Zōkyō

Shinjuku was the first place I fell in love with in Japan. Doc took me there three years ago on my first day in Japan. She took me to the top of Tokyo Tocho where I first witnessed the never-ever-ever-endlingness that Tokyo is. I went back to Shinjuku three or four times in those short few days.

What I loved about was its severe urbanity. Its the most city a city can get. Few people live there but it is the keystone of the pyramid on which the entire Japanese economy was/is built. Its where the office buildings buzz florescent high about neon where their salarymen and office ladies cut loose after working their fucking asses off, deep into the night.

Its the Yakuza in Kabukicho, Yakitori and beer of Omoedeyokocho. Its the Koreans in Okubo, the homos in Nichome, the drunks in Goldengai, and the bums on Yasakuni…. Its the monk in the busiest train station in the world offering prayers for alms. Its the candle lit sidewalk fortune tellers and the parasoled homeless shoe-shine ladies, the karaoke hustlers, the pachinko addicts, the gallery hoppers, the security guards, the reflective coated contruction workers, the tourist, the edoko, and the graffiti. Its the life in the neon…and the neon in life.

There is something for everyone in Shinjuku. Shibuya is too crowded, Ginza’s too expensive, and Ikebukuro is too boring. Downtown is too old, Ebisu and Nakame are too fashionable, Odaiba is too far, Shimokita is too immature, and Roppongi is just too much. But nobody ever seems to complain about Shinjuku though. Maybe its too dangerous but everybody needs a little danger in their life. It’s everybody’s place for one reason or another.

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Whatever you do…DON’T PRESS THE RED BUTTON!

Tell a child not to steal any cookies from the cookie jar and he will soon become obsessed with nothing else but getting his paws on those cookies. Cool an apple pie in an open window, and it won’t be long before a grown man’s fingers are dripping with carmelized sugar. Demand a teenage not to drink, smoke, or have sex, and its probable he or she will rebel before too long. Tell a woman not to eat the forbidden fruit and we all know what happens in the end. Temptation is a bitch.

But as we all know, forbidden fruit tastes the best.

Taking photos in the street is like eaten stolen fruit. I think about how delicious the light is, I crave sticking a little piece of it in my pocket to munch on for later, I reach for my camera, snatch the image, and if need be, quickly find the quickest escape route. You could call it ‘Pirate Photography ‘and the street the open sea.

But my friend Jim O’Connell says, “images are cheap.” They are easy to come by and in a place like Tokyo, they are a dime a dozen. And anybody can be in the right place at the right time.

What matters most to me is the questions and feelings images provoke, not in you, but in me. What is it? Who is he? Really, deeply, sincerely, WHO is he? What’s his story? Why that look? Will I ever see him again? Likely not, so what the fucking hell, take his photo and you can have him for as long as you want.

Tokyo, a gigapolis of a city, and the anonymity of its 34 million inhabitants beg to have those questions answered.

It’s the mischievous ‘itazuraku’ element of photography that thrills me most. See it, frame it, release the shutter, and find the quickest escape route.

Its better to do now, and ask for forgiveness later.

Street Photography is pressing the red button…

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If you’ve ever strolled through Shimokitazawa or Inokashira Park on a Sunday afternoon, you may have had your senses attacked by one of Tokyo’s more eclectic voices. Imaginatively narrating some of Japan’s off-the-wall manga, Rikimaru Touhou breathes life into pages’ pictures. Whether you understand Japanese or not, an audience with this animated story teller will certainly leave an impression. I caught up with him and played 20 questions.

BP: What’s you name, how old are you and where are you from?
TR: Rikimaru Touhou, 32 years old. I was born in Kagoshima but I grew up in Kanagawa.

BP: You have 3 free plane tickets. Where would you like to go?
TR: The first would have to be Rockefeller Center in New York City, to perform on Saturday Night Live, or perhaps Carnegie Hall. That wouldn’t be bad. My second choice would be Bangkok. Finally, Istanbul.

BP: What do you like about Tokyo?
TR: Tokyo is an easy place to live. It’s easy for me to do my job here.

BP: What is your job?
TR: I’m a mandokuka. I read manga to people.

BP: What pays the bills?
TR: This and only this. My audience is welcome to offer something if they feel like I deserve it. People almost always offer me ..100, but today is half-price because it’s Hanami.

