Koenji 高円寺

Another from Star Case

2012-01-18T03:44:00.001-08:00

Another shot from the entrance of the best shop in Koenji, and indeed Tokyo.

Insert coins to move

2012-01-18T03:37:00.000-08:00

Koenji's best street performer.

He remains motionless until you pop some money into his hat and watch him go.

Can be found day or night at random times throughout the day.

A Beacon of Rebirth Poster Project

2011-09-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

I came across this gallery in Tokyo.

The website explains it clearly, so if you have time make sure that you go to it:

http://fukkou-noroshi.jp/
http://fukkou-noroshi.jp/en/

From the North exit of Koenji station, turn left and head towards McDonalds and keep going under the train tracks next to Central Road.
You'll come across an ethnic goods shop and a record store. Go inside.
The gallery is against the far wall.

Apparently you can take a poster.

11th March 2011

2011-08-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

When the big earthquake struck in March, I was aboard a train.
Not my best memory of Japan that, but certainly one that will stick in my mind.
I was on my way back to Koenji, between Kichijoji and Nishi Ogikubo stations.
When we were finally evacuated safely from the train the only way back was on foot...

Knowing how old and rundown a lot of the buildings are in Koenji, I wondered if any of them had been unable to withstand 5 minutes of an incredibly strong quake.

To my surprise and relief, the damage was minimal.

This, from what I could tell, was the worst of the damaged bulidings.
The outer wall had collapsed.
I took the pic on the 12th March.

55th Koenji Awaodori

2011-08-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

The 55th Koenji Awaodori kicks off on the last weekend of August.

Recent years have seen the sweltering humidity beaten into submission from torrential rain, but that didn't put anyone off.

If you want some good street photos, be sure to get there early on the 27/28 August.

The actual dancing starts at 3pm both days instead of the usual 6pm. All part of Japan's continued reduction of electrcity outage

I'm posting up a pic that I took a few years ago.

One house near to my flat had put up two posters on their wall advertising the Awaodori at that time.

This wall was turned into a pile of rubble on the 11th March due to the earthquake.

Vintage shops

2011-05-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

Now, it is a shame that the vintage British clothes store has closed. It was located under the train tracks and housed some vintage gear with a sixties and seventies style.

Coming from England, there was a real touch of nostalgia in that shop.

Second up, which is still about, is "Peace Face". Koenji has a lot of vintage clothes shops, but the name of this one is one of the best.

PICKUP 高円寺

2011-02-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

If, like me, you have a thing for trainers*, then the best place to go in Koenji is "Pick Up".
Located just off PAL.
Turn right past Village Vanguard and head down that narrow street.
There's a few good shops for new and used gear along this street, but that's for another time...

Pick Up has a good selection of trainers, some clothing and bags.
Trainers are deadstock, new and used.
The prices are very reasonable and they do have some vintage, which are, as to be expected, a little more pricey.
They have a website, but they have more trainers in shop than is featured on their site.

http://www.pickup-koenji.com/

*Trainers = sneakers for the US viewers

Nothing to see here...

2011-02-14T22:55:00.000-08:00

So, you're out on a Sunday drive with your wife and baby in the car...when you suddenly decide to mount the curb and flip your car onto its side.
The blokes from the delivery company, in the green jackets, were quickly on the scene to rescue this family of three, unharmed.

After a quick interview session with the driver to determine what a complete fuckwit he is, everyone will be back home for an evening of shit Japanese TV (if you've ever seen a variety show here then you'll know what I'm on about) and a cup of cold green tea.

Koenji Awa Odori 2010

2010-09-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Pics from Sunday.

Koenji Awa Odori 2010

2010-09-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

Some pics of 2010 Awa Odori.
Friday and Saturday night.

Koenji Awa Odori 2010

2010-09-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

28th and 29th August marked the 54th Koenji Awa Odori.
Plus a little smaller festival on 27th, Friday night.

If you don't know about this festival, then you can see more from previous years in the links and whatnot on the right.

The festival is important for Koenji as it keeps places in business.
There's well over a million people, not including residents, such as myself, pass through the ticket gates to see it.
They spend a lot of money on beer and food, and it really is good for the local community.
Koenji is a place that needs this sort of business.

The last two years have pissed down for the whole weekend.
This year broke that trend, and Japan's summer unleashed a sweltering 35 degree heat.
Being from England, I'm not one that minds the rain, but not when Im carrying over 120,000yen (600 pounds in real money) of camera kit around.
When the sun set, the humidity hung around like a bad dose of herpes...not that I'd know about that.

Anyway, as is the norm with the Koenji Awa Odori, it made for a great weekend.
If you're in Tokyo during the last weekend of August, don't miss it.

Some more pics to follow in later posts...for now, I'll post just the two above.

