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  • 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-8.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
  • 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-2.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
  • 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
  • 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-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-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
  • 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
  • Phuket Fantasea is cultural and entertainment theme park at Kamala Beach Phuket.  The park features various attractions with a focus on Thai culture and myths. Classical dances from Thailand’s regions play a prominent part in the theme park's signature show.  Some have described Phuket Fantasea as a Las-Vegas-style spectacle blending Thai culture with 4-D effects, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances all in one unique theatrical show.  Fantasea adds a whole new spin on theme park entertainment, with attractions not found elsewhere in the world
    phuket-fantasea-3.jpg
  • Sand Bath at Beppu - A group of friends or family can enjoy being immersed in the hot sand bath together. A distinctly unique experience, having to have a bath after your sand bath to get rid of the sand.  Still, the experience will ease the muscles by sinking in the warm sand while gazing over the vast, blue ocean
    beppu-sand-bath-2.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-12.jpg
  • Literally hundreds of penises or rather phallus statue or statuettes from small wooden carvings to big stone sculptures that stand ten feet tall and decorated with ribbons - make this shrine quite unique. It honors Chao Mae Tubtim, a female fertility spirit. Women visit this shrine when they are trying to conceive, leaving offerings of lotus and jasmine.
    tuptim-shrine-5.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-1.jpg
  • Sake Bath at Kowakien Yunessun - a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and specialty baths such as this sake bath.
    yunessun-sake-bath.jpg
  • Public art in the context of natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become famous around Japan, as a part of the Benesse House Art Project.  Today you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island. EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY - LICENSING OUTSIDE JAPAN ONLY
    naoshima-public-art-3.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-7.jpg
  • Sunken Boat at Benesse House Beach -Showing public art  in the natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become a popular theme in Japan.  The Benesse House Art Project you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island.
    naoshima-public-art-2.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-13.jpg
  • Green Tea Bath at Yunessun Springs, Hakone - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-tea-bath-2.jpg
  • Showing public art in the natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become famous around Japan.  Today you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island.
    naoshima-public-art-1.jpg
  • Phuket Fantasea is cultural and entertainment theme park at Kamala Beach Phuket.  The park features various attractions with a focus on Thai culture and myths. Classical dances from Thailand’s regions play a prominent part in the theme park's signature show.  Some have described Phuket Fantasea as a Las-Vegas-style spectacle blending Thai culture with 4-D effects, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances all in one unique theatrical show.  Fantasea adds a whole new spin on theme park entertainment, with attractions not found elsewhere in the world
    phuket-fantasea-2.jpg
  • Coffee Bath at Kowakien Yunessun - a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and specialty baths such as this coffee bath with real coffee ceremonially dumped on bathers shoulders.
    yunessun-coffee-bath-1.jpg
  • Showing public art  in the natural surroundings of Naoshima island has become famous around Japan, as a part of the Benesse House Art Project.  Today you can find many examples of works unique to Naoshima scattered around the island. EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY - LICENSING OUTSIDE JAPAN ONLY
    naoshima-public-art-5.jpg
  • Every Easter Sunday, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco's beloved sect of cross-dressing nuns, host The Hunky Jesus Competition in Dolores Park - celebrating people who take the look of "our lord and savior" and transform it into "our lord and sexy."  The sisters believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose bigotry and ignorance.  The Hunky Jesus Competition is the highlight of the Sisters' free Easter party that's been going on in the Mission's premiere public space for over three decades. These events bring all all the drag queens and even a few designers in the city because of features such as a bonnet contest and drag performances..  One of those only-in-San-Francisco events.
