Osaka In The Rain With Cheap Umbrellas

KitanoTenmangu Shrine I

On the 25th of each month one of the largest flea markets in Kyoto is held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. I stopped by today and took a few pics. More on the way:)

Within Seconds Of Each Other

Sound Clash Japanese Style II

Sound Clash Japanese Style

I caught these cats about a week ago dueling it out at a dance hall reggae sound clash party just off Kiyamichi in downtown Kyoto. It was a smoky night (cigarettes that is) but there was some real talent that graced the stage. When I walked into the spot and heard the selectaz on the stage I would have swore that there were some Jamaicans in the spot doing their thing, but sure enough it was an all Japanese affair mekin' nuff noise in da place. I've got more shots of these dudes in my next post.

Feelin' It!

These cats were off the hook.  The legendary DJ Moni was in Nagoya and I had an opportunity to meet her and witness her amazing skills on the 1's and 2's. I've got pics of Moni coming up soon.

This is Tammi Cool and Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro, a Tokyo based funk band that performed during our Nippon In Black art exhibition.  This was a great performance. 

Night Of The Living Geisha

Last night we took our friends Steve, Sharon and Mariel out to Gion (GEE-OWN) in Kyoto. Gion is a famous Geisha district and it was packed with tourists.  If you are lucky you will see a Geiko (Kyoto's name for Geisha) or Maiko (Geisha apprentices) deftly scurrying along Gion's narrow streets in route to their next appointment where they will delight patrons in the fine arts of entertainment that might include everything from playing music to serving drinks.  Well we got lucky because Maiko and Geiko were out in full force last night  spilling out of restaurants and cabs at a rate faster than anything I had ever witnessed before.  I had my trusty little Lumix LX-3 and I caught a few flicks without flash.  The best camera is truly the one that you have in your hand.  Enjoy!