Down on the Streets

2010-08-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

Random night in Koenji.
North side hangout.

Usual spill-out after a gig, brings local musicians onto the streets to jam.

Koenji Daidogei - 1st May 2010

2010-06-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

Grimy Backstreets

2010-06-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Character-building backstreets around Koenji.
Small bars and restaurants taking up space off the beaten track.
In the third picture down, there is even a tiny bar at at the dead-end.
You can see the lantern and the sign outside.

Barracuda

2010-06-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my friends older brother had an ongoing collection of American muscle cars.
Quite a rare sight in the streets of England at the time.
Moreso these days.
An even rarer sight in the congested streets of Tokyo.

The Hot Wheels shop in Koenji is not only home to a fine selection of toy cars, but also some real ones.
Not much finer than a Plymouth Barracuda standing shop front.
Needless to say, she's loud.
If she's not a Barracuda, then I stand corrected...but I'm sure she is.

South exit.
Turn left.
Keep walking straight along the side of the train tracks.

Cheers Shot Bar

2010-05-26T23:49:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by Chester who has opened a new bar in Koenji.
Keen to support the local businesses, so here's the link.

http://www.barcheers.jp/

Music Of the 70's, 80's, 90's.
Hip-hop, R&B, Disco, Reggae, House, Trance, and more.

"Fuck Off" aka "Welcome"

2010-05-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

This bar, "Locohead", in Koenji notches up as my first pub that I've seen, or at least recall with a smashed window like this.

Not quite "put-through" and "boarded up" as properly demonstrated in England by the English on a Saturday night, but nevertheless, a good effort.
7/10.

Koenji Daidogei 2010

2010-04-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

Doesn't seem like a year since the last round of street performances hit Koenji.
First weekend of May and it all will happen again.

http://www.koenji-daidogei.com/

Feel intimidated?

2010-01-26T04:59:00.000-08:00

So, all you want to do on a Saturday afternoon is stroll around town and do a bit of shopping.
It just so happens that your little stroll might be hampered by a bloke wearing a big-nosed mask and a girl who thinks she's a cat.
Both running amuck in the narrow street.
Oh, and don't forget the token chap tapping out a beat on his drum.

It would seem like just a regular Saturday afternoon in Koenji if it weren't for the fact that there actually was an excuse for this insanity...this time.
It was the annual Koenji Fes(festival) where street performers gather for the weekend.
This is from November 2009.

http://koenjifes.jp

On ice

2009-12-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

Should any frequent readers to this blog, and also the new ones, wonder about the lack of updates, just a quick note to let you know I'm back in merry England til late January.

You know, doing the festive thing back home...

Actually arrived back in Blighty on 4th Dec.

Flew with British Airways...what a thought.

I always buy a 1-year open return ticket to from England to Japan.

I've flown with SAS, Lufthansa, Swiss Int., KLM in the past. Those flights always required landing in the designated European city from Tokyo, then board for the final, short flight back to England. Birmingham to be exact.
This time, British Airways London-Tokyo.
Good outbound flight.
Good return flight.

Shame that the cabin crew and union don't take into consideration the struggling economy, let alone the pasengers, especially at this time of year.

It's bad news, cus I really enjoyed the BA sevice. Swiss was by far the best, but having to transfer planes wasn't fun...
Still, it might make me book with Swiss again if BA can't get its act together.

Until next month...

Locohead

2009-10-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Locohead's a newly opened bar on Azuma Dori.
"punk rock bar" they say.
About 3-4 minutes from the North exit of Koenji station, just up the road from The Grapes.
The walls are still quite bar inside, with just a few posters and flyers.
On this day, the 12th, they had a special on drinks for 200yen.

Bonus pic.
Opposite Locohead is a flower shop which has a budgie doing his thing every day to the delight of passers by.
He's a noisy little bugger, but whether or not he'll be noisier than the music which will be coming out of Locohead remains to be seen.

Koenji Awaodori 2009 - Sunday (1)

2009-09-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

30th August.
Final day.
First part of Sunday nights pics.
Probably got my best pics here from the main road on the South side of Koenji station..
It rained all heavily all night.
Some pics.
I've split this post in two parts.

Koenji Awaodori 2009 - Sunday (2)

2009-09-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

Second part of Sunday nights pics.

Koenji Awaodori 2009 - Saturday

2009-09-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

29th August.
Saturday was rammed.
Got to the Koenji about 7pm, after finishing work.
I've always considered Satuday the best night out of the Awaodori weekend...well, probably cus it's a Saturday night...
Spent all night and morning on the streets.
A few random shots throughout the night.

Koenji Awaodori 2009 - Friday

2009-09-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

28th August.
All the dance teams for the festival come from all over Japan.
There was a small awaodori on Friday night featuring only the teams with a connection to Koenji.
This was from 6-8pm.
Many were holding back til the big one on Saturday and Sunday.