    hunky-jesus-contest-16.jpg
  • Phuket Fantasea is cultural and entertainment theme park at Kamala Beach Phuket.  The park features various attractions with a focus on Thai culture and myths. Classical dances from Thailand’s regions play a prominent part in the theme park's signature show.  Some have described Phuket Fantasea as a Las-Vegas-style spectacle blending Thai culture with 4-D effects, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances all in one unique theatrical show.  Fantasea adds a whole new spin on theme park entertainment, with attractions not found elsewhere in the world
    phuket-fantasea-1.jpg
  • Coffee Bath at Yunessun Springs, Hakone - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-coffee-bath-2.jpg
  • Phuket Fantasea is cultural and entertainment theme park at Kamala Beach Phuket.  The park features various attractions with a focus on Thai culture and myths. Classical dances from Thailand’s regions play a prominent part in the theme park's signature show.  Some have described Phuket Fantasea as a Las-Vegas-style spectacle blending Thai culture with 4-D effects, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances all in one unique theatrical show.  Fantasea adds a whole new spin on theme park entertainment, with attractions not found elsewhere in the world
    phuket-fantasea-4.jpg
  • Green Tea Bath at Yunessun Springs, Hakone - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-tea-bath-1.jpg
  • Wine Bath at Yunessun Springs - Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs spa resort and water amusement park located in the scenic surroundings of Hakone.  With a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen hot springs and water recreation and activities such as pools, slides, and man-made waterfalls.  Yunessun also has some wacky baths such as the coffee bath, sake bath, wine bath and even a green tea bath.
    yunessun-wine-bath-1.jpg
  • The Exploratorium created the hands on movement among museums.  There are about a thousand museums in the world that trace themselves to the Exploratorium in terms of exhibits or programs. This innovative museum of science, art, human perception and technology provides for even those with the most limited scientific knowledge and gives them back the joy of discovery. It is an experience that inspires young and old to understand science and nature.<br />
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a public educational institution for peoples of all ages. Its audience numbers over 20 million each year, as its exhibits travel to science centers and other locations worldwide. At least 90 percent of the nation’s other science museums have borrowed ideas from Exploratorium exhibits or programs.
    exploratorium-1.jpg
  • The Exploratorium created the hands on movement among museums.  There are about a thousand museums in the world that trace themselves to the Exploratorium in terms of exhibits or programs. This innovative museum of science, art, human perception and technology provides for even those with the most limited scientific knowledge and gives them back the joy of discovery. It is an experience that inspires young and old to understand science and nature.<br />
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a public educational institution for peoples of all ages. Its audience numbers over 20 million each year, as its exhibits travel to science centers and other locations worldwide. At least 90 percent of the nation’s other science museums have borrowed ideas from Exploratorium exhibits or programs.
    exploratorium-4.jpg
  • Puerto Galera is well known by diving enthusiasts for its coral reefs and professionally run diving operations.; Asia Divers is one of the originals that not only set up dives but offer PADI instruction; and certification.
    diving-equipment.jpg
  • Goa Gajah, commonly known as the Elephant Cave, is located in a steep valley just outside of Ubud near the village of Bedulu.  Built at least 700 years ago the cave was rediscovered in the 1920s.
    goa-gajah-05.jpg
  • Kongsi or "clan halls" are benevolent organizations of popular origin found among overseas Chinese communities.  This type of social practice arose several centuries ago in China. The Chinese word Kongsi is used in modern Chinese to mean a commercial "company"; the modern term for such associations is hui guan literally meaning "meeting hall".  The system of kongsi was utilized by Chinese throughout the diaspora to overcome economic difficulty, social ostracism, and oppression. In today's overseas Chinese communities throughout the world, this approach has been adapted to the modern environment, including political and legal factors. The kongsi is similar to modern business partnerships, but also draws on a deeper spirit of cooperation and consideration of mutual welfare.
    malacca-chinatown-4.jpg
  • Togog with flowers behind the ears and bad teeth - a Balinese togog is a decorative sculpted head, often decorated with flowers.  The faces and expressions taken form from Balinese folk tales and legends.
    balinese-togog-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-1.jpg
  • Beach Toy, Izu Islands
    inflatable-beach-toy-image.jpg
  • Halloween in the San Francisco Castro District
    castro-street.jpg
  • Tokyo Godzilla Statue, Hibiya
    tokyo-godzilla.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
  • La Machine at Minato Mirai, celebrating Yokohama's 150 years as a seaport and Japan's opening to the world.   No ideas why the French "La Machine" spider was invited to participate but it's a crowd pleaser.
