Sorry again to everyone (if anyone) who reads. The blog has been on the back burner and I haven't posted any serious shit for quite some time. The work is to blame, as well as be being a lazy ass when I have to write anything (probably why I'm a designer). There is quite a lot to catch up on so let's get to it!
I guess I'm going to have to start way back at Christmas. Christmas is not a holiday here, but they sure as hell know how to light the city up with some of the most spectacular illumination displays I have ever seen in my life. Those crazy houses that go all out in Vancouver have nothing on these.
That's just a little taste, but just imagine that almost everywhere.
New Years Eve was nothing special this year, if you don't believe me... the only alcohol I consumed that night was 1 can of beer (no, not a 1 litre can). We went to see some fireworks that we didn't end up seeing because we were late and then headed to the temple I always go to for festivals and celebrations. Threw some money into the box and prayed for good luck in this year (which so far has been off and on).
Right after New Years I finally took the time to head down to Osaka and visit some friends there I haven't seen yet. I didn't get around to many people, but it was good to see the people I did. Osaka is the second biggest area in Japan, but it seems a lot more crowded than Tokyo does. In Tokyo, everything is very big and high, but most of the roads and sidewalks are still quite spacious. I obviously haven't seen much of Osaka, but in the time I spent and the areas I went to... it seems a lot more condensed and packed together. The buildings are shorter and the streets are skinnier, but the people are great and the food is excellent!
The main street running through Shinsaibashi and this was during one of the few not-so-busy times.
The all famous Glico man, this guy gets his picture taken thousands of times a day. Why? I have no idea.
In Tokyo I rarely go out to a club. With all the events in Vancouver, I am just sick of it. But, in Osaka there is one place I just had to go to and I would go to every week if it was in Tokyo. The place is called "Soul Fucktry" no, I'm not lying. Here s the picture to prove it.
My homeboy Johnny in the photo.
This place is amazing. It's funk and soul all night long in the company of the best funk style dancers in Japan and the best old school DJ I have ever heard (DJ Batsu). The vibe is amazing, I have never felt more love in a club than here. Drinks are normal and they have a full food menu in the upstairs lounge. It's small, but that's what makes it great... you almost have to talk to people. I'll be going back again any chance I get.
Here are a few more photos from my time in Osaka.
If you thought the club Soul Fucktry had a weird name, "Would you like to go sit down and have a coffee at the Sex Machine?"
Random street shot, some pyramid. It reminded me of The Da Vince Code.
And finally the sunglasses at night picture. This was my last night there, we went to an all you can drink club. Yes, $30 bucks and from 11pm - 5am you can drink your face off. Dangerous, dirty, got there.
A week after my Osaka trip Johnny came up to Tokyo for the Juste Debout Japan competition and P-1GP (one of the biggest popping and locking battles in Japan). I wish Vancouver could get up to this level, maybe one day. I couldn't make it to the Juste Debout night, but I met up with Johnny and hit up P1. Some ridiculous battles, but not sure if it was worth the 40 bones I had to shell out. Actually, seeing Poppin' Pete and Suga Pop do a showcase was worth it.
Go-go Brothers and Daddy
Two of the hundred people who got on stage and danced their ass off got a DVD. A little girl (8 years old I think) and another guy won. The girl was an amazing dancer. Going to be huge in Japan for popping if she keeps at it!
And lastly for this post... I met some Vancouver people in Tokyo a few weeks ago! It was great to see everyone after so long. I hope to do it again soon, but I have to organize my work and shit here first. Ughhh....