Some pics from Friday.

Koenji Awaodori 2009

2009-08-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Another year of Koenji festival done with.
I was armed with my camera gear, this year.
Previous years I've had a point and shoot camera, but this year I had my trusty Pentax K10 and a few lenses.
I was eager.
Saturday didn't go according to plan, for photography anyway.
Didn't arrive in Koenji til 7pm - after work.
Came down with a few mates and it was already underway.
The crowds were chaotic, and quite frenzied. Fantastic.
The actual festival runs from 6-9pm.
Food had to wait, but the liquor was already flowing.
Well, the crowds were a little off-putting. It was impossible to find a clear spot to take pictures.
We, that is myself and 2 mates, heading into the back streets with about only 30 minutes remaining.
Pulled off some shots.
It was good enough.
Met up with another mate and her boyfriend, then some more mates.
We were about 7 strong by this time.
As the festival came to an end on Saturday, the streets were littered with drunks.
Some other people latched on to the group and at various times through the night, we were averaging 10 people.
Some "new mates" would go, only to be replaced by some other random strangers.
Quite international: Japan, Sweden, Australia, US, NZ and England.
Made for a good night.
It was a typical hot Tokyo night and street drinking was the cheapest and best option when the party on someones rooftop went pear-shaped.
Aaaah, that'll be what happens when you meet strangers that invite a group of people back to a "party" and rooftop that aren't theirs.
Morning came and we made our ways home.

Sunday, met up with some other mates who are quite serious about their photography.
I got some good shots. At least I think so.
I am satisfied with some of them.
It pissed down from about 6:30, heavily.
People say it rains a lot back home in England.
Yeah, it does, but when it rains in Japan, it's relentless.
It rained heavily for last years festival.
The rain didn't spoil the fun, though.

I'll post some pics later.
I also got some pics of mates and people I met on the night that 'll put up...just for the sake of the memory of a good night.

Cop Bikes

2009-08-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

This a a typical cop bike in Tokyo.
The cylindrical thing near the front forks is a holder for the staff they sometimes carry and parade with menacingly putside the small, shoebox-sized police stations.
On the back of the bike is a box.
What might be in the box?
Well, coppers in Japan carry hand guns.
So, in the box could be some ammo, or perhaps another revolver...maybe some extra handcuffs.
Or some other nasties for a spot of the old ultra violence.
Well, yeah, maybe.
Except on Koenji Awaodori weekend, when the box serves as a place where you can pick up a leaflet about the weekends festival.

How safe is Tokyo?

2009-08-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday night, around 12:30am, I was having a drink on the South side.
People gather here late, while the weather is good.
Musicians often play and sing, just outside the station, or across the road where there are some small pedestals and the taxi rank.
Usually there's a good mix of characters, and some down and outs.
This Japanese guy started talking to me about football.
At first, I thought he might be homeless.
This area of Koenji gets a bit messy with food boxes and cans scattered around.
The guy gets up and collects all the shit into a big plastic bag and throws it at the restaurant across the road.
In the pics above, you can just make out the restaurant in the background where people are eating outside, too. He's not in the pic.
So, it falls short of its target and lands half on the path, half in the gutter.
He stands there staring at the restaurant staff and customers as they look at him and quickly look away.
It's Japan, they won't do anything. He more than likely knows it. But he looked ready for a punch up.
Good on him. Some of the crap came from that restaurant, he told me.
He said Japanese people can be dirty, and he likes a clean area to sit and relax.
I bid him good night and he went on his way.

To add to that, there was also a guitarist playing there.
He'd left his stuff and just walked off somewhere, out of sight.
It was a good guitar, I'd heard him play. His bags were left, too.
I took a pic above.
There were two other guys playing with an amp across the road and their guitars were drowning him, so I thought that he just got pissed off and left.
30 minutes or so, he came back with a few friends and played again.

I don't know if he felt safe leaving all his stuff there with a trouble-making Japanese guy and an English man...he must have.
So, that night I saw two incidents that nobody wanted to intefere or take advantage of the situation.
Seems strange to think that back in England, a similar type place would have a gang of wankers, pissed out their heads looking for a fight.

To add to that, I was around Kabukicho, the red-light area of Shinjuku the previous weekend, with some mates, drunk, taking pics of the pimps and hos with no trouble whatsoever.

I like it. Different to England in so many ways.

Getting to Koenji

2009-08-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Thought I should post a random bit of info on how to get to Koenji.
Really quite straight forward, but just one thing to bear in mind...
On the weekend, the platforms 3 & 4 don't operate.
So, if you're heading here on a rapid train, that'll be the silver and orange train(or the orange train, which is almost finished, being replaced by the silver and orange ones), you'll go past Koenji and have to double back.