    la-machine-spider-3.jpg
  • Mickey Mouse sitting in front of the entrance to the All Russia Exhibition Center in Moscow.
    all-russia-exhibition-1.jpg
  • Godzilla Statue, Ohshima
    godzilla-statue-oshima.jpg
  • Costume Play Maids are a classic stand-by of cosplayers.  Every Sunday, cosplay characters of various types meet up in Harajuku, Tokyo's fashion quarter. Cosplay aficionados put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes. Cosplay maids were once de rigeur, with semi-sexual connotations but have fallen out of favor with the cosplayers for this very reason.
    costume-play-maid-1.jpg
  • The SM Mall of Asia, also known as MOA, is a shopping mall owned by the SM Group, the largest mall developer in the Philippines. Mall of Asia is the 2nd largest shopping mall in the Philippines and occupies more than 410,000 square meters. The mall is located on Manila Bay and attracts daily foot traffic of 200,000 people and even more  on weekends.
    mall-of-asia-4.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
  • Lantau Island, also Lantao, is the largest island in Hong Kong, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.  Originally the site of sleepy fishing villages, in recent years has been increasingly developed.
    lantau-5.jpg
  • Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-villa-5.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
  • For the true portside experience, Yamashita Park, has always been a favorite promenade along the harbour. Here, landlubbers can enjoy the port’s maritime breezes without even boarding one of the ferries or ships from around the world that dock at the port.
    yamashita-park-2.jpg
  • A Balinese togog, this one with an extremely long tongue,  is a decorative sculpted head, often decorated with flowers.  The facial expressions taking form from Balinese folk tales and legends.
    balinese-togog-1.jpg
  • Americamura Mural - Amerikamura or American Village is usually referred to by locals in Osaka as "Ame-mura." It is a retail and entertainment area near Shinsaibashi in Minami district of Osaka, and caters to young Japanese consumers with countless clothing shops carrying the latest trendy goods.  Though Japanese high schools are notoriously strict in their dress codes, overlooked are accessories such as flashy charms to dangle from cellphones, exotic socks or mufflers and hats that can be put on before or after school.
    america-mura-1.jpg
  • Amerikamura or American Village is usually referred to by locals in Osaka as "Ame-mura." It is a retail and entertainment area near Shinsaibashi in Minami district of Osaka, and caters to young Japanese consumers with countless clothing shops carrying the latest trendy goods.  Though Japanese high schools are notoriously strict in their dress codes, overlooked are accessories such as flashy charms to dangle from cellphones, exotic socks or mufflers and hats that can be put on before or after school.
    america-mura-3.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
  • 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
  • Colourful  balloons, including one that says "I love you" for sale in Red Square, Moscow.  What was formerly a grim symbol of Soviet dominance, has developed a lighthearted air in recent years.
    moscow-red-square-1.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
  • 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
  • Tiger car at Haw Par Villa - a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-tiger-car-1.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-2.jpg
  • At various festivals around the Japanese Islands, shishimai dances are performed to consecrate the festival ground and open the festival. A wooden lion mask and wooly-looking costume of woven and dyed banana/choma strips is worn, and the dance is performed to loud music featuring gongs, drums, bells, flutes, sanshin, and various other instruments. Some lion dances feature two or more dancers.
    shishimai-6.jpg
  • Ginza is known as an upscale area of Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. Many upscale fashion flagship stores are located here, including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton....  In recent years extraordinary architecture has gone up including the De Beers Building, Mikimoto Building among others.  Ginza is named after the silver-coin mint established there in 1612 during the Edo period..
    mikimoto-ginza-2.jpg
  • Statue of a locally prominent politician Datuk Wira Gan Boon Leong. He was once possessed the title of 'Mr. Universe', 'Mr. Asia' and 'Mr. Malaysia' in body building. This statue is located just in front of his body building academy in Malacca Chinatown.
    gan-boon-leong-1.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
  • 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
  • Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco. The name reflects the fact that the race starts a few blocks from San Francisco Bay and runs west through the city to finish at the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach. The race is 12 kilometers long and takes place on the third Sunday in May and more of a costume party than a real marathon.
