"Ginza 3-Chome Cross Street Sidewalk" (100126-1344)
Looking up at some unusual buildings in Ginza 3-chome while walking down a cross street. Being a clear winter day, the sky is much bluer than is typical in the summer.
銀座三丁目の変わった建物 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:44 p.m.)
"Old & New Buildings in Ginza" (100126-1406)
Looking around from the rooftop of an old building in Ginza, and up at a towering new building going up right next to the old one. There are not very many old buildings left in Ginza (or elsewhere in Tokyo for that matter). They are relentlessly destroyed as the years go by. (Throughout most of the video are various industrial noises from motors and pounding that emanate from the construction site.)
銀座一丁目の古い建物と隣の新しい建物 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 2:06 p.m.)
"Okuno Building - 6th Floor Stairwell" (100126-1425)
Standing in the stairwell of the sixth floor of the Okuno Building, looking around and listening to the sounds of people echoing through the building. The room opposite the top of the stairs was apparently a lounge room for the tenents of the building when it was strictly an apartment building. (Currently there are many galleries in the building, as well as office space, but no resident tenants. The last tenant died one year ago at 100 years of age. Apparently she had lived in the building for its entire history - over seven decades! I wish I could have talked to her about the building's history while she was still alive.)
銀座一丁目の奥野ビルの六階 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 2:25 p.m.)
"Okuno Building 3rd Floor" (100126-1524)
Looking around on the third floor of the Okuno Building, including one of the displays in the room that was occupied by the very last tenant of the building, who died last year. The group renting the space is preserving it as it was, and using it sometimes for eccentric exhibits.
銀座一丁目の奥野ビルの三階の見回り 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 3:24 p.m.)
"Old Ginza Building Roof" (100126-1544)
Having another look around on part of the old Ginza building roof that I hadn't yet been on. At the end of the video, you can see the shape of the new building being built up around it. That zig-zag shape exactly conforms to the space available next to the building I was on and the building next to it. On the other side of the new building (to the left), there's a corner building that is being built around as well, so one side of the new building is about four or five times longer than the other. This sort of thing often happens in Tokyo, where people shoehorn buildings into all available space.
銀座一丁目の古い建物の屋上 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 3:44 p.m.)
"Ginza Side Street - January 26th, 2010, 5:57 p.m."
Walking down a side street in Ginza on January 26th, 2010, at 5:57 p.m.
銀座の道 東京 (平成二十二年一月二十六日の午後六時頃)
"Ginza 3-Chome, Yurakucho-Bound" (100126-1800)
Walking down a street in Ginza 3-chome on the way to Yurakucho.
銀座三丁目、有楽町行き 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 6:00 p.m.)
"Crossing from Ginza into Yurakucho" (100126-1801)
Walking across the main road that divides Ginza 3-chome and Yurakucho 2-chome.
銀座三丁目から、有楽町二丁目へ 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 6:01 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Bic Camera Michael Jackson DVD Promotional Concert" (100126-1804)
Walking along the street next to the overhead tracks in Yurakucho after visiting Ginza, I was surprised to notice that there was a live concert in front of Bic Camera (in the former Sogo Department Store Building), so naturally I went up close for a look and then discovered why - they were promoting sales of a Michael Jackson DVD with the live band. Bic Camera employees were walking around in front of the store clapping their hands to the music - I guess the idea being that their "enthusiasm" would be infectious and generate more sales of the DVD?
有楽町駅前のマイケルジャクソンDVD販売の為のライブコンサート 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 6:04 p.m.)
"Yurakucho - On Towards YSB" (100126-1805)
Continuing on towards YSB, the sounds of the Bic Camera concert fade into the nighttime Yurakucho sounds of trains, traffic and walking & talking people.
有楽町駅から、有楽町YSBまで 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 6:05 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Station Bound - January 26th, 2010, 7:01 p.m."
As the light changes, I walk across the striped crosswalk towards Yurakucho Station in the purple Tokyo night.
夜の有楽町駅へ向かう 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 7:01 p.m.)
"Keihin-Tohoku & Yamanote Line Trains at Yurakucho Station" (100126-1903)
The Keihin-Tohoku Line train was delayed due to a woman getting her bags caught in one of the doors. I was hoping to get a picture of her standing on the platform, with her hand around shopping bag straps by the door, with the shopping bags still inside the train on the other side of the closed doors. (It must have been something expensive, because she never let go for a second.) They opened the doors, she got her bags safely out of the train, and then I got the camera rolling. Shortly thereafter, a Yamanote Line train came in on the other side of the platform, and I got on that.
有楽町駅の京浜東北線と山手線の電車 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 7:03 p.m.)