The local train Chou/Sobu Line (silver and yellow) and Tozai line (silver and blue) both operate on platforms 1 & 2.

Four platforms in all at Koenji station.
The station itself is quite small, having only a North and South entrance/exit.
There is only one set of ticket gates at Koenji station.
The North and South exits are after exiting the ticket gates.

On Awaodori weekend, with only 2 platforms operating, even a small station like Koenji takes about 10 minutes to exit, due to the sheer amount of people visiting.

53rd Annual Koenji Awaodori

2009-08-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

This year sees Koenji Awaodori see out the month of August with a bang.
To be held on the last weekend: 29/30 August.
It's held over two days.
Officially states from 6-9pm, but that's just for the actual singing and dancing.
Good to get in to Koenji before that to beat the masses and get a good spot.
There's also a few more things going on, like a Mikoshi parade.
Drinking starts early and the daytime is a good chance for pics as performers are walking the streets fully-clothed up ready for the evening.
Recommend checking out some of the back streets as you can get close up to the action and the drums are deafening.

The Shops of Central Road

2009-07-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

South exit from Koenji station,
Turn left,
Keep going past McDonalds and the Mizuho Bank ATM,
You will come to Central Road.
At the top, it's a bit seedy, with what could be described as Koenji's red light area, or one of them anyway: http://koenji-live.blogspot.com/2009/01/gentlemans-relaxation-zone.html

Once past that, you got some small bars, restaurants, Japan's only Tesco's(!), junk shops, and some of the best decorated shop fronts in Tokyo.
This is just two of them:
Nincompoop Capacity and Garter.
Someone's let their creative juices flow with these.

Bus Stop 2

2009-07-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

Those nice chaps doing construction of the road and bus stops outside of the North exit have kindly placed another inflatable on display.
They gave us a dolphin this time.

Bit ironic they should choose a dolphin, considering Japan's horrific annual slaughter of thousands of dolphins in about a months time.

Shops, bikes and shots at night

2009-07-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

Around Koenji.
Some near PAL.
Some custom bikes, typical Koenji style.

Random street and hair salons

2009-07-10T04:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of hair salons and random street pix around Koenji.

Keyring

2009-07-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Koenji Awaodori(festival) keyring.

Concrete Jungle

2009-06-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Bought a new Pentax lens a few months ago.
These pics are a few early shots I did.
Taken from the back view of my apartment, I was giving the 100-300mm range a workout.
I live about 6 minutes or so from Koenji station. The train tracks are visible above ground.
With this lens I can catch the trains rushing between the buildings.

Vids

2009-06-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

I took some videos around Koenji.
Rather than upload them and make this page heavier, check out the youtube link.
So far, I've only uploaded a few videos of last years Awaodori.
I'm in the process of making a contraption to fix my trusty Casio Exilim to the front of my bike to do a few recorded rides around the streets of Koenji.
As with most things with me, it might take me a while...

Here's the link so far:

http://www.youtube.com/user/koenjilive

The Happiness Realisation Party

2009-06-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

So, today, this van made it's way to Koenji for a political speech.
I was just passing by it on the South side of the station.

Thought the name was very imaginative in that "Engrish" kind of way.

If I could, they'd get my vote.

edit:
After reading about them, maybe they wouldn't get my vote.
Good name though.

The Gate

2009-06-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

This shop sells new and used clothes, trainers, toys and accessories.
It looks small from the outside, but large inside. Perhaps like Dr. Who's Tardis, but without a metal dog.
It does have a 7-foot Alien inside the entrance though.
Bit of a maze as you navigate your way through racks of clothes and boxes of toys and assorted junk.
Until I take another pic of the exterior, it's the place with the pink chair in the shape of a hand at the entrance.

Some camera phone pics from inside at the top.

Iron

2009-06-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

Theme of this post is "iron".
Corrugated iron at a window.
Demolition in progress.
Tagged iron door.

Towels, bikes and graffiti collaboration

2009-06-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

Apart from livehouses(small bar-type venues that feature live bands) and unique fashion sense, nothing sums Koenji up better than dimly-lit back streets and lots of tagging.

Beautiful.

Bus stop

2009-06-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

Ongoing construction is taking place on the North side of Koenji station.
It's been going on for a long while actually...could be about a year.
An expansion of current bus stops and pathways is the idea...
Occasionally, the construction company will put an inflatabale something or other up on a pole.
There was a bear, Father Christmas - at Christmas, of course, and this bee.
What purpose they serve, I have no idea, but Ive never seen another company do it this way.
The Koenji influence is strong.

Tokyo's ghetto

2009-06-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Tokyo doesn't really have a ghetto in the real sense of the word.
There are some rundown areas in Koenji, though.
Nothing too shabby, but places with character, as I like to refer to them.
Perhaps, like me, you imagine/imagined Tokyo to be high tech with swanky boutiques and flashing neon everywhere.
Places like Koenji, Nakano, and Shimokitazawa go against the grain to present the real Tokyo.

