Last additions - JAPAN PHOTOS by Philbert Ono

Home > TOKYO 東京都

Last additions - TOKYO 東京都

Daihatsu BEE (1951)The Event Hall had displays of nostalgic cars from the 1950s to the 1990s. Three wheels.Nov 05, 2005

Harley-Davidson FLST Heritage SoftailWorld premiere of this bike.Nov 05, 2005

Toyota Corolla (1967)The Event Hall had displays of nostalgic cars from the 1950s to the 1990s. Nov 05, 2005

Kawasaki MotorcyclesKawasaki had a bevy of leggy beauties promoting their cycles. They didn't dance, but served well to attract attention.Nov 05, 2005

Harley-Davidson VRSCD Night RodNice curves...Nov 05, 2005

FujitsuNov 05, 2005

Honda S600 (1964)The Event Hall had displays of nostalgic cars from the 1950s to the 1990s. This Honda was from 1964.Nov 05, 2005

Alpine + iPodNov 05, 2005

AlpineShe had horde of photographers crowded in front of her. But she managed to find me and smiled.Nov 05, 2005

Clarion. The ubiquitous female companions, attendants, or models that we see today started appearing at the show from as early as 1957. They do not only decorate the show, but they also reflect the fashion of the times.I approached her and she struck this pose instinctively.Nov 05, 2005

ClarionDefinitely Miss Photogenic.Nov 05, 2005

PanasonicAwful costume I thought.Nov 05, 2005

VolkswagenNov 05, 2005

PanasonicAnother nice one.Nov 05, 2005

Volkswagen GolfNov 05, 2005

OpelYes, some girls don't need to smile to look good.Nov 05, 2005

VolkswagenNov 05, 2005

Bugatti Veyron 16.4Nov 05, 2005

BMW Z4 Coupe ConceptMatte paint finish, no gloss.Nov 05, 2005

SLR McLarenBest-looking car with gills.Nov 05, 2005

PorscheNov 05, 2005

Rolls Royce PhantomNov 05, 2005

Porsche 911 CarreraRed was definitely the most popular car color at the show.Nov 05, 2005

General Motors Cadillac STS-VI yearn for the days when Cadillac had more elegant car names like Fleetwood, Eldorado, and Seville. Now it's all three-letter names. I can hardly remember them. And the cars look so ugly (in my opinion).Nov 05, 2005

HummerShe was charming...Nov 05, 2005

Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleCorvette, but why no Camaro at the show too?Nov 05, 2005

Chevorlet Corvette Z06Nov 05, 2005

Ferrari F430 SpiderLamborghini set out to build a better car than Ferrari, and he attained his goal. I like Ferrari (especially the Testarossa), but I like Lambo better.Nov 05, 2005

Ferrari 612 ScagliettiNov 05, 2005

Kia Sports ConceptFirst-rate model who knows how to smile.Nov 05, 2005

Kia MotorsA crowd favorite. Kia (not her name) is from South Korea.Nov 05, 2005

Mitsubishi MotorsShe attracted a big crowd of snapshooters and oglers.Nov 05, 2005

Mitsubishi MotorsNov 05, 2005

DaihatsuNov 05, 2005

Mitsubishi MotorsNov 05, 2005

DaihatsuNov 05, 2005

DaihatsuDaihatsu had the best show performance. The models and performers wore a variety of costumes.Nov 05, 2005

DaihatsuA show worth seeing twice.Nov 05, 2005

DaihatsuNov 05, 2005

Daihatsu. I smiled at her, and she smiled back...Nov 05, 2005

Daihatsu SK-TourerNov 05, 2005

DaihatsuNov 05, 2005

Daihatsu HVSNov 05, 2005

SubaruNov 05, 2005

Subaru Impreza WRC 2006 PrototypeIn 2004, Subaru won the Rally Japan 2004 (the first FIA WRC hosted in Japan). The car was driven by Petter Solberg. It is a race on public roads.Nov 05, 2005

Subaru R1 and Subaru 360The new ladybug meets the old.Nov 05, 2005

Subaru 360 (from 1958). Nicknamed "Ladybug."Nov 05, 2005

Suzuki LCI looked at her, and she looked at me. I didn't wave, so she didn't wave...Nov 05, 2005

Suzuki IonisA real ballerina-type model danced in front of the car. I like this picture.Nov 05, 2005

Suzuki LC. LC stands for Life Creator. These girls were dancing and hopping around the car before they settled down and posed.Nov 05, 2005

HondaThis is what she looks like up close.Nov 05, 2005

Honda W.O.W. ConceptHonda had nice women posing, but I was hoping they would bring out the Asimo robots to introduce the cars.