BP: What got you first interested in doing what you do?
TR: I loved folk songs when I was growing up. I loved the stories. I tried singing and playing folk songs on the guitar, but I sing in an abrasively high-pitched key. So I wanted to find a job where I could use a lower pitched key.

BP: Where did you learn and how long have you been at it?
TR: I learned both on my own and at a talent school for actors in Tokyo. I’ve been doing this for ten years.

BP: What makes a great manga?
TR: A good manga is a memorable one, with sentiment. It can make us laugh or cry, or both.

BP: Which manga do you enjoy telling the best?
TR: I like telling Hokuto no Ken [Fist of the North Star] by Buronson the best. It’s about a Karate master who lives in the chaos of the apocalypse. But a close second is Tokyo Daigaku Monogatari [Tokyo University Story] by Tatsuya Egawa, which is about the trials and tribulations of a student at Tokyo University.

BP: How about your own personal favorite?
TR: Bokunchi by Rieko Saibara.

BP: Have you ever read to anyone famous?
TR: I’ve read to Rieko Saibara, Yoshikazu Ebisu and Shuho Sato.

BP: What’s your definition of a good storyteller and how can somebody be a better storyteller?
TR: A good storyteller draws on their own experiences to tell a story. Your own emotions are the ingredients. Just be yourself.

BP: How is what you do similar to kamishibai, the Japanese tradition of picture-storytelling?
TR: People think that’s what I do and that’s what initially intrigues them. If you mistake what I do for kamishibai, I’m flattered.

BP: Do you write your own manga or stories?
TR: I don’t write manga but I have been known to tell my own stories with the same feeling that I do here.

BP: Would you like to collaborate with anybody?
TR: Sometimes I have a djembe accompaniment and I’ve also collaborated with a good friend and schoolmate, Hiroki Ito, who does something similar in Akihabara. I can’t really do this in English, but I could collaborate with somebody willing to translate.

BP: What’s a good manga for Japanese learners?
TR: I would recommend Kochikame because it’s a window into Japanese philosophy, politics and life in the cities.

BP: Thanks. Your style is pretty freaky. People probably have some misconceptions about you. What’s something about you that you want people to know?
TR: I just want to make people laugh.

BP: Last question. What do you think about Doraemon?
TR: I love Doraemon.

Touhou Rikimaru is a street artist living and working in Tokyo. He has made various TV appearances and also provided voices for numerous cartoon characters. He is available for hire at parties and events. Please visit his webpage at www.dub.co.jp/touhou/index.html or e-mail him at touhourikimaru@ezweb.ne.jp

Japanzine

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I realize its conceited to post something like I am about to post, but it just made me feel so good I wanted to save it so I can read it again and feel all good inside before it vanished into the void. So Thank you for letting me do this and thank you to the person who write it. I Love you…

eighteen questions about the first person on my top six

1) What’s their name? Peter Brianson (or something like that)

2) Do you trust him/her? Absolutely

3) What do you think of him/her? He’s a smashing guy, super smartie pants, and can win anyone over in a matter of minutes; he’ll make you feel like you’ve been friends for years. He’s also one of the most analytical people I know, sometimes a little over board. Oh, and one of the nicest people you could ever, ever meet.

4) How old were you when you met? 19, I think.

5) Is this person your best friend? He’s a good friend.

6) Where does this person live? He is reeking havoc and eating rice in Tokyo right now.

7) Is this person older than you? No, I’m 12 days older than him.

9) When is the last time you talked to this person? we IM-ed (how dorky) yesterday.

10) Are you related to this person? not by blood but by history.

11) Would u do anything for this person? I might.

12) What is this persons favorite thing to do? Right now he’s into rice, and discovering the subtle nuances between regions and price differences. He’s always into music, playing it, listening to it. He likes to take pictures, meet people, and write things. He’s really good at talking too.

13) Are you bf and gf? once

14) Do you have nicknames for each other? yeah.

15) Does this person make you laugh? yup.

16) Do u have pics of this person on your myspace? no, but yesterday I thought I should.

17) How many times do you talk to this person in a day? we haven’t spoken on the phone in probably two years, but we are really good at typing to each other.

18) Do you think he/she would do these questions?Dunno. I don’t usually do these, so maybe he will too.

And my response…

1) What’s their name? ABaby (or something like that)

2) Do you trust him/her? Well… I have reasons not to but I am a sucker, so…yes, of course I trust her…blindly.