Fashion meets depression

2009-05-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Two different locations.
Two different emotions.
Two different styles.
One fucked up.
One doesn't give a fuck.
Thought the girls fashion was great.
As for the guy, he needed help and as is the norm in Japan, he won't get any.

Koenji T's

2009-05-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Koenji has more than just the infamous "高円寺 My Love Town" T-shirt.
With the background of the music scene, the Andy Warhol design has been remodelled to incorporate a cat instead of the yellow banana by "Enji Warhol". See what they did there? Like it.

Another design celebrating the second hand clothes shops, bars and, again, the music scene, with the Slogan "when you are at Koenji do as they do at Koenji", reffering to the above mentioned beer, used clothes and live music.

松本かなこ (chalk artist)

2009-05-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

If there's one skill I wish I could have, it would be being able to draw.
Kanako is a chalk artist.
It took her both Saturday and Sunday to complete her piece.
And very impressive it was...well, I think impressive is an understatement.

http://www.koenji-daidogei.com/cast31.html

プラノワ

2009-05-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

This is a double act called "pranoi".
The act consists of juggler, Yosuke Meguro and accordionist, Koharu.
An excellent act, especially the accordion.
My favourite act over the weekend.

They have a blog which has some English:
http://pranoi.jpn.org/pn/index.html

They are on youtube.
Check out the accordion-playing Koharu:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRCkvHFTGwg&feature=related

バーバラ村田

2009-05-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is "Barbara" Tamura. A pantomime performer with a bit of magic in her act, too.
I saw her twice throughout the weekend.
http://www.koenji-daidogei.com/cast09.html

Shiva

2009-05-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Classed as a "walking act", playing the role of a businessman, he wandered through the streets of Koenji at several times during the weekend.

ハッピィ吉沢

2009-05-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

A kabuki magician.

Koenji Daidogei - random artists 02

2009-05-03T08:48:00.001-07:00

These pics are of some random street performers at the Koenji Daidogei.
http://www.koenji-daidogei.com/index.html

Koenji Daidogei - random artists 01

2009-05-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

These pics are of some random street performers at the Koenji Daidogei.
http://www.koenji-daidogei.com/index.html

Za-Koenji Public Theatre

2009-04-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday 26th April marked the opening of Za-Koenji Public Theatre.
Out of the North exit of Koenji station and head doen the road past Tokyu Supermarket.
It's roughly the same area as Mission live house, but opposite the road.

http://za-koenji.jp/english/about/index.html

I got there late for the opening ceremony, as it was coming to an end, but just managed to fire off a few shots as it was finishing.

Koenji Daidogei

2009-04-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Street performances all over Koenji this weekend - 2/3 May.

I'll be sure to post pics, but make sure you get down there...if you can.

http://www.koenji-daidogei.com/index.html

Street pix

2009-03-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

Street pix

2009-03-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

The Grapes - Beatles Bar

2009-03-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well, only a few days after posting about The Grapes - http://koenji-live.blogspot.com/2009/03/grapes-beatles-bar.html - I finally got around to going in.
Small and cozy place.
Had the "Todays Special" which was like a stew and rice called "hayashi rice". Very nice it was too.
The whole place is decorated with Beatles memorabillia, and as you'd expect, Beatles music plays in the background on vinyl.
There's lots of photos adorning the walls, and the table had a partition in the middle splitting it into two sides. The partition is made up of vinyl Beatles record sleeves.
It's "No Smoking", which being a non-smoker was all right with me, and maybe quite rare in Tokyo.
Liked it, and I'll be heading back.

The Grapes - Beatles Bar

2009-03-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

One thing about living in a large city, you notice that new places pop up all the time.
New to 2009 is this Beatles bar and cafe called "The Grapes".
Have a coffee, have a beer, or try a cocktail named after each member of the band.
Food is served, should you feel to supplement the alcohol(or coffee).
It's a small place and I've yet to have been in there, but it's only about 2 minutes walk from my apartment...pay day can't come quick enough!

http://www.koenji.info/02_gourmet/cafe/the_grapes.html

http://www.koenji-azuma.com/shop/grapes.html

Sexy Room - Pirates

2009-03-10T09:19:00.001-07:00

Walked past this gentelman's establishment tucked away in the side streets near the station.
You can see the Tozai line train in the background.

It's called "Sexy Room Pirates".
Certainly doesn't look sexy from the outside, but looks can be deceiving, and I'm not one to judge a book by its cover.

Popeye's Gang

2009-01-30T03:44:00.000-08:00

I forget where exactly, but here, in a shop window, kind of an antique shop if I remember correctly, you can find Popeye with his crew.