I smiled at her, but she never noticed me...Nov 05, 2005

Honda Sports 4 ConceptI smiled at her, and she smiled back...Nov 05, 2005

Honda Sports 4 ConceptNov 05, 2005

Honda Sports 4 ConceptI like this picture.Nov 05, 2005

Nissan boothNov 05, 2005

Nissan GT-R ProtoNov 05, 2005

Nissan PivoNov 05, 2005

Toyota i-swingA single-seater, reminds me of a Segway with a seat. Controlled with a joystick and shifting your body weight. It has 3 wheels. If they don't allow Segways in Japan, I wonder if they would allow this on Japanese streets. Would it need a license plate? And would we need a license to operate it?Nov 05, 2005

Nissan Pivo with swivel topElectric car with a top that swivels 360˚ so you can drive forward or back without turning the car around. Seats three people. The driver sits in the middle.

I waved to her, and she waved back...Nov 05, 2005

Toyota i-swingI waved to her, and she waved back...Nov 05, 2005

Toyota Fine-XThe driver's seat swivels outward.Nov 05, 2005

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. The show was held annually until 1973 when the oil shock occurred. It was so severe that organizers decided to hold the show every other year. No show was held in 1974. From 1975, the show was held every other year.The Murcielago attracted more attention.Nov 05, 2005

Toyota Fine-X. In 1989, the show moved to Makuhari Messe. In 1970, foreign automakers participated in the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time.All the major car makers showed concept cars or prototypes. This one is by Toyota. All four wheels can turn. Makes it easy to parallel park in tight spaces, but how do you steer it?Nov 05, 2005

Toyota stage. In 1958, the venue changed to Korakuen Bicycle Racing Stadium. Also in 1958, the date was changed from spring (April-May) to fall (Oct.-Nov). In 1959, the venue was switched to Harumi at the domed Tokyo International Trade Center.Toyota had a large spread in the Center Hall.Nov 05, 2005

Lamborghini Murcielago. Although this is called the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, the first motor show was held in 1954 and called the 1st All-Japan Motor Show. The venue was Hibiya Park in Tokyo. In 1964, the show was renamed "Tokyo Motor Show.&quoThe best-looking rear at the show...Nov 05, 2005

Lamborghini MurcielagoOnly with a Lamborghini would I tell any pretty woman standing in front of it to move away so I can see and photograph the car better. Actually, I'm not that rude, so I just waited until she went away.Nov 05, 2005

Lamborghini MurcielagoNo price was listed. But if you have to ask, then it's too expensive.Nov 05, 2005

About the Tokyo Motor Show...Makuhari Messe is near Kaihin Makuhari Station on the Keiyo and Musashino Lines. The huge show occupies the entire Makuhari Messe consisting of the North, East, Center, and West Halls, and Event Hall. Admission was 1200 yen. The show sees over 1.4 million visitors.

Although this is called the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in 2005, the first motor show was held in 1954 and called the 1st All-Japan Motor Show. The venue was Hibiya Park in Tokyo. In 1964, the show was renamed "Tokyo Motor Show." The show was held annually until 1973 when the oil shock occurred. It was so severe that organizers decided to hold the show every other year. No show was held in 1974. From 1975, the show was held every other year. 2005 is actually the 50th anniversary of the motor show.

In 1958, the venue changed to Korakuen Bicycle Racing Stadium. Also in 1958, the date was changed from spring (April-May) to fall (Oct.-Nov). In 1959, the venue was switched to Harumi at the domed Tokyo International Trade Center where it would remain until 1987 when it moved to Makuhari Messe in 1989. In 1970, foreign automakers participated in the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time.

