Hong Kong Bike Riders Ride Head-On!!

These previously posted pictures from Hong Kong highlight the fact that many ride against traffic instead of with the traffic. I was told it's because they believe it's safer for them, since they can see the cars coming at them, so they can avoid an accident. If they went with the traffic, they feel that they can't see cars creeping up from behind... hmmm, what do you think? Safer or more dangerous?

Soccer Mom's of Japan Transport on Bikes

This is a very common sight where ever children are congregated: a fleet of Japanese momma-bikes (aka "Mamachari"). In N.America, it's minivans and SUV's, but in the busy and densely populated cities of Japan, you would get nowhere in such huge vehicles, especially since many places in city have no parking lots. I'll post more pics of these mom's and their bikes in action, but it's not an uncommon sight to see a mom carrying two kids (one up front, one in the back) and groceries and plowing down the sidewalk avoiding pedestrians and vending machines in Tokyo.  I've also noticed, kids don't cry in Japan, at least the ones on the mamachari's. Maybe they're more worried about falling out, or crashing into one of their pre-school mates!! Ride on momma-riders!! Ride on Mamachari's!

Dashboard Reflection Portrait

I'm going to be honest here, this image wasn't planned out. I noticed a cool car dashboard and wanted to take a picture of it, but I couldn't find the right angle to get rid of the relfection (I know, but I didn't have my polarizing filter with me). Then I noticed that I was getting pretty cool reflections of people as they passed by. I caught this guy looking at me wondering what's so interesting about the car, not knowing that I was actually interested in his reflection!! The far right reflection of half a face is my sister, also wondering what on earth her crazy brother is doing......

Another Distracted Bike Rider in Osaka

Like my previous post concerning the stylish bike texting guy, I notice many distracted bike riders in Japan. I'm surprised there aren't more accidents. This guy is riding on a busy 4-lane road, texting, listening to music with headphones, no helmet (very common in Japan) and only a few fingers on the grips; and he still has time to stare at me taking his picture! How dare he!! Ha ha. I got a good expression though...smile!! 

Ride on Osaka!!

Coca-Cola Bicycle in Japan

In Japan, I saw lots of oddly branded bicycles, mostly American brands such as Hummer, or this Coca-Cola bike. Obviously Coke didn't build or design this bike. However, since Japanese love American companies, by putting these types of brands on whatever item, sales increase. I've seen really weird cross-market branding in Japan, but this has got to be the oddest. Are you paying attention Pepsi? Maybe you have to kick it up a notch. Perhaps a Honda 'Diet Pepsi' 1000??

A Couple Window Shopping while Bike Doubling in Osaka

As mentioned on previous posts, bike doubling is very common in Japan, although technically illegal. Many don't own cars, and so bikes and public transit is the most efficient and cost effective form of transportation for couples and families. This couple seems to be enjoying themselves as they cruise down a side street full of boutique shops and restaurants. In fact, the girl was eyeing all the clothing stores as they cruised by each one. Window shopping without getting sore feet! Good idea! Ride on Osaka!!

Stylish Guy Bike Texting in Osaka

Another archived picture......

Not only was this a narrow street, but it was a busy side street with pedestrians, commercial vehicles and many other cyclists. Besides the texting, notice his hand grip? He's using 3 fingers to push up against his grip!! What the heck? So other than not paying attention, if he had to make an emergency maneuver, what can he do other than fly over his handlebars face first? 

I easily saw him approaching so I was able to frame him into my image, although he had no idea what was going on. Photographically, I like the way the wind blew his jacket open, and I like his cool purple cargo pants and white Birkenstocks. In fact, even his bike was pretty cool, including his blue bike lock. A very stylish yet dangerous guy! Ride on Osaka....but pay attention man!!