Who's in Popeye's gang? Let's meet them.

A frog, a cock and face, a monkey, a tengu mask, and a boxed wind-up sex couple.

What would Olive think?

Almost as cool as CHIPS

2009-01-30T03:35:00.000-08:00

Mag wheels and a look that Jon and Ponch would give the thumbs up to.

Koenji style cop bikes bringing an '80s touch of nostalgia.

Lo Riders

2009-01-30T03:22:00.000-08:00

Posted these before, but thought I'd add them in their own category.

Dotted about the streets they can be found. Some rotting away, parked up on the way to the pub, came out and forget where you parked it...or maybe forgot you rode it at all.

Train Station

2009-01-30T03:10:00.000-08:00

South exit/entrance, depending on your direction of walking.

Head right and you'll cross the road and see PAL arcade.

Abe's 'tache

2009-01-30T03:07:00.000-08:00

Ex-Prime Minsster Abe sporting a rather fetching moustache in the mean streets of Koenji.

Trainee Hair Dresser

2009-01-29T04:03:00.000-08:00

Took the rubbish down to the rubbish container from my apartment one early morning...

Nearly shat myself when I went in and found this bag lying open.

Thought they'd been a bit of a serious...

Fuckin' trainee hair dressers.

Meccha of Pachinko

2009-01-29T03:58:00.000-08:00

It's a gambling parlour.

Take my word for it, it's bloody huge.

All that effort to make this eyesore.

A blot on Koenji's landscape.

Opposite is a 24-hour Jeans Mate, just out of interest.

Slot Jockeys

2009-01-29T03:53:00.000-08:00

Silver balls are not just for killing werewolves.

In Japan, men and women transfer their hard-earned cash into these metallic spheres and push a few buttons and twist a few knobs to get more silver balls.

Homelessness awaits...

Sunset Koenji style

2009-01-29T03:46:00.000-08:00

Viewed from my apartment in Koenji.

Looking towards the station.

Chunk

2009-01-29T03:39:00.000-08:00

This place is just up the road from me.

Used clothes, as is the norm in Koenji.

Also has a good selection of mags outside, covering local bands and clubs.

Record Boy

2009-01-28T04:04:00.000-08:00

Down in the back streets lurks this grotty record shop situated at the top of a creaking stairway.

I say grotty, but only by appearance. It has character.

Strictly for hardcore punk and the like, it throws in a lot of Japanese bands mixed in with European and American.

Books and Sake

2009-01-28T03:53:00.000-08:00

For that fabulous combination of drinking and reading.

Here is "Book Sake" in Koenji.

Little motorbikes

2009-01-28T03:42:00.000-08:00

Not even coming up to your waist, just over your knee in some cases, these little bikes can be found on in Tokyo.

A few here in our very own Koenji.

A little Ducati type stands as a display outside a hair salon, and a few more outside a clothes shop.

In a country where everything is made small and compact, these stand above the rest.

Gentleman's Relaxation Zone

2009-01-28T03:23:00.000-08:00

Not quite offering the services that somewhere like Kabuki-Cho might offer, Koenji still has a small area for the late-night businessman to pop in on his way home from a 16-hour day.

Just a few sex parlours, with some dodgy looking blokes outside to usher you away in case you might have the urge to stray into their "no foreigners" establishments.

Star Case

2009-01-28T03:15:00.000-08:00

Once again, was turned down the chance to take some pics in Star Case.

Took this one on my way out...

Call the Cops

2009-01-28T02:54:00.000-08:00

As Shaun Ryder would have said, "call the cops".

Burnt out van in an apartment building round the corner from OK supermarket.

Brought a tear to my eye, as a sight like this can sometimes be seen in the streets of England.

Made me feel right at home.

Just need to find a shopping trolley in the river and a sofa/TV combo outside in someones front garden to complete the trio.

Bird of Prey

2009-01-28T02:36:00.000-08:00

Lots of hair salons in Koenji, but only one with a hawk outside.
Just around the corner from "Olympic".

This little chap sits outside all day, then when the shop closes, his owner takes him for a walk.
I say walk, as he's perched on his owners arm...

European Papa

2009-01-27T03:33:00.000-08:00

Small record/CD shop.

Many a rarity can be found.

Bootlegs on both Cd and DVD.

Little cat as a member of staff, should you need any assistance.

Koenji 20000v

2009-01-27T03:16:00.000-08:00

First 2 bands were a bit tame, surprisingly for this place, but the last one finished on a high.

Actually, the first band was a guy playing 45-minutes of feedback.

A few random heads were nodding, but not everyone's cup of tea.

A quick break in between bands and it's a quick trip to the store to stock up on alcohol around the corner.
GEAR is also in the same building and people sometimes share their time between the two venues.
No loitering outside. They seem quite determined to not let you either drink or generally hang around the place during or after the shows.