In 1999, the show combined passenger cars and motorcycles. Also, in 1999, the show for commercial vehicles was omitted and instead to be held in a separate show in alternating years starting in 2000. The motor show for passenger cars and motorcycles would continue to be held every two years from 1999. So there would be a Tokyo Motor Show every year, but the purpose would alternate between passenger cars/motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

During the 1st motor show in 1954, when most of the vehicles displayed were for commercial use, the attendance was 547,000. In 1963, it exceed 1 million over 16 days. It hovered around 1.4 million in the years following. The record attendance was attained in 1991 with over 2 million visitors during 15 days. In 2003, the total attendance was 1.424 million.

In 2000, at the first Tokyo Motor Show dedicated to commercial vehicles, attendance was a mere 177,900 over 5 days. In 2004, attendance was 248,600 over 6 days.

The ubiquitous female companions, attendants, or models that we see today started appearing at the show from as early as 1957. They do not only decorate the show, but they also reflect the fashion of the times. Their hairstyles, wardrobe, skirt length, make-up, etc. The Tokyo Motor Show is not only a showcase for cars, it is also a fashion showcase. Therefore, in this online photo gallery, you will see not only cars, but also women. Enjoy!Nov 05, 2005

The best-looking lady at the show...A Lambo of course. Lamborghini, everyone's all-time, ultimate dream car. (Besides Speed Racer's Mach 5.) This is the Murcielago.Nov 05, 2005

Press conference by Keiji SuzukiMay 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Winner's trophyMay 03, 2005

Closing ceremonyMay 03, 2005

Awards ceremonyMay 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Keiji Suzuki wins by hantei.May 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Final match: Keiji Suzuki vs. Tatsuhiro MuramotoMay 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Break to treat Marumoto's bleeding nose.May 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Former Olympic champion Yasuhiro YamashitaKata performance before the final match.May 03, 2005

Muramoto winsMay 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Yohei Takai vs. Tatsuhiro Muramoto (semi-final)May 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Keiji Suzuki vs. Hidekazu Shoda (semi-final)May 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Shinya Katabuchi vs. Tatsuhiro Muramoto (Semi-final)May 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

Yuta Yazaki vs. Yohei TakaiMay 03, 2005

May 03, 2005

BudokanMay 03, 2005

Keiji Suzuki vs. Hiroaki TakahashiMay 03, 2005

Athens Gold Medalist Keiji Suzuki pyches himself upMay 03, 2005

May 02, 2005

During the festival, stage performances are held.May 02, 2005

Usokae stall. The uosokae dolls come in various sizes, look pretty much the same.May 02, 2005

Usokae stallMay 02, 2005

A pair of giant usokae dolls flank the entrance to the main worship hall.May 02, 2005

The Usokae Festival is held every January at the Kameido Tenmangu (Tenjin) Shrine. "Uso" means bullfinch, and "kae" means to change. The bullfinch is a symbol of good luck, and uso can also mean "lie." People replace their wooden uso dolls believing that the previous year's bad luck was a lie, to be exchanged for good luck in the new year with the new uso doll.May 02, 2005

Bullfinch exchange. The person puts her old bullfinch on the rack and prays.May 02, 2005

May 02, 2005

People then go to the bullfinch stall on the left of the main worship hall.May 02, 2005

May 01, 2005

This is an old, hand-tinted postcard of Kameido Tenmangu Shrine from the early 20th century. It mimics the woodblock print.May 01, 2005

Road to the shrine from Kameido Station. This main road from Kameido Station is closed on weekends. The shrine is accessible from Kameido Station the the JR Sobu Line.May 01, 2005

Shot in 2003.May 01, 2005

Azaleas also bloom around the same time as wisteria at Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Both flowers symbolize Golden Week which is a string of holidays in late April and early May, serving as spring vacation for many workers.May 01, 2005

Old taiko-bashi bridge. This is the first arch bridge you cross. Shot in 1997. The bridges had steps made of wood. Now both bridges are made of concrete with concrete steps. The paint color is also more red.May 01, 2005

Old taiko-bashi bridge. You can see how crowded the bridge can get.May 01, 2005

First bridge and azaleasMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Wisteria at Kameido Tenjin ShrineMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Kameido Tenjin Shrine wisteria and taiko-bashi bridge. Taiko-bashi is an arch bridge.May 01, 2005