"Arriving at Tokyo Station at 7:05 p.m. on January 26th, 2010"
Arriving at Tokyo Station just as a Keihin-Tohoku Line train is departing from the other side of the platform (yes - the same one that had just left Yurakucho - they basically race each other up to Ueno). The train stops, the doors open, and there's a bit of a rush for the stairs. Hurrying down the stairs, I then head for the Chuo Line.
Why the rush for the stairs? It's not for the tiny bit of extra time saved in getting there by walking fast, but rather to get there when there is still free access and you can walk down at a normal speed. If you wait too long to get there, then you generally have to walk at a snail's pace as everyone has to slow down to the speed of the very slowest bipeds in the crowd, which is generally quite slow.
山手線の電車が、東京駅に到着 階段アクセス 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 7:05 p.m.)
"Shinjuku South Exit Crowds - 7:25 p.m. on January 26th, 2010"
Beginning by a row of unused green public telephones within the upper level of Shinjuku Station, I head over to the south-east exit, exit the station through the ticket barrier there, and walk over to the top of the stairs leading down to the plaza. From there, I turn around, walk past a row of ticket (and train IC card charge) machines and into a short mall (Lumine-2) that takes me over to the busy south exit. The video ends as I navigate through a sea of people. (Well - not a sea really, maybe a lake then? "A lake of people." Can I say that?)
新宿駅内の散歩から、南口の人々の中に歩いて行く 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 7:25 p.m.)
"Shinjuku Omoide-Yokocho - 9:41 p.m., January 26th, 2010"
Walking through the retro drinking area Omoide-Yokocho at 9:41 p.m. - probably around the busiest time for the retro-drinking street. Every time I walk through there, there seem to be still more tourists - it must be in guide books....
Towards the beginning of the clip, there's a woman dragging a large suitcase through. I often see tourists walking around Tokyo dragging huge suitcases... I suppose they are either too early for check-in or stuck between check-out and heading to the airport for another city? No big deal either way, but the sound of the suitcases on rough ground can be quite irritating if you're stuck walking beside them for a while.
新宿思い出横丁、九時四十一分、平成二十二年一月二十六日 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 9:41 p.m.)
"Seibu-Shinjuku Station Platform Walking" (100126-2148)
Walking down a platform in Seibu-Shinjuku Station beside a stopped Red Arrow reserved-seat express train in order to get in line for a regular express train (which is about to arrive on the other side of the same platform).
西武新宿駅のプラットホーム散歩 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 9:48 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
"Tamagawa-josui Bicycle Ride, Lunchtime Shinjuku, Tokyo Station & Yurakucho"
Beginning with a weekend bicycle ride along the Tamagawa-josui canal, and then continuing with a lunchtime visit to Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Yurakucho. The lighting on the streets of Shinjuku and Yurakucho is interesting for the long shadows of winter. (There's something to be said for the lighting at all times of the year.)
"Bicycle Ride Along Tamagawa Josui Canal" (100124-1436)
On the 24th, I went for a bicycle ride along the Tamagawa Josui Canal for several kilometers. In the evening I tried going to a Y100 kaiten-sushi place, but there was an over-an-hour wait and the place with clogged with fire-breathing machinery riders, so I gave up on it.
ある日、玉川上水の隣に自転車を乗りました 東京 (Recorded on Sunday, January 24th, 2010, at 2:36 p.m.)
"Seibu-Shinjuku Station Plaza" (100126-1220)
Looking around the plaza in front of Seibu-Shinjuku Station on a weekday afternoon at lunch in late January.
西武新宿駅プラザ 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:20 p.m.)
"Shinjuku Railway Bridge Noises" (100126-1221)
Listening to the sounds of the overhead trains while walking under a railway bridge in Shinjuku. (Visually boring, the main purpose of this one is for the sounds.)
新宿駅近くのガードの下の音 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:21 p.m.)
"Shinjuku Crossing & Omoide-yokocho" (100126-1222)
Beginning while I wait for the light to change at a large crossing, when the light changes, I walk across the long & wide crosswalk, and then through the old narrow "Omoide-yokocho" area.
新宿駅近くの交差点と思い出横丁 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:22 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku Lunchtime Yodobashi Tunes, etc." (100126-1230)
Walking around in Nishi-Shinjuku at lunchtime - walking past a Yodobashi-Camera with its store song playing, etc.
西新宿のお昼散歩、ヨドバシカメラのメロディなど 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:30 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku Winter Midday Shadows" (100126-1232)
Continuing midday stroll in Nishi-Shinjuku in the harsh light and shadow of a winter's day.
西新宿のお昼散歩、冬の硬い光と影 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:32 p.m.)
"Round Elevator Reflections" (100126-1247)
Looking at the world directly and through reflections in a glass-walled elevator in Nishi-Shinjuku.
西新宿のエレベーター 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:47 p.m.)
"Shinjuku Station, West Entrance" (100126-1313)
Looking around (360-degree view) on the outside of the west exit ticket gates of Shinjuku Station, and then passing through the gates and heading for a train.
