Star Wars Chop Sabers

This is not the first time Star Wars and Japanese culture have mixed (see: Darth Vader vs. Japanese Police) but it is a fun combination. Think Geek just told me about these items so it is a mystery that they are sold out. It does say on the Think Geek website that they are imported from Japan though so you may be able to find them over here. I think they would make a great gift for Star Wars fanboys and Japanophiles alike. Officially licensed Star Wars chopsticks. Who’d a thunk? Now you just have to fight over who gets to be Darth Vader.

Santa Claus goes diving at Hakkeijima

Seasonal events are quite common at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and Christmas is no exception. This year they have what looks like a female Santa Claus diving with the white dolphins and giving them presents (food) from her sack. It has been reported as far away as the BBC in England and here is the video they showed.

In the original article they call it Kakkeijima rather than Hakkeijima.

Video: Yokohama Salaryman Dances

It’s not the first time I have seen some strange occurrences in Yokohama but it is one of the first times that I have been quick enough to pull out my mobile phone and switch on the video camera. Pity I didn’t have the presence of mind to check the quality.

This video was taken about 3 or 4 minutes walk from Yokohama Station just outside the building where I occasionally work. It is hard to see but it looked like he was listening to some sort of portable music player.

http://www.vimeo.com/5072052

Zo no Hana Photo Gallery

As mentioned on Yokohama Living, Zo no Hana Park was officially opened on June 2nd and while we couldn’t get down there for the opening ceremony or the events we did get down there to grab a few snaps. It was a little crowded though and we didn’t have much time so we will get back down there for more photos when we get the time. While the park is smaller and plainer than I had imagined it is still a nice addition to Yokohama’s waterfront and it is just a couple of minutes from Aka Renga on foot.

Google Celebrates Yokohama

A bit late telling you about this because I was busy the day it it happened but I did get a screenshot so you can appreciate that even Google could celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the port of Yokohama. As far as I know it was only on google.jp and not other international sites which is a pity but of course better than nothing.

I am guessing the images on the left is a scene of the arrival of Commodore Perry on the shores of Yokohama with an image of one of the Black Ships next to it dominating the picture. The images on the right are reflecting modern Yokohama with an image of Landmark Tower and finally Cosmoworld’s Ferris Wheel.

150 Years of Yokohama in Photos

There is a pretty cool photo gallery on the Mainichi Daily News website showing a selection of photos showing events and scenes from the last 150 years in Yokohama. It is one of the many pieces that have been run by newspapers recently in celebration and support of the 150th Anniversary of the port of Yokohama. Click on the image to go to the Mainichi web site.

If you are interested in Yokohama’s history be sure to check out these four articles from the Japan Times.

• The rise of Japan’s No. 1 gateway
• Newspapers opened eyes in Yokohama
• Chinese immigrants played vital role
• Yokohama — city on the cutting edge

Cuauhtémoc in Yokohama Photo Gallery

The Mexican sail training ship, Cuautemoc, arrived in Yokohama this morning and was welcomed by the Japanese navy. A small greeting ceremony was held.

Read more about Cuautemoc’s visit to Yokohama.

Swine Flu Overreaction

It seems that the media hoopla about the swine flu has increased sales of these protective suit in Japan. While you can still purchase them online (http://www.bougofuku.com) some stores such as Tokyu Hands have already sold out. They say that they mostly sell these items to businesses but recently there have been many purchases by individuals. The suit set comes with gloves and goggles and cost about 3000yen. It might be a good purchase for a fancy dress party.

So don’t worry if you see some guys on the subway wearing these, it’s probably just some idiot who has let the media fueled hysteria affect his better judgment rather than a nuclear fallout.

Read more at Mainichi (Japanese)

Kanamara Matsuri Photo Gallery (2006)

These photos were taken on April 1st, 2006 when my camera was getting repaired and the lens of the camera I was using here was a little dirty so that is why some of the images look a little washed out in places. Don’t know what going on in these photos? Check out this post on the Kanamara Matsuri.

Flower Art Festival Gallery

We at Yokohama Living went over to the Nihon Odori Flower Art Festival that was held over the weekend to take some photos for those of you who weren’t able to attend. It was nice but I was a little disappointed. I don’t know what I was expecting but I know I was expecting something more. The petals of the flowers seemed to have been placed on what amounts to a great big coloring book and for the most part they kept within the lines. It was windy though and I also felt that some of the art wasn’t finished. It was also difficult to get a good view as we had to look at the flower art from the side mostly so it was difficult to get a good angle when shooting. Well, check them out for yourself.

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