Second taiko-bashi bridge in 2003. Notice how there are much less flowers along the edge of the pond. Also notice that the bridge has been rebuilt. It is now concrete painted fire-engine red.The old bridge was wooden with faded vermillion paint. I don't like this new bridge paint color.May 01, 2005

Kameido Tenjin Shrine's main worship hall.May 01, 2005

Second taiko-bashi bridge in 1997. You can see the second arch bridge which is right before the shrine hall. Compare this picture with the next one.May 01, 2005

Path to the shrine. After you cross the bridge, there's a narrow path to the shrine, decorated by wisteria on both sides. Very crowded, but not unbearable.May 01, 2005

Another view from the top of the bridge years ago.May 01, 2005

Another shot taken in the good old days. Doesn't bloom like this anymore. The next photo shows what it looks like today.May 01, 2005

Another view from the top of the bridge years ago. Sadly, it doesn't bloom like this anymore.May 01, 2005

Another view from the top of the bridge in the good old days. They don't bloom like this anymore...May 01, 2005

View from top of bridge in 2005. After 1997 or so, the flowers do not bloom as thickly as before.May 01, 2005

When the wisteria is in bloom, the shrine gets very crowded, especially on weekends. The alley leading to the shrine is also quite narrow.May 01, 2005

View from top of bridge years ago. The shrine has two "taiko-bashi" arch bridges. This is the view from the top of the first one soon after you pass under the torii.May 01, 2005

Hall entrance and signMay 01, 2005

Geisha catching a taxi homePhoto by Kevin Mihaly.May 01, 2005

Hand clappingThis is called sanbon-jime, a series of hand clapping to mark the end of a successful meeting.May 01, 2005

A bow of thanksMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Closing wordsThe women standing in the back are the okami-san (proprietress) of high-class Japanese-style restaurants in Kagurazaka where the geisha are hired to perform at private geisha parties.May 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Towel throwingDuring the finale, the geisha started throwing hand towels to the audience.May 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Towel throwingThere were women in the middle the hall also throwing towels to people sitting further back.May 01, 2005

FinaleEveryone performed in the finale.May 01, 2005

Praying at BishamonMay 01, 2005

Praying at BishamonBishamon is a Buddhist temple in Kagurazaka where the geisha go to worship. The song included a reference to this temple.May 01, 2005

FinaleMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

FinaleMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

After the dance, this geisha posed with us for a picture.May 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

The Word Called Love (恋と云う字)May 01, 2005

悋気しゃんすなSolo number performed by Maiko (her name). 舞子May 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

引けや引け引けMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Kagurazaka geisha danceMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Chestnut Rice Cakes （栗餅）The third number was called "Chestnut Mochi." Mochi is rice cake. They pound sticky rice to make it. Performed by two geisha. The one in blue is a male role.May 01, 2005

Lively Colors of Kagurazaka（神楽坂華の彩）The final number, called Lively Colors of Kagurazaka (Kagurazaka Hana no Irodori) actually consisted of seven dances. This was the first one performed by three geisha. （ひと里）May 01, 2005

IntermissionThis Ushigome-Tansu Kumin Hall can hold almost 400 people. Both shows were sold out. Tickets are sold about a month in advance. They sold out within 2 weeks. I was sitting in the middle of the hall (non-reserved seating). Tickets cost only 2,000 yen.May 01, 2005

Closing curtainMay 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Unlike geisha dances in Kyoto which have elaborate backgrounds, the background here is quite plain, making us focus on the geisha which were enough eye candy. The background really didn't matter. The dances were very aesthetic and pleasing to the eyes and ears.May 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

Her big round eyes makes her look like a real doll.May 01, 2005

Rear viewMay 01, 2005

Music and singing accompanimentAll numbers was accompanied by live music and singing.May 01, 2005

Eight Views of Tatsumi (巽八景）The second number was about the Tatsumi and Monzen-nakacho (Fukagawa) district in Koto Ward, Tokyo. The dance reflects the chic and bravado of the area (in the old days) which was one of Tokyo's gay quarters with geisha as well.May 01, 2005

Shimada hairstyleStandard hairstyle for geisha. This a wig.May 01, 2005

"Hana no Kai" Dance by Kagurazaka geishaThe "Hana no Kai" geisha dance is held annually by geisha in Kagurazaka, one of Tokyo's major geisha districts. "Hana" means livley or gaudy. And "Kai" can mean gathering or party.