Awaodori 2008

2008-09-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

The Awaodori was held on the 23rd & 24th August 2008.
It rained all weekend, but that didn't put people off and it was still crowded and the groups danced harder than ever.

Snakepit Japan

2008-06-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Right next to my apartment is Snakepit Japan.
Here you can practice thai boxing and/or submission wrestling.
Submission wrestling is just a more modern, generic term really. Catch Wrestling is essentially what pro-wrestling was when it was real.

Long before they had thought about sports entertainment, pro-wrestling or "Catch" was a real art. Catch’s more modern lineages can be traced back to Billy Riley and the Snake Pit in Wigan England. From Billy Riley we have “God of Pro Wrestling” Karl Gotch who trained Antonio Inoki, Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Masakatsu Funaki and so on.

While less known than Gotch but no less amazing is Rileys other star pupil, Billy Robinson. Robinson was an amazing wrestler and had many legendary matches especially with Inoki. Robinson with UWF, UWFI veteran Yuko Miyato and Thai boxing champion Makato Oe run a gym in Koenji, Tokyo called the UWF Snakepit.

Part of the above information was taken from an interview with pro-fighter, Josh Barnett, himself a practitioner of Catch.

At the top are a few pics from outside that I took, and some from Snakepit's website:
http://www.uwf-snakepit.com/

Koenji Streets people as subjects

2008-06-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

First two pics are near the station (South side).

Bottom is a mobile phone salesman scouting for business.
Just to add, the phone shop has since closed down. Quite a shame, because being in Koenji, it may have been the only mobile phone shop in the world that had a CD player outside playing death metal.

Star Case - Star Wars Memorabilia

2008-05-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Second floor shop housing the finest collection of Star Wars...erm...everything I've ever seen.
Some of the stuff there I had when I was a kid, some of it I still have, some of it I never had and most of it I'd never seen before.
All modern and vintage stuff.
A full size Stormtrooper/Sandtrooper greets you at the entrance.
They wouldn't let me take any photos in the shop, but it's impressive to say the least.
I bet they've got stuff that even George Lucas ain't got.

Website and blog:

http://starcase.jp/home.html

http://blog.starcase.jp/

Fixed gear and single speed bicycle specialists

2008-05-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

The shop's called BEANS.
Fixed and single speed specialists. They're never short of work, and there's always at least a handful of people in there at any one time. I'm not sure if BEANS was the original fixed bike shop in Koenji, but it seems to be the most popular.
It's located on the street called "Koenji Look" which is easy to find if you keep walking through PAL shopping arcade.
PAL is the shopping street which is roofed, Koenji Look continues on this street, but all the shops are open air.

Map:
http://koenjilook.com/modules/shop0/index.php?id=217

Blog:
http://beans-tm.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/

Note:
Beans moved from Koenji in May '09.

Cycling Legend

2008-05-28T03:44:00.001-07:00

I spotted this guy near Koenji station. He's something to do with "No-Crime" or "Crime Prevention" in Koenji.
He's got the fold-up chair strapped to his back; shin guards for protection, football socks and a pair of Adidas Nite Jogger, and stocked up with not 1, but 2 umbrellas.
Looks like he's got supplies of food for those long nights on watch.

Let's face it, nobody's gonna fuck.

Great stuff!

Down under the train tracks 1

2008-05-22T21:43:00.001-07:00

Random shots from under and next to the train tracks as you turn left out Koenji station South exit.

Down under the train tracks 2

2008-05-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Random shots from under and next to the train tracks as you turn left out Koenji station South exit.

Clothing Time

2008-05-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

The picture at the top, you can see Risk darts and billiards. At the top of this street, which is actually a small hill, is POEM coffee house.
Clothing Time is near the bottom of this hill. New and used clothes.

Coffee House POEM

2008-05-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

"POEM coffee house" offers 100 different types of coffee...and I bet it's not a cup full of fuckin' froth! Come on Starbucks match that.

Over the road you can see another shop. It's a used trainers/sneakers shop. They also have some deadstock models.
Mostly Converse and Vans with a few Adidas thrown in for good measure.

At the corner and down the slope are a used record shop, darts and billiards hall and "Clothing Time". Pics of these later.

Just a bit about this blog...

2008-05-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Photos and stuff of the mighty Koenji.

If you've spent a few nights here, then it needs no introduction.

Mission's Live Music Bar

2008-05-21T02:54:00.001-07:00

Turn right out of North exit of Koenji station and follow the street past the police box and Tokyu supermarket. Keep walking for 1-2 minutes, passing Family Mart on the way, and here is Mission livehouse.
Wash Club is next door, which isn't a club, just a launderette...nice name though.

http://www.live-missions.com/

They happen to have a shit load of bottled liquor.
1 drink is 500 yen, but they do 3 drinks for 1000 yen later in the night.
They serve a generous helping of whiskey, which is nice.