新宿駅の西口 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:13 p.m.)
"Early Afternoon Chuo Line Train Arrives in Shinjuku" (100126-1314)
Early afternoon inbound Chuo Line train arrives in Shinjuku. In the background another line is pulling in at the same time.
新宿駅、中央線の電車がやって来る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:14 p.m.)
"Tokyo Station Chuo Line Escalator & Mini Mall" (100126-1329)
After jumping off a Chuo Line train at Tokyo Station (last stop on the line), I run down an escalator and then walk through a mini-mall within the station.
東京駅で、中央線の電車から降りて、ミニモールを通る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:29 p.m.)
"Tokyo to Yurakucho & Shinkansen Seen From Yurakucho Platform" (100126-1332)
Taking the Yamanote Line to Yurakucho from Tokyo, as I get off the train, a Shinkansen super-express train is passing, so I pause to watch it go by before heading down the stairs.
山手線で、東京駅から、有楽町駅まで 有楽町駅から通る新幹線を見る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:32 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Winter Light & Shadows" (100126-1337)
Walking through the angled winter shadows of winter's leafless trees in Yurakucho.
有楽町冬光と影 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:37 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"Bicycle Ride Along Tamagawa Josui Canal" (100124-1436)
On the 24th, I went for a bicycle ride along the Tamagawa Josui Canal for several kilometers. In the evening I tried going to a Y100 kaiten-sushi place, but there was an over-an-hour wait and the place with clogged with fire-breathing machinery riders, so I gave up on it.
ある日、玉川上水の隣に自転車を乗りました 東京 (Recorded on Sunday, January 24th, 2010, at 2:36 p.m.)
"Seibu-Shinjuku Station Plaza" (100126-1220)
Looking around the plaza in front of Seibu-Shinjuku Station on a weekday afternoon at lunch in late January.
西武新宿駅プラザ 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:20 p.m.)
"Shinjuku Railway Bridge Noises" (100126-1221)
Listening to the sounds of the overhead trains while walking under a railway bridge in Shinjuku. (Visually boring, the main purpose of this one is for the sounds.)
新宿駅近くのガードの下の音 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:21 p.m.)
"Shinjuku Crossing & Omoide-yokocho" (100126-1222)
Beginning while I wait for the light to change at a large crossing, when the light changes, I walk across the long & wide crosswalk, and then through the old narrow "Omoide-yokocho" area.
新宿駅近くの交差点と思い出横丁 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:22 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku Lunchtime Yodobashi Tunes, etc." (100126-1230)
Walking around in Nishi-Shinjuku at lunchtime - walking past a Yodobashi-Camera with its store song playing, etc.
西新宿のお昼散歩、ヨドバシカメラのメロディなど 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:30 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku Winter Midday Shadows" (100126-1232)
Continuing midday stroll in Nishi-Shinjuku in the harsh light and shadow of a winter's day.
西新宿のお昼散歩、冬の硬い光と影 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:32 p.m.)
"Round Elevator Reflections" (100126-1247)
Looking at the world directly and through reflections in a glass-walled elevator in Nishi-Shinjuku.
西新宿のエレベーター 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 12:47 p.m.)
"Shinjuku Station, West Entrance" (100126-1313)
Looking around (360-degree view) on the outside of the west exit ticket gates of Shinjuku Station, and then passing through the gates and heading for a train.
新宿駅の西口 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:13 p.m.)
"Early Afternoon Chuo Line Train Arrives in Shinjuku" (100126-1314)
Early afternoon inbound Chuo Line train arrives in Shinjuku. In the background another line is pulling in at the same time.
新宿駅、中央線の電車がやって来る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:14 p.m.)
"Tokyo Station Chuo Line Escalator & Mini Mall" (100126-1329)
After jumping off a Chuo Line train at Tokyo Station (last stop on the line), I run down an escalator and then walk through a mini-mall within the station.
東京駅で、中央線の電車から降りて、ミニモールを通る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:29 p.m.)
"Tokyo to Yurakucho & Shinkansen Seen From Yurakucho Platform" (100126-1332)
Taking the Yamanote Line to Yurakucho from Tokyo, as I get off the train, a Shinkansen super-express train is passing, so I pause to watch it go by before heading down the stairs.
山手線で、東京駅から、有楽町駅まで 有楽町駅から通る新幹線を見る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:32 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Winter Light & Shadows" (100126-1337)
Walking through the angled winter shadows of winter's leafless trees in Yurakucho.
有楽町冬光と影 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010, at 1:37 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"Ikegami Line, Yamanote Line, & Nishi-Shinjuku in the Rain"
Several videos from January 12th, 2010, starting with the Yamanote Line coming into Shinjuku Station, followed by a few views on the Ikegami Line, an internal (and vertical) view out the window of a Yamanote Line train leaving Harajuku Station, and then several views in Nishi-Shinjuku in the rain (some of which are technically in Shibuya-ku going strictly by the address, but definitely in the Shinjuku district by being in close vicinity to Shinjuku Station).