They held two shows on the same day. This was the second show starting at 3 pm on April 16, 2005. It lasted till about 4:45 pm.May 01, 2005

May 01, 2005

"Blue Ocean Waves" (青海波)They performed four numbers. This first one was called "Blue Ocean Waves" performed by five geisha.May 01, 2005

Notice that the kimono design shows waves.May 01, 2005

Costume gals. Even these girls walked on the fire.

Mar 16, 2005

Back at the Yakuoin temple which belongs to the Shingon Sect of Buddhism. 薬王院Mar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

Priests parade back to temple.Mar 16, 2005

Yamabushi--mountain ascetic priests. They carried a conch-shell-like instrument.Mar 16, 2005

End of the walk. Again we dip our feet in salt. We all ended up with muddy feet. There was no place to wash our feet either. Bringing wet tissues is highly recommended if you plan to walk on the fire.Mar 16, 2005

This is what it looked like by the time we got there. Hardly any fire. It was somewhat wet, and it did not feel hot or warm at all. Pretty disappointing...This is what it looked like by the time we got there. Hardly any fire. It was somewhat wet, and it did not feel hot or warm at all. Pretty disappointing...Mar 16, 2005

Then we stick our feet in salt.Mar 16, 2005

First we pass through a gauntlet of chanters.Mar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

Everyone crosses barefoot, so we took off our shoes as we approached the fire crossing.Mar 16, 2005

End of the line. It reads, "Saikobi."Mar 16, 2005

After the priests, the general public is invited to stand in line and cross the fire for free.Mar 16, 2005

Long line: It took us over 30 minutes to reach the fire.Mar 16, 2005

I always wondered how hot it was to walk on the fire, so this time I decided to walk over the fire just to see how much heat my feet could bear. Also see the video at YouTube.Mar 16, 2005

After crossing the fire, each person is blessed by the head priest with a tap on the shoulder by a baton.Mar 16, 2005

Hiwatari fire-crossing festival, Mt. Takao, TokyoMar 16, 2005

Walking on fireMar 16, 2005

Before and after walking over the fire, they stick their feet into a pile of salt.Mar 16, 2005

First the priests walked on the fire.Mar 16, 2005

Blessing the pathMar 16, 2005

This priest splashed the boiling contents of this pot over himself.Mar 16, 2005

Head priestMar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

Raking the fireMar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

Raking the fire. They are making the footpath for fire walkers.Mar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

She was tossing out these paper things to the crowd.Mar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

The pile catches fire very easily due to the kerosene. Even at this distance, it gets very hot. Also see the video at YouTube.Mar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

Dai-hiwatari Festival, Mt. Takao, TokyoMar 16, 2005

Mar 16, 2005

The pile is first ignited from two sides.Mar 16, 2005

This long torch will be used to ignite the pile.Mar 16, 2005

He shoots an arrow into the pile from the four corners.Mar 16, 2005

Divine arrow to ward off any life-threatening devils. The festival is executed by the mountain ascetic priests called yamabushi.
Mar 16, 2005

Various ceremonies, rituals, and chanting takes place during one hour from 1 pm. Divine ax used to cut away earthly desires.Mar 16, 2005

The name of the festival is "Hiwatari," literally meaning fire crossing. They make a big fire, then allow people to walk over the embers. This is the centerpiece of the festival, a pile of cypress tree branches to be burned.Mar 16, 2005

This festival is held on the second Sunday every March at the foot of Mt. Takao. It takes less than an hour from Shinjuku via the Keio Line. Train fare is only 370 yen. The pile of tree branches is supported by a wooden framework. A priest pours kerosene.Mar 16, 2005

The festival site is a short walk from Takao-san-guchi Station. It's held in this large lot cordoned off by a sacred rope. This festival is held as a prayer for traffic safety, household safety, and personal safety. It is held by the Yakuoin Yukiji Te
Mar 16, 2005

17881 files on 71 page(s)