3) What do you think of him/her? Shes a timebombshell. She has an explosive TNT personality, an absolutely intoxicating and contagious smile and always laughs with abandon. Shes quick, really quick and feisty. She can deliver a menacing touchE A tomboy and a lady are just two of the many faces of her multiple personality disorder. And she can do that “record-on-the-jukebox-coming-to-a-screeching-halt” thing upon entering any room.

4) How old were you when you met? A brazen 20.

5) Is this person your best friend? Shes a good friend.

6) Where does this person live? Im sure in a studio sanctuary dedicated to impulsively collected, sentimentally valued, and seemingly useless objets d’art (in Boulder Colorado.)

7) Is this person older than you? Technically yes, by a mere 12 days.

9) When is the last time you talked to this person? In person? Over 2 years ago, yet we manage to maintain various other communiqués.

10) Are you related to this person? Does twice removed soul mate count?

11) Would u do anything for this person? I might.

12) What is this persons favorite thing to do? Getting her belly rubbed, being a mischief, going to movies by herself, running, shutter bugging, taking Amelia Earhart type adventures, having the last world, and pushing my buttons.

13) Are you bf and gf? once

14) Do you have nicknames for each other? Uh huh.

15) Does this person make you laugh? And cry.

16) Do u have pics of this person on your myspace? Not the incriminating ones.

17) How many times do you talk to this person in a day? Several times a day…telepathically.

18) Do you think he/she would do these questions? She already did, which aside from me being a sucker, I would not have otherwise done this.

Oh jeez, I am bored outta my mind. I am walking in circles around my house. I have cooked all my food, ate all my snacks, played with all my toys, started writing emails to all my friends, I erased all of them. I finished my book, I smoked all my cigarettes, I played some piano, I juggled, I scratched my eyed with Tabasco on my finger and now my eye is burning to high hell. My fridge is making some bubbling noise. I think the last train just went my my house. I made a huge mess in my house. I drank 2 liters of water then threw the bottle on the floor. I wrote in my journal, I read my magazine. I cut my fingernails, I took a shower and shaved a beard. I surfed the web. There’s a typhoon right now. It just keeps raining and raining and I don’t think its gonna stop for a month.

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When was the last time you sat down to write something that you had no idea what you were gonna write about? You just started typing and you asked yourself, “When was the last time I sat down to write something that I had no idea what I was going to write?” I guess the last time was just a few seconds ago however I only sat down once but Ive written the same thing twice. This is a bizarre way to sit down and start writing something that you have no idea what its gonna be. So I guess you just write, which is to say that I guess you should stop thinking and just start typing, which if fact you are already doing. This is a bit confusing. Anyway,…what does that word mean, anyway. Anyway? There is anyway to start writing something that you have no idea what its gonna be? I suppose that could be true. I may have just proven to myself that there is at least one way. Its pretty interesting to type something with out really saying anything, but in fact saying lots of things, but actually not. One could go on a long time like this, just writing, and thinking about writing and trying not to think about writing and just typing and then realizing that in fact one is doing just that, typing. Of course one should eventually stop chewing and start swallowing at some point, which is to say that one would surely move on to the next philosophical bite of observation about something yet this one seems to just keep on going down the page without really digesting anything. You could say you feel it coming but then you would just stop and retreat back into the nonsense of writing something that you had no idea what you were write and then next thing you know, you have filled a half a page and maybe not only wasted your own time but also somebody elses poor time who took the unnecessary time to read this, which again is yourself. Perhaps if you had some idea of what you wanted to write about you wouldnt find yourself in this predicament, filling a void with nothing, none the less filling it. Hmmm. Perhaps you should actually just start writing about something and this predicament would dissolve. And it is starting to sound like a predicament. Solvable by one simple idea of wanting to write about something, yet having no idea what one should write about, and somehow writing something, without saying anything at all.