"Yamanote Line Arriving in Shinjuku - 3:33 p.m., Tuesday" (100112-1533)
A Yamanote Line train comes into Shinjuku Station... I wait and watch as people get off - and then walk aboard.
山手線が新宿駅に到着 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 3:33 p.m.)
"Waiting to Depart from Gotanda Station - Ikegami Line" (100112-1548)
Standing by the open doors of an Ikegami Line train stopped at Gotanda Station, waiting for the driver to close the doors and get the train underway (there is no conductor on that line, so the driver does everything).
五反田駅で池上線が出発 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 3:48 p.m.)
"Elevated Ikegami Line Scenery Between Gotanda & Osaki-Hirokoji" (100112-1549)
This clip begins as an Ikegami Line train departs Gotanda Station. Just after clearing the platform, there is a view over Meguro River of several high-rise apartment towers downriver. Then the train passes several apartment and office buildings and crosses a main road that my map has labeled with three(!) different names: 317, Route-6, & Yamanote-dori. The clip ends as the trains is pulling into Osaki-Hirokoji Station.
五反田駅から、大崎広小路駅までの池上線の左側の風景 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 3:49 p.m.)
"Hatanodai Station - People Getting On & Off an Ikegami Line Train" (100112-1629)
An Ikegami Line train pulls into Hatanodai Station and people get off and others on. The clip ends as I climb aboard.
池上線の旗の台駅で人々が降りたり、乗ったり... 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 4:29 p.m.)
"Vertical Yamanote Line Departure from Harajuku" (100112-1713)
Nighttime vertical view out window of Yamanote Line train as it departs Harajuku Station and heads for Yoyogi and Shinjuku as another train zooms by going in the opposite direction.
夜の山手線が原宿駅から、出発 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:13 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku Street in a Night Rain" (100112-1743)
Walking down the street that lies between Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome (left) and Nishi-Shinjuku 3-chome (right) in the winter evening darkness. Shinjuku Chuo Park lies behind and to the left and the Washington Hotel appears up the street on the right.
夜の西新宿の雨道 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:43 p.m.)
"Marching Umbrellas in the Night" (100112-1748)
Walking up Koshukaido, the street (in a sea of umbrellas) that forms the dividing line between Shinjuku-ku (left) and Shibuya-ku (right), with Nishi-Shinjuku 1-chome (in Shinjuku-ku) on the left and Yoyogi 2-chome (in Shibuya-ku) on the right.
夜の西新宿の雨道 甲州街道 歩いている傘 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:48 p.m.)
"Approaching Shinjuku Station on the Shibuya Side" (100112-1752)
Walking up the street in the early Tokyo night rain, approaching Shinjuku Station on the Shibuya side of the road.
夜の雨の中、渋谷区側の甲州街道に歩いて、新宿駅に向う 傘傘 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:52 p.m.)
"Southern Terrace Rain March - January 12th, 2010" (100112-1816)
Umbrella holders marching along "Shinjuku Southern Terrace" located in Yoyogi 2-chome in Shibuya.
The "Shinjuku" part of the name refers to Shinjuku as a district surrounding Shinjuku Station, irrespective of the address. Of course, considering that the Odakyu Group operates the area, and Shinjuku Station is the Odakyu Line's terminal station, it's logical that they would want to use the station name over the area name (not to mention that if it was called "Shibuya Terrace", then people would be looking for it near Shibuya Station).
新宿サザンテラス、夜の雨の中、渋谷区、新宿駅に向う 傘傘 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:16 p.m.)
"Crossing Blue-Light Bridge in Shinjuku" (100112-1818)
Crossing the pedestrian bridge over Koshukaido between Shinjuku Station and Southern Terrace - which is also a bridge from Shinjuku-ku to Shibuya-ku. I think the blue illumination was temporary, but I'm not sure. I'll have a look at the bridge the next time I'm in Shinjuku.
新宿の青い光の橋をわたる 甲州街道 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:18 p.m.)
"Car Culture Shinjuku" (100112-1818)
The area in front of the south entrance/exit of Shinjuku Station. (Also a look back at the pedestrian bridge I had just crossed, with its blue illumination.) Look at the amount of space given over to internal combustion machinery... I fully understand the need for cars out in the countryside, but in a city like Tokyo, they are curse! Naturally there is a need for some delivery vehicles, taxis, emergency vehicles, etc., but a lot of the people driving within Tokyo don't really need to be - they could be taking a train or bus. Too much of the city is sitting under asphalt and concrete.
新宿駅南口前の夜の雨の中の車... 車... 車... 甲州街道 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:18 p.m.)
