Halloween in Shibuya!

Shibuya "welcomes" you to Halloween. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Tuesday, October 31, marked the return of Halloween to Shibuya. Unlike previous years, the presence of police and random security guards was beefed up to absurd proportions, resulting in incessant shouting and whistle-blowing from these so-called authorities. If you stood in place for more than a couple of seconds, you were hounded until you moved on. If you wanted to stop to take a picture, some rando sporting a uniform would get in your face and demand you keep walking. 

Still, despite the best efforts of Shibuya City to ruin everyone's Halloween, it seems a lot of people still managed to have a good time. I sure do hope they tone down the jackboots next year, though. It's really not a good look for Shibuya's powers that be, who otherwise try to project a "friendly" image. Anyway, with that stupidity out of the way, let's check out some highlights!

'Godzilla Minus One' Ballyhoo Stomps into Shibuya!

Toho Cinemas Shibuya. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While out and about in Shibuya on Halloween, I did manage to notice some promotion for Godzilla Minus One (2023). The photo above was, naturally, at Toho Cinemas Shibuya. 

The photo above was a Koala mattress advertisement with a promotional tie-in for Minus One inside Shibuya Station. Now you too can sleep like Godzilla!

SPECTREMAN: Coming to the Rescue at a Train Station Near You!

A Spectreman toy dispenser in Shibuya Station. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While messaging a friend of mine in the U.S., he told me about the Spectreman (1971-72) toy dispensers that are currently making the rounds in Japan. I hadn't seen one but was intrigued. My buddy, with whom I'm doing a trade, asked for one of the toys from one if I could one.

Well, as luck would have it, I had to pass through Shibuya Station today, and, as I was about to get on the Yamanote Line, I noticed a whole row of toy dispensers. So I took a quick look-see, and I instantly found one of the Spectreman dispensers.

Naturally, I got one for my friend, but he'll have to open it and tell me what it was. I didn't get one for myself, as cool as these things look, because, well, I'm really trying to cut down on clutter. Besides, I only had enough change in my pocket for one. Ah, well. At least I have these photos to look back on!

Sting Invades Shibuya Station to Take on The Great Muta!

Sting vs. The Great Muta at Shibuya Station! Photo by Brett Homenick.

On the way home tonight, I spotted this cool advertisement in Shibuya Station. As a big pro wrestling fan (well, of '90s wrestling, anyway), it was quite a surprise to see Sting, one of WCW's top stars, prominently featured in a poster there. I really wish I could attend this event, but I already have plans for this weekend, so it's not going to happen, sadly. But I'd love to see Sting wrestle in person -- and, at his age, there won't be very many other opportunities! Oh, well. Seeing the poster itself was fun enough, though. Here's what I saw. Enjoy!

Spotted in Shibuya Station!

A Shin Ultraman toy vending machine in Shibuya. Photo by Brett Homenick.

While I was in Shibuya Station on Friday, August 19, I spotted this Shin Ultraman toy vending machine. It's sure fun to look at, but I saved my money.

Netflix and Chill with Ultraman!

Seen in Shibuya Station on Tuesday, April 26.

HACHIKO & FRIEND! Shibuya's Loyal Canine Meets a New Feline Companion!

Shibuya's Hachiko statue gets an unexpected visitor. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

While waiting for a friend at Shibuya Station's famed Hachiko statue, a man put his cat on the statue, which caused hordes of people to pull out their cameras and start taking pictures. Naturally, I was one of them. Here are the results. Enjoy!

A SURPRISE MEETING IN SHIBUYA! Seeing Ultra-Actress Keiko Nishi at the Hachiko Statue!

A selfie's worth a thousand words! Taking a picture with Ultraman Ace actress Keiko Nishi in Shibuya.

Tonight, while waiting to meet a friend at the Hachiko Statue in Shibuya, I suddenly noticed a familiar face standing just a few feet away. It was actress Keiko Nishi, who played TAC member Noriko Mikawa on Ultraman Ace (1972-73)!

I've met Nishi-san many times in the last few years, but this one was completely unplanned! We had a good laugh about our chance encounter. We took a few photos, and then we both went on with our scheduled appointments.

Many thanks to Nishi-san for spending a few surprise moments with me at the Hachiko Statue!

A FAMILIAR FACE IN SHIBUYA STATION! Daniel Kahl Will Help you Discover Bunraku!

While walking through Shibuya Station today, I happened upon this poster and snapped the above photo. Daniel Kahl, a famous TV personality in Japan, appears prominently on the poster. Kahl played Major Spielberg in Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991), and he remains an active presence in Japanese media to this day.

Of all the Western actors in the film, Daniel Kahl and Kent Gilbert are by far the busiest and popular performers. Others have moved on to different careers.

Congrats, Daniel!

The (Non-)Mystery of the Missing Tokyu Department Store

Shibuya Hikarie towers over Shibuya Station as night approaches Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I recently read something elsewhere that a tourist wrote about a recent trip to Shibuya Station. I couldn't help but laugh, as the poor guy clearly didn't know what he was talking about.

The person in question marveled at the missing Tokyu department store and made an assumption that the structure is being demolished as part of the train station's renovation.

In short: No. Not even close. The department store was replaced by Shibuya Hikarie, the skyscraper on the left side of the above photo. Tokyu finished it in 2012, and it's something that residents have been well aware of for years. There was even a Godzilla exhibit hosted there last year!

Could it be that some people still haven't heard of Google? Hm...