant noodles were invented.  Within the museum are branches of famous ramen restaurants from all over Japan from Kyushu to Hokkaido, each with their own distinctive styles of ramen noodles.
    ramen-museum-6.jpg
  • Nishi Rokugo Koen in Tokyo is affectionately known as Tire Park or "Taiya Koen" made of up used recycled tires of every size in the shape of robots, dragons, swings, bridges, tunnels and mountains. Approximately 3,000 old tires were used to make  the playground, popular with local neighbors and visitors from other parks of Tokyo for its sheer novelty.
    tire-park-1.jpg
  • Nishi Rokugo Koen in Tokyo is affectionately known as Tire Park or "Taiya Koen" made of up used recycled tires of every size in the shape of robots, dragons, swings, bridges, tunnels and mountains. Approximately 3,000 old tires were used to make  the playground, popular with local neighbors and visitors from other parks of Tokyo for its sheer novelty.
    tire-park-2.jpg
  • Nishi Rokugo Koen in Tokyo is affectionately known as Tire Park or "Taiya Koen" made of up used recycled tires of every size in the shape of robots, dragons, swings, bridges, tunnels and mountains. Approximately 3,000 old tires were used to make  the playground, popular with local neighbors and visitors from other parks of Tokyo for its sheer novelty.
    tire-park-3.jpg
  • Japanese university festivals are annual events held by most schools in Japan at which their students display their everyday achievements. Prospective students may come to see what the school and atmosphere are like. .However, most people who visit these cultural festivals come just for fun. Food is served, and often classrooms or gymnasiums are transformed into temporary restaurants or cafés. Dances, concerts and plays are usually performed by  by various clubs such as the dance club, the orchestra club or the drama club..The "bunkasai" is intended to be a fun event, but it is also intended to enrich people's lives by increasing social interaction. Cultural festivals are frequently depicted in Japanese animation and manga, with an increasing number of students dressing up in costume play outfits.
    costume-play-maids-04.jpg
  • Japanese university festivals are annual events held by most schools in Japan at which their students display their everyday achievements. Prospective students may come to see what the school and atmosphere are like. .However, most people who visit these cultural festivals come just for fun. Food is served, and often classrooms or gymnasiums are transformed into temporary restaurants or cafés. Dances, concerts and plays are usually performed by  by various clubs such as the dance club, the orchestra club or the drama club..The "bunkasai" is intended to be a fun event, but it is also intended to enrich people's lives by increasing social interaction. Cultural festivals are frequently depicted in Japanese animation and manga, with an increasing number of students dressing up in costume play outfits.
    japanese-university-festival-1.jpg
  • Costume Play Maids - A wide variety of "costume play" getups are shown here: goths, cartoon characters from Japanese manga, anime,  the sweet-and-innocent frilly look or combinations in between (goth lolly)  Every Sunday, these cosplay characters converge on Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Most casual observers say that cosplay is a reaction to the rigid rules of Japanese society. But since so many cosplay girls congregate in Harajuku and Aoyama - Tokyo headquarters of Fendi, Hanae Mori and Issey Miyake, others consider it is a reaction to high fashion. Whatever the cause, cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes every Sunday. One wonders what they wear on Monday morning...
    costume-play-maid-2.jpg
  • Shusaku Arakawa designed Reverse Destiny Loft  Apartments in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka in conjunction with his poet partner, Madeline Gins. Painted in bright colors, the building resembles a childrens playground.  Inside, apartments feature rooms with a grainy, surfaced floor that slopes erratically, electric switches are located in unexpected places on the walls so you have to feel around for the right one. One may wonder the purpose for all this, though the architect believes the apartments make you alert and awakens your instincts.  Maybe that's why their web site says the apartment  building is "Dedicated to Helen Keller".
    reverse-destiny-1.jpg
  • Gravestone in the shape of a coffee cup lies at Okunoin, one of the most sacred places in Japan. Presumably this person worked for UCC coffee, and wanted to be remembered this way. People from all over the country who wished to be buried close to Kobo Daishi lie there including former feudal lords, politicians and other prominent personalities. Their graves line the approaches to Okunoin for hundreds of meters throughout the forest.