"Walking Against Umbrella Traffic in Shinjuku" (100112-1819)
Walking against a river of umbrella-wielding bipeds headed in the other direction.
新宿駅南口前の傘傘傘 夜の雨の中 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:19 p.m.)
"Rain Reflections in Shinjuku" (100112-1820)
Walking away - down the hill - from the south exit of Shinjuku Station through rain, looking down at one point at colorful reflections on the sidewalk asphalt, and then heading across a main street crosswalk full of umbrella-wielding bipeds.
新宿の雨、光、傘傘 夜の雨の中 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:20 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku 1-Chome Side Street" (100112-1841)
Walking down a side street in Nishi-Shinjuku - near a complex of discount electronics shops (mostly Yodobashi Camera - located in the opposite direction).
西新宿細い道 夜の雨の中 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:41 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"Yamanote Line Arriving in Shinjuku - 3:33 p.m., Tuesday" (100112-1533)
A Yamanote Line train comes into Shinjuku Station... I wait and watch as people get off - and then walk aboard.
山手線が新宿駅に到着 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 3:33 p.m.)
"Waiting to Depart from Gotanda Station - Ikegami Line" (100112-1548)
Standing by the open doors of an Ikegami Line train stopped at Gotanda Station, waiting for the driver to close the doors and get the train underway (there is no conductor on that line, so the driver does everything).
五反田駅で池上線が出発 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 3:48 p.m.)
"Elevated Ikegami Line Scenery Between Gotanda & Osaki-Hirokoji" (100112-1549)
This clip begins as an Ikegami Line train departs Gotanda Station. Just after clearing the platform, there is a view over Meguro River of several high-rise apartment towers downriver. Then the train passes several apartment and office buildings and crosses a main road that my map has labeled with three(!) different names: 317, Route-6, & Yamanote-dori. The clip ends as the trains is pulling into Osaki-Hirokoji Station.
五反田駅から、大崎広小路駅までの池上線の左側の風景 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 3:49 p.m.)
"Hatanodai Station - People Getting On & Off an Ikegami Line Train" (100112-1629)
An Ikegami Line train pulls into Hatanodai Station and people get off and others on. The clip ends as I climb aboard.
池上線の旗の台駅で人々が降りたり、乗ったり... 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 4:29 p.m.)
"Vertical Yamanote Line Departure from Harajuku" (100112-1713)
Nighttime vertical view out window of Yamanote Line train as it departs Harajuku Station and heads for Yoyogi and Shinjuku as another train zooms by going in the opposite direction.
夜の山手線が原宿駅から、出発 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:13 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku Street in a Night Rain" (100112-1743)
Walking down the street that lies between Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome (left) and Nishi-Shinjuku 3-chome (right) in the winter evening darkness. Shinjuku Chuo Park lies behind and to the left and the Washington Hotel appears up the street on the right.
夜の西新宿の雨道 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:43 p.m.)
"Marching Umbrellas in the Night" (100112-1748)
Walking up Koshukaido, the street (in a sea of umbrellas) that forms the dividing line between Shinjuku-ku (left) and Shibuya-ku (right), with Nishi-Shinjuku 1-chome (in Shinjuku-ku) on the left and Yoyogi 2-chome (in Shibuya-ku) on the right.
夜の西新宿の雨道 甲州街道 歩いている傘 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:48 p.m.)
"Approaching Shinjuku Station on the Shibuya Side" (100112-1752)
Walking up the street in the early Tokyo night rain, approaching Shinjuku Station on the Shibuya side of the road.
夜の雨の中、渋谷区側の甲州街道に歩いて、新宿駅に向う 傘傘 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 5:52 p.m.)
"Southern Terrace Rain March - January 12th, 2010" (100112-1816)
Umbrella holders marching along "Shinjuku Southern Terrace" located in Yoyogi 2-chome in Shibuya.
The "Shinjuku" part of the name refers to Shinjuku as a district surrounding Shinjuku Station, irrespective of the address. Of course, considering that the Odakyu Group operates the area, and Shinjuku Station is the Odakyu Line's terminal station, it's logical that they would want to use the station name over the area name (not to mention that if it was called "Shibuya Terrace", then people would be looking for it near Shibuya Station).
新宿サザンテラス、夜の雨の中、渋谷区、新宿駅に向う 傘傘 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:16 p.m.)
"Crossing Blue-Light Bridge in Shinjuku" (100112-1818)
Crossing the pedestrian bridge over Koshukaido between Shinjuku Station and Southern Terrace - which is also a bridge from Shinjuku-ku to Shibuya-ku. I think the blue illumination was temporary, but I'm not sure. I'll have a look at the bridge the next time I'm in Shinjuku.
新宿の青い光の橋をわたる 甲州街道 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:18 p.m.)