高円寺20000V (Koenji 20000 volt)

2008-05-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Bands playing pretty much every night.
The photo at the top of this blog came from there.
Website in Japanese, map in English. Take the South exit, turn right from the station and head down PAL arcade.

http://www16.ocn.ne.jp/~k_20000v/

Quick note that GEAR is located in the same building.

Koenji from above

2008-05-20T08:47:00.001-07:00

Fascinating stuff...perhaps...
This is a birds eye view of Koenji and surrounding area.

Iden & Tity - filmed in Koenji

2008-05-19T08:38:00.001-07:00

Filmed in Koenji, and part of it close to my apartment.
A Japan-only soundtrack featuring Bob Dylan was also released.

Iden & Tity is the story of one young man's discovery of his own capacity for being 'Bronson'. Nakajima (musician Mineta in an impressive acting debut) is the guitar player for rock band Speedway, a four-piece that seems chronically unable to outgrow the club circuit or expand their core audience of loyal fans. Despite a boom in the interest for homegrown rock bands, the boys find themselves saddled with a record company that boycotts any venture that is not aimed at writing chart-topping pop ditties. At the same time, Nakajima regularly clashes with lead singer Johnny over a variety of artistic differences. While spike-haired, leatherclad Johnny wants the amps turned up to 11 on all occasions, Nakajima, with his moptop and nerdy glasses, aims for a more sensitive approach to composing and performing. Crises lurk not only within the band, but at home too, as Nakajima tries to bury his insecurities by cheating on his girlfriend with a succession of groupies, all of which fall for exactly the cute and cuddly aspects of his appearance that he himself so despises.

An article and review here:
http://www.midnighteye.com/reviews/identity.shtml

Yoshinoya/No Loan 1

2008-05-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

What we've got here is a back street opposite the North Exit of Koenji Station, behind Neo Pachinko Slot.
This picture was one I took in 2007. I pass it every day.
The building on the left has since been knocked down and construction has begun on what I don't know, but I'm planning to take some more pictures as it develops.
I'll post them at somewhat regular intervals.
I named this post after the two big signs on the right of the picture.
This is picture #1.

Koenji Streets - Low Riders

2008-05-19T06:51:00.001-07:00

Low Rider appreciation around the streets of Koenji.

Koenji Streets

2008-05-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

Quick note that the place on the left has since been knocked down and they have a parking lot there. Down the road from OK Supermarket.

Koenji Streets - mono

2008-05-19T06:39:00.001-07:00

Awaodori

2008-05-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

Every August, during the holidays, a large festival is held in Koenji.
Both North and South sides of Koenji station are decorated and spectator stands are erected.
The festival itself features a lot of dancing, singing/chanting and playing instruments-mostly drums.
Each dance group wears matching clothing and comes from all parts of Japan, as indicated by a banner carried by someone in the group.
Celebrations are held over three days and it's very busy and crowded.
Makeshift foodstalls are scattered everywhere.

Celebrations start in the mid afternoon.
Personally recommend spending a day in Koenji and come around 12-1pm and you will see a lot of people preparing and in full costume...good chance for pics just by walking around the station and back streets.
Coming early also gives you the chance to get familiar with Koenji and locate a good spot for later on.

The actual singing and dancing starts at 6pm and lasts for around 3 hours.
There are several start points around Koenji with the main attraction being close to the station.
Here is where it's most crowded and if you haven't come early enough, then you'll be watching it 3-4 people deep in the crowd.

Arriving at Koenji station anytime ater 5pm will take you a lot of time to navigate your way to a good viewing point...which you probaly won't get anyway as all the good spots will be taken.
Koenji station is relatively small with only 2 exits. On festival day, Koenji becomes a mass of bodies slowly shuffling their way to a good spot. Get here early, like I said.

Living in Koenji, I was able to find out where about 30 of the groups were starting their parade.
Head into the back streets for an in-your-face view.
I took those pics(see other posts) from the North side, about 3 minutes from the station where it seemed that all the locals knew of.
Come out of the North exit, and turn right towards the police box, and go acroos the crossing. Turn left after the crossing and walk past the pachinko parlour, and keep going. You should see "Jeans Mate".
It won't be too hard to miss as you will see the crowds. From there, be a bit adventurous and head into the back streets.
You'll get the best view and it's noisy as fuck.
There is no break from 6-9pm, so make sure you are stocked up on grub and beer. And of course, being in the summer, it's bloody hot and humid.

Awadori in Koenji is definitely a "must-do" activity in Tokyo.

Awaodori Festival (start around 4pm) - every August

2008-05-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

Awaodori Festival - Music and dancing from 6pm-9pm

2008-05-15T22:22:00.000-07:00