February 4, 2010
January 18, 2010
Sumo!
Key: R20100115-194005 [Nobori (flags) fly outside the Ryogoku Kokugikan (sumo stadium) on a sunny but brisk winter day in Tokyo.]
Key: R20100117-213334-crop [Sumo wrestlers face off in the Ryogoku Kokugikan. Click the image for a bigger view.]
Today was the day I was looking forward to most on my brief trip to Japan. Luckily, my trip coincided with the January two-week sumo tournament in Tokyo and I was determined to go. The stadium was sold out on the weekend, but fortunately I got a ticket for Monday, when most everyone had gone back to work. Not only that, but I got first row on the second level!
Sumo is an ancient sport dating back some 1500 years. The Japanese have carefully protected and preserved the traditions of the sport, resulting in a very unique spectacle for the observer. The atmosphere is very festive with lots of shouting for the favorites and cheering for good bouts. Bentos, sake and beer are on sale along with just about anything else you might want to accompany the show. If you make a trip to Japan I can highly recommend going. My ticket was around Y8200, which was about $90 by in today’s exchange rate. There are cheaper tickets available and the seeing is pretty good from just about anywhere. The ticket is good for the whole day, but unless you want to watch 10 hours of sumo, I recommend going after lunch. Reason? The day starts with the lowest ranked division matches and gradually goes through the higher ranks, finishing with the yokozuna (highest ranked wrestlers) around 6pm. The rituals and costumes get grander and grander through the higher ranks (and the bouts are better too).
January 17, 2010
ごもくめん
ごもくめん, originally uploaded by Eric Jeschke.
Key: R20100115-232703-levels
On a cold winter night in Japan, when you are chilled to the bone, a bowl of ramen is just the cure. And let me tell you folks, if you are unfamiliar with true japanese ramen and only know the pathetic stuff they sell in U.S. supermarkets, this is nothing like that. Good japanese ramen is amazing.
Pictured is “gomoku men” ramen, which has meat, vegetables, noodles and a delicious thick broth. Mmmmm….Oishi, Yo!
January 16, 2010
Tokyo’s Insect Problem
Tokyo’s Insect Problem, originally uploaded by Eric Jeschke.
Key: R20100116-201605
One of the little known secrets about Tokyo that officials are trying to downplay is the "insect problem". Thought to be a result of breeding in the nuclear power plant tower coolers, and escaping into the city sewer system, sights like this are becoming more common. While some residents seem slightly alarmed at the giant radioactive creatures lumbering around, others seem unconcerned.
"This is Tokyo, man; home of Godzilla, for Pete’s sake", said one man, "besides, Japan loves insects!". Indeed, some stores have begun selling giant insect dolls next to the stuffed toys. A theme park has opened up in Odaiba where people can be strapped to the gentle giants and ride around like bumper cars. And in the surest sign of acceptance: a trendy "mushiyaki" restaurant has even opened up in Roppongi Hills. Supposedly it tastes just like chicken.
Asahi Tusk
Photographic pulse confirmed, but weak…
Still, enjoying the city. Hope you don’t mind a few touristy shots…