"Car Culture Shinjuku" (100112-1818)
The area in front of the south entrance/exit of Shinjuku Station. (Also a look back at the pedestrian bridge I had just crossed, with its blue illumination.) Look at the amount of space given over to internal combustion machinery... I fully understand the need for cars out in the countryside, but in a city like Tokyo, they are curse! Naturally there is a need for some delivery vehicles, taxis, emergency vehicles, etc., but a lot of the people driving within Tokyo don't really need to be - they could be taking a train or bus. Too much of the city is sitting under asphalt and concrete.
新宿駅南口前の夜の雨の中の車... 車... 車... 甲州街道 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:18 p.m.)
"Walking Against Umbrella Traffic in Shinjuku" (100112-1819)
Walking against a river of umbrella-wielding bipeds headed in the other direction.
新宿駅南口前の傘傘傘 夜の雨の中 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:19 p.m.)
"Rain Reflections in Shinjuku" (100112-1820)
Walking away - down the hill - from the south exit of Shinjuku Station through rain, looking down at one point at colorful reflections on the sidewalk asphalt, and then heading across a main street crosswalk full of umbrella-wielding bipeds.
新宿の雨、光、傘傘 夜の雨の中 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:20 p.m.)
"Nishi-Shinjuku 1-Chome Side Street" (100112-1841)
Walking down a side street in Nishi-Shinjuku - near a complex of discount electronics shops (mostly Yodobashi Camera - located in the opposite direction).
西新宿細い道 夜の雨の中 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, at 6:41 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Friday, January 22, 2010
"Shinjuku Street Music, Kasumigaseki Protest, & Cold Wind Blowin'"
Going here and there - seeing Nagashima Koichiro perform live in Shinjuku one evening; seeing a protest in Kasumigaski for higher wages one afternoon; and looking at a sunset through trees in a park one evening.
The park is being threatened with road construction plans - apparently some idiot(s) think it would be a good idea to destroy half of a not-very large park and run a four-lane main road through it. Sheer insanity! When will the human race wake up and stop destroying their habitat in blind infatuation with the bloody internal combustion engine?
"Nagashima Koichiro Live in Shinjuku, Saturday, January 16th, 2010" (100116-1743)
Bouncing around on Saturday, January 16th, 2010, I ran into Kouichirou Nagashima playing his guitar and singing out in a cold-cold January wind on the east side of Shinjuku Station. I liked his music, so I bought the three CD's he had out for sale (one with two songs and the other two with one song each). His website is as follows:
http://tosp.co.jp/i.asp?I=popman
新宿駅前東口 長島功一郎 東京 (Recorded on Saturday, January 16th, 2010, at 5:43 p.m.)
"Kasumigaseki Protest for Higher Wages - January 19th, 2010" (100119-1128)
This demonstration for higher wages took place on January 19th, 2010, beginning in Kasumigaseki with speeches and some chanting in front of a government building in Kasumigaseki, and then the participants filed off into Hibiya Park with their banners, and probably marched through part of the city chanting (as is the custom), but I went off in a different direction, so I didn't see them after taking this video clip.
According to a flyer I was handed while walking through (seen briefly at the end of this clip), some of the largest companies have been hording cash for over ten years without raising employee's salaries (it specifically mentions Toyota and Canon). On the flip side of the page, it says that the average minimum wage for Japan now is Y713, and calls for raising it to Y1,000.
霞ヶ関で、国民春闘共闘と東京春闘共闘のデモ 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, at 11:28 a.m.)
"Kasumigaseki Protest for Higher Wages (Chant) - January 19th, 2010" (100119-1131)
Continuation of the video clip showing a demonstration for higher wages that took place on January 19th, 2010, in Kasumigaseki, with a woman leading a protest chant.
According to a flyer I was handed while walking through, some of the largest companies have been hording cash for over ten years without raising employee's salaries (it specifically mentions Toyota and Canon). On the flip side of the page, it says that the average minimum wage for Japan now is Y713, and calls for raising it to Y1,000.
霞ヶ関で、国民春闘共闘と東京春闘共闘のデモの声 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, at 11:31 a.m.)
"Cold Windy January Day in Evening Tokyo Park" (2010)
A typical dry, cold, and windy day in January Tokyo. The stillness of such days provides a contrast that makes July and August summer days seem more fully summer and warm/hot. ...... I suppose a certain amount of bad times are needed in order to perceive good times as good....
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
The park is being threatened with road construction plans - apparently some idiot(s) think it would be a good idea to destroy half of a not-very large park and run a four-lane main road through it. Sheer insanity! When will the human race wake up and stop destroying their habitat in blind infatuation with the bloody internal combustion engine?
"Nagashima Koichiro Live in Shinjuku, Saturday, January 16th, 2010" (100116-1743)
Bouncing around on Saturday, January 16th, 2010, I ran into Kouichirou Nagashima playing his guitar and singing out in a cold-cold January wind on the east side of Shinjuku Station. I liked his music, so I bought the three CD's he had out for sale (one with two songs and the other two with one song each). His website is as follows:
http://tosp.co.jp/i.asp?I=popman
新宿駅前東口 長島功一郎 東京 (Recorded on Saturday, January 16th, 2010, at 5:43 p.m.)