    okunoin-5.jpg
  • Okunoin is Japan's largest graveyard. People from all over Japan lie buried here including former lords, politicians and other prominent folks.
    okunoin-6.jpg
  • Fugu Restaurant in Dotombori - a district famous for its shops and restaurants and many neon and mechanized signs, including candy manufacturer Glico giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line, giant blowfish and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-8.jpg
  • Dotonbori Hotel has an amazing entrance featuring four columns with faces showing the special qualities in human beings. The face columns act as a landmark and define the hotel's traditional architecture.
    Dotombori-Hotel-3.jpg
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel -The Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka welcomes guests with an amazing entrance featuring four huge columns with faces depicting the special qualities in human beings. The face columns act as a landmark and define the hotel's traditional architecture.
    Dotombori-Hotel-2.jpg
  • Faces at Dotonbori Hotel in Osaka with an amazing entrance featuring four huge columns with faces depicting the special qualities in human beings. The face columns act as a landmark and define the hotel's traditional architecture.
    Dotombori-Hotel-1.jpg
  • Dotonbori is famous for its shops and restaurants displaying neon and mechanized signs, notably moving giant crabs and candy manufacturer Glico giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line -  and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-7.jpg
  • Dotombori Street running alongside the Dotonbori Canal between the Dotonboribashi Bridge and the Nipponbashi Bridge in Osaka. Dotonbori is famous for its historic theaters, its shops and restaurants and its many neon and mechanized signs, including candy manufacturer Glico giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line, moving giant crabs and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-6.jpg
  • Glico Sign at Dotombori a district, famous for its neon and mechanized signs, including candy manufacturer Glico's giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line, moving giant crabs and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-1.jpg
  • Dotombori American Clown -  famous for its historic theaters, its shops and restaurants and its many neon and mechanized signs, including candy manufacturer Glico giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line, moving giant crabs and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-5.jpg
  • Takoyaki Restaurant in Dotombori - pleasure district famous for its historic theaters, its shops and restaurants and its many neon and mechanized signs, including demons, moving giant crabs and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-2.jpg
  • Dragon Noodles at Dotombori- a district famous for its historic theaters, its shops and restaurants and its many neon and mechanized signs, including candy manufacturer Glico giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line, giant blowfish and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-4.jpg
  • Don Quixote Discount Shop in Dotombori - a former pleasure district famous for its historic theaters, its shops and restaurants and many neon and mechanized signs, including candy manufacturer Glico giant electronic display of a runner crossing the finish line, moving giant crabs and other dramatic kitsch.
    dotombori-3.jpg
  • The bright yellow pumpkin covered with a pattern of black dots stands about two meters high. Created by Kusama Yayoi in 1994 it has  served as a symbol of the entire Naoshima art project and over time it has been joined by other pieces integrated with Naoshima's landscape. EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY - LICENSING OUTSIDE JAPAN ONLY
    naoshima-public-art-6.jpg
  • Industrial Air Pollution in Keihin - The Keihin Region or keihin chiho is the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki. Most of it is along Tokyo Bay near Kawasaki.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears artistic, depending on your point of view. Despite the pollution, it has become a tourist attraction in Japan.  The city of Kawasaki is advertising it, rather than hiding it, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    air-pollution-2.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-8.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-7.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-6.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-5.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-4.jpg
  • The Keihin region or keihin chiho refers to the industrial region of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaki though most of it is clustered around Kawasaki along Tokyo Bay.  Keihin is one of the important industrial districts in Japan with huge factories lit up at night which appears as a kind of efficient artwork, almost, depending on your point of view.  In recent years, despite its pollution, it has become something of a tourist attraction in Japan.  In fact the city of Kawasaki is promoting it as such these days, with boat cruises and guided tours of the factories.
    keihin-industrial-3.jpg
Next