Nice bike

I love these old buildings which seem to be disappearing from many parts of Tokyo---or maybe it's just from my area. I have taken so many photos of this building and the small noodle restaurant, E-Wan, that the cops at the nearby police box are becoming familiar with me.

Taken in Yukigaotsuka, Tokyo.

Wha'cha doing?

Folks in Tokyo are not especially well-known for open friendliness toward strangers---especially when the stranger is non-Japanese.

However, sometimes when I am out with a camera people who would normally never approach me will suddenly become very talkative. Usually they are older people, but occasionally even the munchkins can't resist:

"What are you doing?" he asked as he rushed over to the spot where I was taking photos.

"Taking pictures," I replied.

He watched me for a few seconds before running over to stare at the scene, apparently wondering what was so special about the bike that I'd be photographing it.

Seseragi Park

The momiji--Japanese maple trees--are finally at peak color in this area of Tokyo. Taken on a nice cool Sunday morning which was a welcome break from the unseasonably warm weather we have had recently.

Neighbors chatting

While I was taking this, an old lady came up to me and said in English, "Old house." Then, apparently exhausting her English---or her patience with it for the day---she asked in Japanese, "Do you know it's a tatami shop?"

I did, but I was happy that she asked. Older folks often come up to me and talk when I am taking photos, something that ain't so common on other occasions in Tokyo.

Something to sing about

or not. She seemed to be enjoying herself on her walk through this part of Denenchofu. Maybe it was the end of the hot, humid summer?

Daito Moriyama

Sprinting for the line

Well, the red light which had already turned red before he even started.

There has been a well-advertised cycling boom in Tokyo over the last year or so. Now many have taken their "mama-chari" riding "skills" (??!!!) to road bikes at higher speeds and the number of accidents has been increasing.

At least this fellow was not on the sidewalk...

That's an old tailor shop he's passing.

After school

Students practicing lacrosse on the Tama River.

Last days of summer

A relatively cool---for Tokyo---summer is coming to an end. That means flu season will be here early this year.

Tama River, Tokyo side. Shinmaruko in Kanagawa prefecture is in the background.

Summer break

School will be back in soon. Not sure many kids wanna see that.

Summer Winds

Rainy season is officially over, I heard. It seems to have be a bit windier than usual recently and it ain't even close to typhoon season yet. It has made for some very interesting skies and clouds.

Kawasaki Station

From the police box behind Kawasaki station at Kawasaki city.