Christmas in Nakano Sunplaza!

Christmas celebrated in Nakano Sunplaza! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Every Christmas, Nakano Sunplaza has fun Christmas displays, and this year was no exception. Here's what I saw today. Enjoy!

Christmas Comes to Roppongi Hills!

Christmas in Roppongi Hills! Photo by Brett Homenick.

While in Roppongi Hills earlier today (Wednesday, December 7), I spotted a couple of fun Christmas-themed setups in the area. One was sponsored by Amazon Prime, which urged merrymakers to have a "Happy Blue Christmas." Could this be a sly reference to the 1978 Toho sci-fi thriller directed by Kihachi Okamoto? Of course not. But Shin Ultraman (2022) was featured in their advertising. So there's that. Anyway, on to the photos. Enjoy!

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!

The real Santa has arrived! Photo by Brett Homenick.

Earlier today, I attended a Christmas party hosted by the one and only Santa Claus! That's right; he came to Japan directly from the North Pole to stage this event. Well, okay, it wasn't the real Santa Claus per se, but it was just as cool as the genuine article.

In this case, Santa was played by writer Hiroyasu Yamaura, and his Christmas party was quite fun. The first stage consisted of respective harp and synthesizer recitals performing Christmas music. There was also a comedy skit in between the music, featuring two salarymen and their boss. The second stage was basically a dance party. I didn't expect to boogie during the show, but in retrospect, I wouldn't have had it any other way. It was certainly unusual, but it was extremely enjoyable. A great time was had by all!

CHRISTMAS COMES TO FUTAKO-TAMAGAWA! Tis the Season in Tokyo!

Ho ho hodad! Photo by Brett Homenick. 

Last night, I went to Futako-Tamagawa to take in some of the sights at Rise, the shopping center just outside the train station. As you can see, it's already the Christmas season here in Japan!

Merry Christmas and...

... Ho ho ho!

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN STYLE! Memories of a Fun Christmas!

KADOKAWA DAIEI STUDIOS SEZ MERRY CHRISTMAS! Celebrating the Holidays with Gamera and Daimajin!

Tonight I paid a visit to Kadokawa Daiei Studios in Chofu, Tokyo, to photograph the Daimajin statues decked out in their yuletide glory. Here are the photos for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

GRACE MIKA IN CONCERT! The Jazz Chanteuse Wows 'Em in Ginza!

I just returned home from an evening at Cygnus, a live house in Ginza that specializes in jazz. I was invited to come by Grace Mika, an actress-singer whom I've recently come to know.

As expected, Christmas music was well represented, but there were many other types of songs in the lineup. Some patrons got so worked up by the energy of the music that they started dancing in the aisles, and no, this wasn't a dance club!

I had a nice chat with Grace following the performance, and I even got to say hello to some of my other friends in attendance. Given the lateness of the hour, and the fact that I've got work tomorrow, I couldn't stay long, but it was a great evening.

Not only that, but I had the chance to see Ginza's holiday decor. Pretty snazzy, eh?

That's all for now. More will be coming soon!

IT'S STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS! Futako-Tamagawa Gets into the Holiday Spirit!

Last night, I went to Futako-Tamagawa and saw this Christmas tree near the station. I was so impressed that I had to take a few photos. Here they are!

CHRISTMAS IN TOKYO! The Holiday Is Fast Approaching!

It's not even December yet, but train stations all over Tokyo are already getting into the holiday spirit. Last night, I spotted the scenes just above and below in and around Shin-Yurigaoka Station.

The photos below were taken just outside of Mizonokuchi Station. As you can see, the Japanese love Christmas!

CHRISTMAS IN JAPAN! It's Not Even December, But Japan Is Ready!

Colonel Sanders gets into the holiday spirit at KFC. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Thanksgiving hasn't even happened in America yet, but that hasn't stopped a lot of folks in Japan from getting their places of business decked out in Christmas gear. KFCs across Tokyo have dressed their Colonel Sanders statues as Santa Claus, and lots of other Yuletide sights can already be seen across the country. The photos below were taken by me near Daikanyama Station, during both day and night. Needless to say, I was quite impressed. Check them out!