    bay-to-breakers-2.jpg
  • Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-villa-10.jpg
  • Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungus, as well as minerals, shells and certain animals such as snakes or scorpions.
    vietnamese-snake-wine-2.jpg
  • Costume Play Animation Characters - 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-8.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
  • Coloful, cheerful balloons at the previously grim All Russia Exhibition Center in Moscow.
    all-russia-exhibition-3.jpg
  • Harajuku Goth Lollies - A combination of Goths and Lolitas blending a bit of innocence with a tad of mysterious evil.  Every Sunday cosplay characters meet in Harajuku Tokyo's fashion area to show their latest creations.  It makes you wonder what they wear on Monday mornings to work...
    costume-play-goths-1.jpg
  • 52.6 Okunoin 奥の院 is the place where Kobo Daishi - the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of the most revered persons in the history of Japan, rests in eternal meditation.  Okunoin is considered one of the most sacred places in Japan and is surrounded by Japan's largest graveyard. People from all over Japan lie buried here, including former feudal lords, politicians and other prominent personalities.
    52.6.KII-KOYASAN-09.jpg
  • The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a protest and street performance organization that uses drag and religious imagery to call attention to sexual intolerance and satirize issues of gender and morality.  At their inception in 1979, a small group of gay men in San Francisco began wearing nun attire in visible situations using high camp to draw attention to social conflicts and problems in the Castro District.The Sisters have grown throughout the U.S. and are currently organized as an international network of orders, which are mostly non-profit charity organizations that raise money for AIDS, LGBT-related causes, and mainstream community service organizations, while promoting safer sex and educating others about the harmful effects of drug use and other risky behaviors. In San Francisco alone where they continue to be the most active, between 1979 and 2007 the Sisters are credited with raising over $1 million for various causes.
    sisters-of-perpetual-indulgence-1.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
  • Manila Street Fashion - Hat Contest - Waiters at this al fresco restaurant in Green Belt Makati hold a hat contest every year during the Chrismtas holidays.  This year's theme is "recycling".  Nothing explains the Filipino character better than the word exhuberance.  A passion for costumes, dressing up, funny hats and beauty pageants makes the Philippines a natural when it comes to street fashion.  Although the country's hot, humid climate usually requires casual, comfortable clothing, there is usually a bit of flair added for extra value and fun.
    manila-street-fashion-07.jpg
  • Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace which takes place in San Francisco. The name reflects the fact that the race starts a few blocks from San Francisco Bay and runs west through the city to finish at the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach. The race is 12 kilometers long and takes place on the third Sunday in May and more of a costume party than a real marathon.
    bay-to-breakers-1.jpg
  • Rakan statues represent the 500 disciples of Buddha. Although many Buddhist sculptures are carved to represent exquisite beauty or terrifying ferociousness, rakan almost always seem to be carved in the spirit of humour and good fun
    rakan-zentsuji-1.jpg
  • Haw Par Villa is a one-of-a-kind theme park in Singapore with over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology,  Confucian stories, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the park was built by the Burmese-Chinese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par  who were the developers of Tiger Balm ointment. They created the park in 1937 for teaching the public traditional Chinese values. The most renowned attraction at Haw Par Villa is the Ten Courts of Hell featuring gruesome depictions of hell in  Buddhism and Chinese mythology.
    haw-par-villa-9.jpg
  • Agung Rai Museum or ARMA as it is known in Ubud is more than a museum. It is a center for the arts, and provides opportunities to enjoy the permanent collections, special temporary exhibitions, theatre performances, dance, music, and painting classes.  There is also a library and reading room, and the museum offers regular cultural workshops, seminars and training programmes in its spacious grounds.
    arma-museum-05.jpg
  • A Balinese togog is a decorative sculpted head, often decorated with flowers.  The faces and expressions taking form from Balinese folk tales and legends.
    balinese-togog-3.jpg
  • Teruhisa Kitahara's collection of 3,000 tin toys produced from the 1890's to the 1960's is displayed here. Christmas goods can be purchased at any time of the year at 'Christmas Toys'.
    kitahara-toy-museum-5.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.
