There never seemed to be any time in Tokyo to blog … not because I was out seeing the sites, far from it, I barely left Ikebukuro (where we were performing) but any time left after researching our houses project was absorbed by preparing for the live events – even though most of our role was documentation.
The two ‘tourist’ trips we did make were interesting, if a little disappointing. Despite having revved myself up for Cat World (at the top of Tokyu Hands) in reality it was rather unremarkable, aside from the eye watering smell inside - which most Japanese visitors seemed to be ignoring. A cross between a local vets waiting room, a cat rescue home and a slightly shonky theme park even my love of cats couldn’t make me into a fan of ‘Nekobukuro’. The Japanese obsession with all things kawaii (cute) just doesn’t go far enough, in my opinion. I wanted the cats to be practically operating the oven in ‘cat kitchen’ or at least wearing outfits, not just lying in baskets in loosely themed areas.
Our other slightly misguided, but highly enjoyable, detour was the very long off-route journey to Edo Wonderland, that we enjoyed on the way back to Toge. Fortunately Jamie had somehow managed to escape the clutches of our Ikebukuro host and his karaoke habit (‘Funky Monkey Baby …’) which the rest of us had encouraged until 4am. Too over tired for an immediate return to the village, Jamie and the on-board ‘Navi’ (computer says yes) took us to Wonderland.
Bearing in mind Karen and I have recently been subject to the rigors of the stringent ‘authenti’ rules of a Kentwell re-creation (hand-sewn costumes, only Tudor food, all conversation conducted in ‘Tudorese’ in the first person etc.) the shameless wigs, nylon ninja and rows of retail outlets that line main street Edo Wonderland were a bit of an eye opener. As Tim commented it was more Isle of White circa 1980 that Japan circa 1700!
We did, however, at last get the chance to try out our costumed 7 Samurai photo opportunity … the hilarity could only have been increased if we’d still had Ben, Marcus and Barney for company … although there wouldn’t have been enough bad wigs to go round. The 2 kimono clad ladies who ran the joint offered a stern service and the minute we’d slipped of the plastic shoes and had our wigs removed (‘don’t touch the hair’) the computer printout in special display frame was in our hands as we were firmly directed towards the exit from Edo Wonderland. The giant Samurai cat put up a good show at the exit though.
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