"Kasumigaseki Protest for Higher Wages - January 19th, 2010" (100119-1128)
This demonstration for higher wages took place on January 19th, 2010, beginning in Kasumigaseki with speeches and some chanting in front of a government building in Kasumigaseki, and then the participants filed off into Hibiya Park with their banners, and probably marched through part of the city chanting (as is the custom), but I went off in a different direction, so I didn't see them after taking this video clip.
According to a flyer I was handed while walking through (seen briefly at the end of this clip), some of the largest companies have been hording cash for over ten years without raising employee's salaries (it specifically mentions Toyota and Canon). On the flip side of the page, it says that the average minimum wage for Japan now is Y713, and calls for raising it to Y1,000.
霞ヶ関で、国民春闘共闘と東京春闘共闘のデモ 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, at 11:28 a.m.)
"Kasumigaseki Protest for Higher Wages (Chant) - January 19th, 2010" (100119-1131)
Continuation of the video clip showing a demonstration for higher wages that took place on January 19th, 2010, in Kasumigaseki, with a woman leading a protest chant.
According to a flyer I was handed while walking through, some of the largest companies have been hording cash for over ten years without raising employee's salaries (it specifically mentions Toyota and Canon). On the flip side of the page, it says that the average minimum wage for Japan now is Y713, and calls for raising it to Y1,000.
霞ヶ関で、国民春闘共闘と東京春闘共闘のデモの声 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, at 11:31 a.m.)
"Cold Windy January Day in Evening Tokyo Park" (2010)
A typical dry, cold, and windy day in January Tokyo. The stillness of such days provides a contrast that makes July and August summer days seem more fully summer and warm/hot. ...... I suppose a certain amount of bad times are needed in order to perceive good times as good....
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
"Yurakucho 2-chome & Marunouchi 3-chome"
A few Yurakucho videos, including some that are near Yurakucho Station and considered to be part of Yurakucho, but are actually in Marunouchi (strictly going by the address). The major JR stations tend to become district names, which is fine, but what is confusing is that they are generally first named after a place name, so you end up with overlapping meanings - partly meaning the actual address and partly meaning a loosly defined area around stations that denotes a district.
"Yamanote Line Leaving Yurakucho Station" (100108-1630)
4:30 p.m. Yamanote Line train leaving Yurakucho Station, bound for Tokyo and Ueno stations.
有楽町駅の山手線が出発 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 4:30 p.m.)
"Walking Towards Ginza from Yurakucho" (100108-1635)
Walking through Yurakucho 2-chome on the way to Ginza at around 4:30 p.m. in early January. Notice how dark it is already (Tokyo is in the wrong time zone).
有楽町駅から銀座へ向かう 有楽町二丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 4:35 p.m.)
"Lights Still Up on January 8th, 2010" (100108_1848)
Looking down a street in Yurakucho 2-chome at lighting still up from the Christmas/New Year's holiday. Possibly due to the low electricity costs of new LED lighting, several places in Tokyo have left lighting like this up for longer than used to be the case (I think... it could be that I've forgotten how long they left lighting up in past years, but I don't think it was this long...).
有楽町駅の近く 有楽町二丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:48 p.m.)
"6:49 p.m. - People Yurakucho Station Bound" (100108-1849)
First looking down the street that runs between Marunouchi 3-chome and Yurakucho 2-chome, and then down a cross street (that runs parallel with the Yamanote Line tracks) towards Yurakucho Station, as people head for home after getting off work.
仕事が終わって、駅に向かう人々 丸の内三丁目と有楽町二丁目の道路と有楽町駅向かう道 有楽町駅の近く 有楽町二丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:49 p.m.)
"Tilted World - Banzai Gravity!" (100108-1903)
View of street running between the elevated tracks on the left and Kokusai Forum on the right. (Interesting how people stay glued to the surface of the planet even when it's got them at a tilt.) A train goes by... a woman answers her cell phone... somehow night seems to be the natural state for Tokyo.
Without looking at a map, I think most people would consider this to be part of Yurakucho, and indeed the nearest JR station is Yurakucho, but the address is actually Marunouchi 2-chome.
地球が曲がっても、堕ちない 有楽町駅の近く 丸の内三丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:03 p.m.)
"Marunouchi 3-chome Cooking Smoke Under Tracks" (100108-1905)
Seamless with the Yurakucho drinking area around and under the tracks, the proper address for this video is Marunouchi 3-chome, although I suspect this is like "Shinjuku" Southern Terrace, which is near the south entrance/exit of Shinjuku Station, but is (address wise) actually in Shibuya.