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Akasaka Camera
Address: Akasaka 4-2-3 107-0052
Phone: (03) 3585-6284
Fax: (03) 3585-8736
Web Site: http://www.akasaka-camera.com/
Hours: 9:00-20:00 M-F, 9:30-19:00 on Sat., 10:00-17:00 on Sun., closed 2nd, 4th, 5th Sun. and national holidays
Other Info: Large selection of used Japanese and imported cameras and lenses, mainly rangefinder and collectables. Only a small collection of recent film SLRs.
Near Akasaka Mitsuke subway station.
Map: http://www.akasaka-camera.com/map.html

Alps-Do
Address: Shinjuku Terminal Bldg. 1st floor
Shinjuku 3-23-1 160-0022
Phone: (03) 3352-6337
Fax: (03) 3352-6171
Web Site: http://www.alpsdo.com/
Hours: 10:30 – 20:00, no holidays
Other Info: Classic cameras, used cameras, and accessories.
Near JR Shinjuku Station, East Exit (1 min. walk.)

Ameyoko Camera
Address: Ueno 4-7-8, Ameyoko Center, 3F
Phone: (03) 3833-3671
Web Site: http://www.ame-came.co.jp
Hours:10:00-20:00 (Closed 3rd Wednesday)
Other Info: Classic camera and collectables specialty store with about 300 items to choose from, includes medium format and 35mm equipment. Near JR Ueno Station (Yamanote Line).

Arrow Camera and Garakutaya
Address: Aragicho 8
Phone: (03) 3357-1169
Web Site: http://www.tksys.co.jp/arrow/
Hours: 9:00-19:00, Sun. 10:00-17:00
Other Info: Arrow camera specializes in purchasing used cameras. Garakutaya sells used cameras, lenses, accessories and junk parts. 35mm, medium/large format, and digital equipment. Near Yotsuya Sanchome Station (Marunouchi Subway Line.

BIC Camera (Camera Specialty Store)
Address: Higashi-Ikebukuro 1-11-7
Phone: (03) 3988-0002
Web Site: http://www.biccamera.com/
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Other Info: Another huge camera and electrical chain retailer. New and used cameras can be found in this new specialty store. 35mm, medium/large format, digital.
Map: http://www.biccamera.com/bicbic/jsp/w/shoplist/map/ikebukuro.jsp

Camera Classic
Address: Minami Aoyama 3-12-12 Kotani Bldg. 5F
Phone: (03) 3402-1729
Web Site: http://www.hobbyworld.co.jp/
Hours: 11:00-19:30 (Closed Sundays)
Other Info: Situated very close to Omotesando Station (Chiyoda Subway Line), this small camera shop houses a fine collection of collectable classics. Warranty: 6 months on selected items. 35mm and medium format.

Champ Camera (Ginza Store)
Address: Ginza 5-15-1 Nankai Tokyo Bldg.
Phone: (03) 3543-4547
Web Site: http://www.champcamera.co.jp/
Hours: 8:00-19:00, Sat./Sun. 9:00-18:00
Other Info: Chain store that also sells new cameras. You can also make purchases on-line (within Japan). 35mm, medium/large format, digital. Near JR Yurakucho (Yamanote Line). Branch stores in Akasaka and Yokohama. See list: http://www.champcamera.co.jp/stores.htm

Classic Camera Moritz
Address: Fuchu-shi, Fuchucho 2-16-17
Phone: (042) 358-5351
Web Site:http://www.moritz.co.jp/
Hours: 10:00-19:00, Sat./Sun. 11:00-18:30
Other Info: A premium collection of classic film and 8mm movie cameras. Warranty: 3 months on selected items. 35mm, medium format. Near Fuchu Station (Keio Line).

Fujikoshi Camera
Address: Nihonbashi Muromachi 3-3-1
Phone: (03) 3241-1635
Web Site: http://www.fujikoshi-camera.co.jp/
Hours: 8:00-19:00, Sat./Sun. 10:00-17:00
Other Info: New and used classic cameras (mainly Leica, Minox, Hassy, Linhof and Rollei). Warranty: 6 months on items over 30,000 yen. 35mm, medium/large format. Near Mitsukoshi-mae Station (Ginza Subway Line).

