Yokahama Mama

Tokyo's port city is Yokahama, just to the south. The preserve of Western Influence since Admiral Perry forced Japan to open its doors to the world in 1859, it was not surprizing to find that it has a very western fell about it. For one thing, the streets are wider and the buidings are more set apart; much as one would find in North American cities. This place, largely leveled in World War II firebombings, is being rebuilt around the scale of the automobile; unique in the area. At left: some of the high-rise buildings crowd in on the floating musuem; the Nippon Maru. In the background the giant ferris wheel and rollercoaster can be spotted.

Now seeking to move beyond its origins as a port city, Yokahama is home to many gaijin, and it is seeking to re-invent itself as both a commerical business centre and as a waterfront entertainment park. An odd combination, but never underestimate the Japanese!

We came across an outdoor skating rink, complete with Zamboni. It was the last day of skating for the year, and many young Japanese were taking the opportunity to try out the blades. There were a wide variety of styles on display, and despite some freightful tumbles, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves!

As an adjuct, the Japanese Chinatown is right next to the port city. Only the Japanese took the model of Chinatown, and improved it - sort of a Chinatown Done Right! The place was so immaculuate that you could have eaten from the street!

Sited Along The Way:

• Right: a businessman taking a little Siesta Break, while the two Clones look after the shop.

• I might agree that the small business is the lifeblood of any economy, but even this seems to be taking it to an extreme! Jay, standing in front of a kid's dollhouse.

• At right; one of the colourful local characters that hang out in front of the shops.

I am not really sure what you would actually do with them, but it is always nice to know that you can get either Times (or is that Limes) 24 hours a day!

• not sure what this is? (at the right), Actually, this is a gas station. The pumps come down from the roof, to save space.

Doug-San In Japan

Saying Sayonara for now!