1970's Japanese Robot Great Mazinger Portrait Through Glass Window

I know the most famous Japanese anime/manga robots are Gundam and Robotech, but my all time favorite is Great Mazinger! I always thought it was cool how the airplane shuttle flew into the head of the robot to activate it, and how the V-chest shield becomes a throwing weapon!! As a 70's Japanese kid, we all had a die-cast Great Mazinger toy. The first thing we lose is the eject-able fists of course, and eventually we lose the removable V-chest..... I wonder where my Mazinger is? I wonder what a Mazinger is? Who cares. It was a great robot toy!!

I shot through a shop window from the street, and I successfully hid myself from the image. I like the randomness of the light reflection bouncing back into the image. I wonder if there's a name for that effect? Can you help me with this Naki? Colour isolation to make the V-chest stand out!!

Jinglish Sign at Guitar Shop in Osaka

I guess you can sort of figure out what they're trying to say. The reflection of the street behind me sort of works within the black of the sign, while I was able to hide myself in the red of the guitar.....making so cool image of the camera-main......

Cute Girl Riding Bike in Osaka

I love taking pictures of people on bikes. I enjoy seeing how people dress while riding, as well as the fact that I love bikes in general. The bike becomes the biggest accessory a person can have on, or be on.  The only problem is it's hard getting a good shot while in motion. I missed the whole top of her head, and just barely got her eyes as she whipped passed me. 


Only after I took the picture did I notice that she had flyers inside her basket, and probably old ones too. Was she that lazy to take them out? Was it her own personal public mobile recycle basket? Not too many public garbage cans in Japan, even though the streets are pretty clean. Sorry. Random thought......

What originally caught my eye was her black stockings with shorts and her checkered top. Only after, I noticed her green hoodie and pink bike matched nicely. Her whole outfit is actually well balanced, with her cream scarf and her brown shoulder bag thrown behind. Ride on cute fashionable girl! Ride on Osaka!!

Cool Couple Walking in Osaka

Archived photo....

There's nothing odd about seeing a cool couple walking down a small side street in the entertainment district of Umeda in Osaka. In fact, it's a normal sight. However, like my post from yesterday I took this while out for my early morning jog at 6am!!  By the looks of it, they've finished an all nighter (notice the guy holding what looks like a beer can?) and are on their way home. You can't see it in the picture, but they just didn't have a "just woke up" walk as they approached me. It was more like a late night "ready for bed" walk. I stood there for a while and pretended I was shooting buildings above their heads so they wouldn't wonder why I was taking their picture as they came closer......

5 String Bass Street Performer in Harajuku

 Another picture from the archives.....

I love walking around Tokyo on the week-end, especially near the known street performance areas such as Harajuku.  These guys were really slick, especially this long, blond-haired, 5-string bassist. I love his stance and I love his pants. He kept his head down and rocked out, except his crazy hair was being tossed around as he rhythmically bobbed his head to the beat of the drums. Between songs, the lead singer would run around and hand out flyers to their next gig; but the bassist used that time to silently practice his scales!! How dedicated and how Japanese of him. Rock on Tokyo! Rock on 5-String Bass-Man!!

Guerrilla Marketing on Bikes in Japan

Walking in the Umeda district of Osaka, I noticed a group of cyclists all dressed in uniform and obviously advertising something. It easily caught my attention, as it did everyone else, hence a successful guerrilla marketing concept: a bike parade!! It says "Children 110 Yen" (approx $1.45USD) so I assume it's some sort of entrance price for an amusement park or something like that? 


None of them looked happy riding their bikes though, but it was a bit of a warm day. Or perhaps it was the basket in the front? If I got paid to ride around in circles all day, I would be happy!! In fact, I'd be ringing my bell too!! Imagine each bell had a different tone, and they were playing a tune while riding around? Now that would have been cool! Ride on Osaka!!

Cute Girls Doubling on a Bicycle in Osaka

It's written all over their faces, no? The pure pleasure of doubling on a bicycle. The wind against your face, the rush of adrenaline as you avoid pedestrians and other cyclists as you try not to fall off the back!! I happened to see them approaching from far off so I discreetly took this picture just as they passed by.... not that they would notice little old me and my tiny Canon p&s camera!!