Fujisawa Shokai　藤澤商会
Address: 東京都品川区東五反田５−２１−１８第８スカイビル １Ｆ
Daihachi Sky Bldg. 1F, Higashi-Gotanda 5-21-18
Phone: (03) 3449-5055
Fax: (03) 3440-3406
Web Site: http://www.5055.co.jp/
Hours: 10:00-18:00, closed Sun. and national holidays
Other Info: Sells used equipment of all Japanese and foreign makes. Ships only within Japan.
Near JR Gotanda Station (Yamanote Line).
Map: http://www.5055.co.jp/map.html

Fujiya Camera
Address: Nakano 5-61-1 164-0001
Phone: 03-5318-2222
Web Site: http://www.fujiya-camera.co.jp
Hours: 10:00-20:30
Other Info: Large store with many Japanese (especially Nikon) and imported brands. Sells both new and used equipment.
Near JR Nakano Station (Chuo Line) North Exit.
Map: http://www.fujiya-camera.co.jp/floorguide.shtml

Hayata Camera Store
Address: Asakusa 2-1-3
Phone: (03) 3841-5824
Web Site: http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/
Hours: 11:30-20:00
Other Info: Voigtlander specialty sales and classic camera repair store. Warranty: 6 months on selected items. 35mm and medium format. Near Akasaka Station (Ginza Subway Line).

Kamera no Gokurakudo
Address: Toyama 1-1-8
Phone: (03) 5273-1932
Web Site: http://www.gokurakudo.net/
Hours: Tue.-Fri. 11:00-20:30, Sat. 10:00-20:30, Sun. 19:00
Other Info: New and used Contax camera and Carl Zeiss lens specialty shop. 35mm Contax and medium format. Near Wakamatsu-kowada Station (Oedo Subway Line)

Kawamasu Camera
Address: Kotobuki, 3-12-6
Phone: (03) 3844-2941
Web Site: http://www.camera.co.jp/
Hours: 9:00-18:30, Sat. 9:00-18:00, Sun. and national holidays 10:00-17:00
Other Info: Large selection (over 1000 cameras and 3000 lenses) of sorts of used cameras and lenses. A collector’s dream store. Warranty: 6 months on selected items. 35mm, medium format. Near Akasaka Station (Ginza Subway Line).

Kikuya Camera
Address: Kikuya Bldg. B1F, Ueno 6-2-14 110-0005
Phone: 03-3832-2331
Fax: 03-3839-0320
Web Site: http://www.kikuyashoji.co.jp/camera/
Hours: 10:00-19:00, closed Wed.
Other Info: Specializes in used imported brands like Leica, Hasselblad, and Rollei. Store is in the basement floor.
Near Ueno Okachimachi subway station (Oedo Line) Exit A7, JR Okachimachi Station, Ueno Hirokoji Station (Ginza Line), and Naka Okachimachi Station (Hibiya Line).
Map: http://www.kikuyashoji.co.jp/camera/information/storelcation.htm

Kimura Camera (Shinjuku Store) Updated!!
Address: Shinjuku 3-23-7 Asahi Bank Bldg.
Phone: (03) 3354-0731
Web Site: http://www.kimura-camera.net/
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Other Info: Another popular shop with collectors. The first floor houses new products, including film etc., the second floor has a large selection of used gear. Near JR Shinjuku Station (east exit).

Kitamura Camera (Shinjuku Purchasing Store)
Address: Nishi Shinjuku 1-15-13, 4F
Phone: (03) 5908-4322
Web Site: http://www.kitamura.co.jp/
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Other Info: This Shinjuku store specializes in purchasing used equipment. 35mm, medium/large format, digital, accessories. Near JR Shinjuku Station (west or south exit).

Lemon – Ginza Stores
Address: Ginza 4-3-14 104-0061
Phone: (03) 3567-3131
Mail order: (03) 3567-5533
Fax: (03) 3535-6978
Web Site: http://www.lemonsha.com/
Hours: 11:00-20:00, closed Sun. and national holidays
Other Info: Three Lemon stores are within a stone’s throw from each other in Ginza. The main camera shop sells used cameras and accessories. It also offers to sell your used equipment at a favorable rate. The Nishi Ginza store sells new and used Leica, Hasselblad, etc. The print shop offers photofinishing services, including prints from digital cameras.
Lemon also has branch stores in Osaka (06-6345-0720) and Fukuoka (092-737-4022).
Map: http://www.lemonsha.com/lemon/tenpo.html

Lucky Camera
Address: Shinjuku 3-36-16
Phone: (03) 3354-7898
Fax: (03) 3350-0780
Web Site: http://lucky-camera.com/
Other Info: Near Shinjuku Station’s South exit. Buy, sell, and trade cameras. Leica specialist. They ship only within Japan.
Map in English: http://lucky-camera.com/wantede.html

