横浜開国博 • Y-150

Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his Black Ship made several trips to Japan to convince the Empire of Japan to open up it's gates to U.S. trade (as well as ports in Shimoda, Shizuoka and Hakodate, Hokkaido). Yokohama was the key city for the Kanto area and because of this, was introduced to "new" things never seen before in Japan: Silk, light bulbs, western architecture, tools, etc., etc. I am sure the Japanese introduced a lot to the foreigners that sailed in as well.

And so, this year, Yokohama celebrates its 150th year of opening its ports to the rest of the world (June 2nd to be exact). There is so much going on until September 27th: festivities throughout Yokohama, most of which are in the MM21 area, sales, specials, attractions, etc. etc. etc. and a whole lot of people! I'm talking A LOT!! --- like the rush just after a fireworks display at Arakawa or Sumidagawa. Or the rush after Yamanote-sen, Saikyo-sen or KeihinTohoku-sen have been stopped for a few hours and once again put back into service. A lot!

The photo is one thing that I got to see a few weeks ago. An art production from a French designer, "Le Machine - The Spider" is one attraction that is big in the news. This thing is about 20 meters tall (65 feet). It's controlled by man and and even spits out webs from its ass! Of course it's not actually web but water spray instead to look like web. Still cool, if you ask me.

Planet Hollywood

With the economy not being so good and businesses going under here and there, it's a shame that Planet Hollywood Tokyo is no more. Located in Ikspiari at Tokyo Disney Resort, you think it would draw in good crowds of customers on a daily basis. Within the shopping mall at the entrance of Tokyo Disneyland, people are passing day and night by the thousands. But then again, maybe they were not there for the Planet Hollywood food and atmosphere. After all, they are most likely there to buy their Mickey Mouse ears and Donald Duck quacky toys in Disneyland anyway. I believe it was the only one in Japan so it's a shame to see this place go away. It was on my list of places to go but never had made it. Bummer....

This was taken a few years ago.

Hat Man

Hat Man. This guy was on tv just about two weeks ago. He's an older guy (maybe in his 70s) that rides his bike around town showing off his fancy homemade hats. He has hats that are multi colored, light up at night, with hanging ornaments, spinning accessories,...you name it he probably has it (or will be making it real soon). He roams around Naka-ku in Yokohama. Anyway, when they were interviewing him, I remember seeing this guy a long time ago. So I went digging in my photos from the past and sure enough!!...this was taken in 2003 (check out the EXIF) in front of Akarenga Souko (Red Brick Warehouse) in Yokohama. Check out this cool hat made with a pylon and figurines. Would you wear it in public?