This is very common in Japan, as you can tell by this other doubling act caught by a National Geographic photographer.  In both images, the girls riding on the back are wearing heels, and neither are standing on some well structured, meant-for-doubling-stands or anything like that. What can I say? When it comes to two wheels and heels, Japanese girls have skills!! Thanks @cyncerest for the link!!

Refreshing Work at Budweiser

Another old picture. Taken in Hong Kong a few years back.....I know, it looks worse than it is. He was working really hard before I took this shot, and then when I finally decided to take the picture, he took his break.... but it does look a bit like he was sampling the product doesn't it? Leave him alone. He's worked hard. Doesn't he deserve a Bud?

Cool Guys Riding Folding Bikes

Another old, lost picture from previous blog entry........

I love Osaka because it's a bike city. My brother goes restaurant and bar hopping with his wife and friends on their bikes. It's a great way to get around town, and a fun way to burn off some of those extra calories! 

I took a picture of these guys because you just wouldn't see this in N.America (except maybe New York or San Fransisco). Cool guys, or at least trying to project a 'cool guy' image, riding folding bikes. I mean, those things are not cool, seriously. Efficient and compact, yes. But cool? What are those, 8" wheels? But look at the attitude... it's like they're on hogs or a nice cruiser......ha ha!! I like both of their shoes though......

Kimono and Dreadlocks?

I'm going to re-post some older pictures since some amazing shots were sort of lost in past postings, as I use to post up to 12 pictures in a single blog entry!!

This picture was taken at my youngest brother's wedding in Osaka a few years back.  Up to that point, between myself and my big brother (I have 3 brothers and a sister), we had taken all family wedding pictures. This was the first wedding we could enjoy without being completely stressed out.... but old habits die hard!! I still brought 3 cameras with me!!

This is Miho, my sister-in-law's cousin. She's a professional hip-hop dancer, but for the wedding, she decided to go ultra traditional with her kimono...or did she? Look at her dreadlock updo!!  I liked the contrast in styles, or perhaps it's more of a juxtaposition? The bright red colour of the kimono and the red in her hair-do actually worked really well; as well as the layering of the kimono and the similar layering of her dreadlocks. And perhaps because she's a dancer by profession, her personality and her composure allowed her to pull off this cool look.

2100 Bottles of Wine on the Wall!!

The most famous restaurant in Whistler is probably Araxi. But my wife and I enjoy the Bearfoot Bistro. After seeing staff going up and down a misplaced set of stairs in the middle of the restaurant all evening, we asked where it led to. After being told it was their special room, we asked the owner if we could take a peek, and so he kindly took us down into his Bat Cave. It was nice and cool (temperature wise) and it was nice and cool ( cool-factor wise). Notice the saber on the wood block table to the bottom right? Notice the white table clothed table to the bottom right as well? Totally in the way!! Argh!!

If you love to drink, and you love hanging out with friends surrounded by a lot of bottles of expensive and rare spirits hanging off the wall, and you love to use a saber to open your bottles of champagne, then the Bearfoot Bistro Bat Cave Cellar is where it's at!!

Fact: The proprietor of the restaurant, Andre St Jacques currently holds the world record for sabering the most bottles of champagne in under a minute: 21!!

Red, Red Ship!

This ship has a lot of red on it. Most ships have either white or grey coloured decks, but not this ship. Perhaps they over estimated how much red paint they needed, so they kept going until they were finished? Perhaps the inside is also red? I like it. It's industrial and mechanical looking as a ship, but the red makes it kinda cool, like a Ferrari ship or something. I took this shot while riding home after work on the 2nd Narrows Bridge.......

Train Bridge in Action

I've taken many pics from my daily bike ride trip across 2nd Narrows Bridge, but I've only been able to get this shot maybe 3 times total. I think my serendipitous timing on this shot is my best thus far. Because the framing is so tight in this 4/3 aspect ratio, I couldn't crop it to my more typical 16:9 or wider. I'm still amazed at how such a small tug boat can pull a huge ship!!