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.
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