Map Camera
Address: Nishi-Shinjuku 1-13-6 160-0023
Phone:(03) 3342-3383
Fax: (03) 3342-3422
Web Site: http://www.mapcamera.com/english/inquiry.php
Hours: 10:30-20:30
Other Info: There are two large stores. The No. 1 store sells used equipment (both Japanese and imported cameras), and the adjacent No. 2 store sells digital cameras.
Near Shinjuku Station West Exit. Very close to Yodobashi.
Map in English: http://www.mapcamera.com/english/inquiry.php

Miyama Shokai
Address: Ginza 5-9-5 104-0061
Phone: (03) 3571-7527
Fax: (03) 3571-7527
Hours: 10:30-19:30
Other Info: Used camera equipment. No Web site as of this writing.
Near Ginza Station. Branch stores in Shinjuku (03-3356-1841), Ikebukuro (03-3987-2621), Yokohama (045-251-4100), and Omiya (048-643-3316).

National Photo
Address: Jingumae 6-13-11 NP Bldg.
Phone: (03) 3486-7761
Web Site: http://www.nationalphoto.co.jp/
Other Info: Sells a wide selection of professional film and digital photographic equipment. Also sells collectables and used pro studio cameras. 35mm, medium/large format. Near Meiji Jingumae Station (Chiyoda Subway Line).

Nikon House (Sukiya Camera)
Address: 東京都中央区銀座４丁目２-１３ クリスタルビル１Ｆ
Crystal Bldg. 1F, Ginza 4-2-13 104-0061
Phone: (03) 3561-6000
Web Site: http://www.sukiya.co.jp/nikonhouse_main.html
Hours: 10:00-19:00
Other Info: Store is at a prominent street corner in Ginza. Used Nikon equipment only.
Near Ginza subway station Exit B5 and Yurakucho Station.
Map: http://www.sukiya.co.jp/map.html

Nisshin Camera
Address: Kanda Iwamotocho 1 Banchi 101-0033
Phone: (03) 3251-7504
Fax: (03) 3251-5194
Hours: 9:00-20:00 (M-F), 10:00-20:00 (Sat., Sun.)
Other Info: An impressive range of modern and collectable cameras at reasonable prices. If you are into manual focus 35mm then this is a good place to look. 35mm, medium/large format, digital. Near JR Akihabara (Yamanote Line).

Nitto Camera
Address: Nakano, 5-49-6
Phone: (03) 3387-0111
Web Site: http://www.nitto-camera.co.jp/
Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Closed Thursday)
Other Info: An interesting selection of cameras and top-quality lenses. A good place to visit if you make a trip to Fujiya Camera. Warranty: 6-12 months. 35mm and digital. Near JR Nakano Station (Chuo Line).

Ohba Shokai Camera Co.
Address: Shimbashi 1-15-6
Phone: (03) 3591-0070
Web Site: http://www.ohbacamera.com/
Hours: 10:00-19:30, Sat.19:00, Sun./Hol. 17:00
Other Info: 35 mm film cameras make up the bulk of stock at Ohba Camera, but there is a healthy smattering of MF and LF cameras. Lenses and accessories are located on the second floor.

Ohnuki Camera
Address: Ohnuki Bldg. 1st floor
Miyagawa-cho 2-47
Naka-ku 231-0065
Phone: (045) 231-0306
Fax: (045) 231-8531
Web Site: http://www.camera-ohnuki.com/
Hours: 10:00-19:00, closed Wed.
Other Info: New and used camera equipment of all major brands.
Near JR Sakuragicho Station and Hinode-cho Station (Keihin Kyuko).

Osawa Camera West Exit Store and East Exit
Address: Ebisu Minami 1-1-12 (West)
Phone: (03) 3719-0741 (West)
(03) 3446-5839 (East)
Web Site: http://www.oosawacamera.com/
Hours: 9:00-20:00, Sun. 10:00-20:00 (West)
9:30-19:30, Sat. 10:00-19:00, Sun. 11:00-18:00 (East)
Other Info: Two stores owned by the came company in Ebisu. Mainly stock manual focus 35mm cameras and lenses. Near JR Ebisu Station (Yamanote Line).