    naoshima-public-art-4.jpg
  • Manila Street Fashion - Nothing explains the Filipino character better than the word exhuberance.  A passion for costumes, dressing up, funny hats and beauty pageants makes the Philippines a natural when it comes to street fashion.  Although the country's hot, humid climate usually requires casual, comfortable clothing, there is usually a bit of flair added for extra value and fun.
    manila-street-fashion-02.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
  • The Snake Temple in Penang was build in the memory of Chor Soo Kong by a Buddhist monk who had immigrated to Penang. Chor Soo Kong had healing powers and had given shelter to snakes when he lived in the jungle. As the story goes, snakes entered the temple after completing and have never left to pay respect to Chor Soo Kong. The Snake Temple original name was the "Temple of the Azure Cloud" in honor of the beauty of Penang's sky. The temple is dedicated to a deity called Cheng Swee Chor Soo.
    snake-temple-01.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
  • The Mall of Asia, also known as MOA, is  the second largest shopping mall in the Philippines and occupies more than 410,000 square meters. The mall is located on Manila Bay and attracts daily foot traffic of 200,000 people.  Besides a huge array of shops, there is also entertainment such as mimes and even a Mall of Asia marching band that troupes through every hour or so...
    mall-of-asia-1.jpg
  • Street Artist, French Quarter, Jackson Square
    jackson-square-street-performer.jpg
  • Colorful Pants Display at Chatuchak Market - sometimes called the Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand, and one of the largest of the world.  It covers over 35 acres and contains more than 5,000 stalls not counting wandering vendors and street entertainers. On a good day the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors. The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods and even live animals.
    chatuchak-12.jpg
  • Reptile wine, root wines and plum wines are all good for what ails you. According to the Vietnamese they "make you strong".   Each street in Hanoi's old quarter has merchants and artisans specialized in a particular trade such as silk, jewellery, coffee and herbalists. The street names reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce.
    vietnamese-herbalist.jpg
  • Calaveras Candles - Day of the Dead "Dia de los Muertos". The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is celebrated in Mexico and Mexican communities where it attains the quality of a National Holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day  and All Souls' Day. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts.
    calaveras-candles.jpg
  • Rakan statues represent the 500 disciples of Buddha. Although many Buddhist sculptures are carved to represent exquisite beauty or terrifying ferociousness, rakan almost always seem to be carved in the spirit of humour and good fun
    rakan-zentsuji-4.jpg
  • One of the quirkiest, yet most interesting attractions in Vientiane would have to be Xieng Khuan, commonly called "Buddha Park". Xieng Khuan or "Spirit City" is just as much a monument to one man's eccentric and bizarre ambition as it is an impressive collection of massive ferro-concrete sculptures dotted around a riverside meadow. Although the brontosaurian reclining Buddha and strange edifice resembling a pumpkin - there are statues of every conceivable deity in the Buddhist/Hindu pantheon. Even if you are not up on your Buddhist/Hindu deities you will enjoy strolling around some of the more fantastic shapes.  Xieng Khuan was designed and built in 1958 by Louang Pou Bunleua Sulilat a self style holy man who took Hinduism and Buddhism and merged them into his own iconography. After the revolution in 1975, he fled from Laos to Thailand where he built another sculpture park, Sala Keoku in Nong Khai.. He fled because his anti-Communist beliefs conflicted with the views of the Pathet Lao.
    xieng-khuan-1.jpg
  • The popular symbolism associated with Daruma as a good luck charm comes from the founder of Daruma-Dera that New Year’s charms depicting Bodhidharma would bring happiness and prosperity and ward off accidents and misfortune. The charms were always given with an effectiveness of one year, so the people required new ones every year.
    daruma-statue.jpg
  • Legendary Sage, Jiang Zi Ya at Haw Par Villa - a wacky theme park in Singapore.  The park has over a thousand statues and a hundred dioramas with scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore and legends.  Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the place was built by the Burmese brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par who were the developers of Tiger Balm. They created the park in 1937 for educating the public about traditional Chinese values.
    haw-par-legendary-sage-1.jpg
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