Cocoon Tower – Shinjuku

I took this snapshot of the gorgeous Cocoon Tower in the heart of Shinjuku West, 西新宿. This building is home to 10 000 students in three universities during the daytime but at night it serves as the perfect waiting spot for the long distance coaches going from Tokyo to cities all over the country. Is there a better view from a bus stop in Japan? I think not. Here is a high resolution image if you would like to use it for your computer desktop.

This Winter’s Fashion Item?

I’ve been searching for months what the fashion item most popular here in Tokyo this autumn is but there doesn’t seem to be anything, not like the stockings of two years ago or the fur boots of last year’s. But I think I have a clue: the slouch hat! I see maybe once a day on the streets of Tokyo’s more fashionable areas, more so than any other headwear, so although it is not much of a trend, it’s certainly something! I am a little bit miffed that my deer stalker prediction hasn’t come true yet though! I saw this young lady in Shinjuku early this month.

SPEC – Comedy Stilt Walkers

Here’s another very funny stilt walking performance in Shinjuku from Earlier this autumn. You might remember this guy from an earlier posting! These three were more comic than awe inspiring though. They each had a gimmick – the Elvis, the Disco dancer and the Jazz man. In their performance they serenade any pretty girl they can find, terrorize school girls, show off for the guys and generally act up. Elvis had a good time goofing up at the huge glass windows at the Starbucks cafe. Very funny to watch, and loads of non verbal audience interaction. They call themselves SPEC, but I can’t find anything on the net about them. I hope I get to see them again and get to take proper photos of all of them!

Shinjuku Motorcycle Officers

Following up on the beautiful motorcycle police officer a week ago, here’s two of them, in their regular service uniforms patrolling the not so mean streets of Shinjuku! I love seeing these guys on the road, not only do they look great, their presence instantly reduced the speed of traffic on the whole street. Great for us pedestrians!