Japan This and That

ByThe Skeptical Traveler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c98qdFQF7sw 

Yes, I did pat the statue.The image shows a bronze statue of a jovial figure, likely a deity or a cultural icon, standing on two large sacks. The figure is dressed in traditional attire, including a hat, and is holding a small object, possibly a coin, in its raised right hand. The statue is placed on a red mat, and there are other objects and structures in the background, suggesting it is located in a temple or shrine setting.

The image shows a wooden sign with text in both English and Japanese. The English text reads: "FULFILLMENT OF VARIOUS WISHES NADE-DAIKOKU-SAN (DAIKOKU TO BE PATTED) if you pat this bronze statue 'Nade-Daikoku-san (Daikoku to be patted)', your prayer will be answered." The sign is placed outdoors, and part of another sign with Japanese text is visible above it.

At some of the places I visited you had to leave the shoes out.

The image shows a series of wooden shelves filled with various pairs of shoes. Each shelf has multiple compartments, and each compartment contains a pair of shoes. The shelves are labeled with numbers, likely indicating specific slots for the shoes. The overall setting appears to be organized and orderly.

They say Japan is a safe country and I did not mind leaving the shoes there until I saw this sign. And I started to get very worried about my shoes.

A woven basket is placed against a wall. Attached to the front of the basket is a sign with text in both Japanese and English. The English text reads: "Please take a plastic bag here to carry shoes. In case shoes are lost, we take no responsibility for it." The basket appears to be intended for visitors to place their shoes in, possibly at the entrance of a building.So sometimes they are lost, otherwise why would they have this warning/notice? I suppose they meant ‘stolen’ how could the shoes be lost if you leave them on a rack. And taken by mistake by someone else ?! Everyone should be able to recognize her/his shoes. 

Lots of sake in Meiji Park in TokyoThe image shows a wall of stacked traditional Japanese sake barrels, known as "kazaridaru," which are often seen at Shinto shrines. The barrels are decorated with various colorful labels and Japanese characters. The barrels are arranged in a grid pattern, and the wall is located outdoors, with trees visible in the background.

 and wineThe image shows a series of wooden barrels stacked in a wooden frame structure outdoors. The barrels are arranged in multiple rows and columns, and each barrel has a plaque with text on it. The structure is situated in a wooded area with trees and greenery surrounding it. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the barrels and the ground.

The image shows a sign with text explaining the provenance of Bourgogne wine for consecration at Meiji Jingu. The text describes the historical context of the Meiji period, emphasizing the blending of Japanese spirit and Western knowledge. It mentions the role of Emperor Meiji in promoting modernization while preserving Japanese traditions. The sign also details the donation of wine barrels from Bourgogne, France, facilitated by various individuals and organizations, as a symbol of friendship between France and Japan. The text concludes with a note of gratitude and a hope for continued peace and amity between the two nations.

It is not what you think, it is a Hindu symbol.The image shows a small shrine with three wooden structures, each adorned with white curtains and floral arrangements. The structures are elevated on a concrete platform, and there is a swastika symbol on the front of the platform. The shrine is situated outdoors, surrounded by greenery and a paved area.

Far-right ‘militants’ with the old Imperial flag and blasting patriotic music (I think so)A black van with Japanese text and a large Japanese flag on top is driving through a city street. The van is partially obscured by shadows from an overhead structure. In the background, there are modern buildings with glass windows and various storefronts, including a brightly lit shop with a red and white sign. The street has a pedestrian crosswalk in the foreground.

Smoking lounge (?!)The image shows the entrance to a smoking lounge. The entrance is marked by a large blue sign with white text that reads "SMOKING LOUNGE." There is a smaller sign to the right of the entrance with a smoking symbol and the same text. Inside, there are people visible through the glass doors, and there is a green advertisement or sign in the background. There is also a stand with a signboard in front of the entrance.

Nissan Leaf in a showroom in Tokyo, didn’t see any one on the streets. I read somewhere “So far this year, combined sales of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and Nissan Leaf electric car total less than 10,000 vehicles”. I think they referred to the US market, but I suppose the situation is the same everywhere.A red electric car is shown from the front with its charging port open. The car has a license plate that reads "LEAF." The background includes a person and some indoor elements, suggesting the car is displayed indoors, possibly at an auto show or dealership.

KimonosThree people are standing with their backs to the camera, wearing colorful kimonos with intricate patterns. They are in an outdoor setting with greenery and trees in the background. The kimonos have different floral designs and are tied with obi sashes. The scene appears to be serene and traditional.

I was in Kyoto in the bus going to the train station and I said why leave now, I have a one day bus pass so let’s take advantage of it and  see more of the city. So I got off the bus at a random station and there …The image shows a sign with Chinese characters and an illustration of Jesus Christ with his arms open. Above the sign, there is a large cross. The background includes a tall building and a cloudy sky.

 

2 Comments

  1. I moved to Japan 10 years ago and never had a days trouble with the nationalists. They are noisy and annoying but that seems to be about it.

    The photo you have of them looks to be somewhere around Roppongi, under that elevated highway. Is that right?

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