Sankyo Camera　三共カメラ
Address: Ginza 4-8-7 104-0061
Phone: (03) 3543-3951
Fax: (03) 3546-1183
Web Site: http://www.sankyocamera.com/
Hours: 10:00-19:00 (till 18:30 on Sat.), 11:00-18:00 on national holidays., closed Sun.
Other Info: There are two stores in Ginza. One is called the Ginza Store and the other is called the Miharabashi Store (03-3561-2330) address above. The former sells imported cameras like Leica, while the latter sells Japanese brands.
Near Ginza subway station.
Map: http://homepage3.nifty.com/sankyocamera/information.htm

Sanpoh Camera
Address: Meguro Honcho 2-5-5
Phone: (03) 3793-2273
Web Site:http://www.sanpou.co.jp/
Hours:9:30-19:00, Sun 10:00-18:00
Other Info: Good selection of cameras at competitive prices. Often featured in Japanese camera magazines. 35mm, medium format, digital. Near Gakugei Daigaku Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line).

Shinbashi Ichi Camera
Address: Higashi Ueno 1-11-1 105-0004
Phone: (03) 3833-4311/4312
Fax: (03) 3833-4313
Web Site: http://www.shinbashi-camera.com/
Hours: 10:30-19:30 (till 17:30 on national holidays, Closed Sundays except in July and Dec. when it is open on Sun.
Other Info: This store focuses on medium format equipment, especially Mamiya. The store has moved from Shimbashi to Okachimachi. 5-min. walk from the north exit of JR Okachimachi Station or 3 min. from Naka-Okachimachi Station on the Hibiya subway line.

Sukiya Camera
Address:東京都中央区銀座５丁目５-１　ﾏﾂﾓﾄｷﾖｼ銀座５thビル8Ｆ
Ginza 5-5-1 Phone: (03) 3571-5555
Fax: (03) 3571-5633
Web Site: http://www.sukiya.co.jp/
Hours: 10:00-19:30 (till 19:00 on Sun. and national holidays)
Other Info: Conveniently located in Ginza. Sells classic Japanese and Leica cameras and lenses. Open every day. Buy and sell.
Near Ginza subway station Exit B5.
Map: http://www.sukiya.co.jp/map.html

Toueido
Address: Hongo 4-17-6 TED Bldg. 5F
Phone: (03) 3812-1201
Web Site: http://www.toueido.co.jp/
Hours: 9:00-17:30 (Closed on Sat. and Sun.)
Other Info: A strange little store that sells props, lighting and cameras for pro studio work. Medium/large format. Near Kasuga Station (Toei Mita Subway Line).

Yodobashi Camera (Main Store)
Address: Nishi Shinjuku 1-11-1
Phone: (03) 3346-1010
Web Site: http://www.yodobashi.com/
Hours: 9:30-22:00
Other Info: One of the top camera and electrical retailers in Tokyo. The main store is located in Shinjuku, and is surrounded by separate specialist buildings which stock watches, film, video tape, cameras etc. They mainly sell new equipment, but used equipment is also sold.
If you become a member of their customer loyalty system, 10% or more of any purchase is credited in points (1 point = 1 yen) to your account which can then be used against your next purchase. Near JR Shinjuku Station (west or south exit).

Yoyogi Camera
Address: Yoyogi 1-38
Phone: (03) 3370-8682
Web Site: http://www.usedcamera.co.jp/
Hours: 10:00-19:30 (Closed Sundays and national holidays)
Other Info: A small shop that stocks a wide range of used film cameras, especially roll film models. 35mm, medium/large format. Near JR Yoyogi Station (Yamanote Line).

Map I pilfered from here.

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Just cuz I dont repost your mails doesn’t mean that Im not paying attention or that I just want you as a popularity status symbol. Im not a poster, thats all. Im vaguely leary of any post, mail, or otherwise slightly guilt ridden message that tells me Ill be shit on by 10,000 storks if I dont remail or worse yet, that my true love will mail me in 8 minutes if I resend to 8 people. I know Im becoming a cynic in my old age and I hear its better to chose faith over logic, the latter of which I have in abundance, and the former that you seem to have enough of(in a good way, I mean, honestly). Im a pay attention-er. I just don’t post unless I’m really into it. I get too many mails like this if I do. Its like that letter you posted a few weeks ago by …Ben Stein was it? We’re all too paranoid of what other people might think of us if we do or dont do something. To a certain extent thats true, But actually, I just don’t want to give into the belief that love is about who I mail or don’t. Its not that cyber. You dig? Alright, Im out…Lots of love…
BrianP

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