From the middle of the video where I walk down the narrow path beneath the tracks, the arched part is under the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Tokaido etc. lines, and where the roof suddenly is very high is under the much newer (relatively speaking - completed in 1964) Shinkansen tracks.
The smoke that fills the arched passageway is from grilling chicken (and other things) - yakitori.
丸の内三丁目のガードの下の居酒屋 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:05 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Kokusai Forum Entrance at Night - January 2010" (100108-1910)
Entering the open area between two buildings of the Kokusai Forum complex. Being right next to several main railway lines, they put up a long narrow building shaped something like a boat next to the tracks, and the concert hall spaces are on the other side of the empty space between the boat-shaped building and concert hall spaces. In this way, the noise from the railways is blocked by the boat-shaped building.
Like the nearby under-the-tracks izakaya, this is also thought of as being in Yurakucho, although the address is Marunouchi 3-chome. Yurakucho Station is right on the very corner of Yurakucho, so the street between the station and Kokusai Forum is the dividing line between Marunouchi and Yurakucho.
国際フォーラム 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:10 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Station Framed by Seasonally Lit Kokusai Forum" (100108-1913)
Looking towards Yurakucho Station from the middle of the open plaza between the two Kokusai Forum buildings. (Vertical view)
国際フォーラム 有楽町駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:13 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Bipedal Navigation" (100108-1914)
Walking out of Kokusai Forum in Marunouchi 3-chome, across the street, and into Yurakucho 2-chome.
People in LA are used to cars moving about everywhere all the time, and people in Tokyo are used to people walking about everywhere all the time. This video is a good example of how it feels to navigate pedestrian traffic in Tokyo.
有楽町の歩いている人々 有楽町駅 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:14 p.m.)
"Headed for Yurakucho SB - January 2010" (100108-1915)
Walking mainly against the flow of people, most of whom are going towards Yurakucho Station.
有楽町の人々 有楽町駅 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:15 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"Yamanote Line Leaving Yurakucho Station" (100108-1630)
4:30 p.m. Yamanote Line train leaving Yurakucho Station, bound for Tokyo and Ueno stations.
有楽町駅の山手線が出発 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 4:30 p.m.)
"Walking Towards Ginza from Yurakucho" (100108-1635)
Walking through Yurakucho 2-chome on the way to Ginza at around 4:30 p.m. in early January. Notice how dark it is already (Tokyo is in the wrong time zone).
有楽町駅から銀座へ向かう 有楽町二丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 4:35 p.m.)
"Lights Still Up on January 8th, 2010" (100108_1848)
Looking down a street in Yurakucho 2-chome at lighting still up from the Christmas/New Year's holiday. Possibly due to the low electricity costs of new LED lighting, several places in Tokyo have left lighting like this up for longer than used to be the case (I think... it could be that I've forgotten how long they left lighting up in past years, but I don't think it was this long...).
有楽町駅の近く 有楽町二丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:48 p.m.)
"6:49 p.m. - People Yurakucho Station Bound" (100108-1849)
First looking down the street that runs between Marunouchi 3-chome and Yurakucho 2-chome, and then down a cross street (that runs parallel with the Yamanote Line tracks) towards Yurakucho Station, as people head for home after getting off work.
仕事が終わって、駅に向かう人々 丸の内三丁目と有楽町二丁目の道路と有楽町駅向かう道 有楽町駅の近く 有楽町二丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:49 p.m.)
"Tilted World - Banzai Gravity!" (100108-1903)
View of street running between the elevated tracks on the left and Kokusai Forum on the right. (Interesting how people stay glued to the surface of the planet even when it's got them at a tilt.) A train goes by... a woman answers her cell phone... somehow night seems to be the natural state for Tokyo.
Without looking at a map, I think most people would consider this to be part of Yurakucho, and indeed the nearest JR station is Yurakucho, but the address is actually Marunouchi 2-chome.
地球が曲がっても、堕ちない 有楽町駅の近く 丸の内三丁目 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:03 p.m.)
"Marunouchi 3-chome Cooking Smoke Under Tracks" (100108-1905)
Seamless with the Yurakucho drinking area around and under the tracks, the proper address for this video is Marunouchi 3-chome, although I suspect this is like "Shinjuku" Southern Terrace, which is near the south entrance/exit of Shinjuku Station, but is (address wise) actually in Shibuya.
From the middle of the video where I walk down the narrow path beneath the tracks, the arched part is under the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Tokaido etc. lines, and where the roof suddenly is very high is under the much newer (relatively speaking - completed in 1964) Shinkansen tracks.
The smoke that fills the arched passageway is from grilling chicken (and other things) - yakitori.
丸の内三丁目のガードの下の居酒屋 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:05 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Kokusai Forum Entrance at Night - January 2010" (100108-1910)
Entering the open area between two buildings of the Kokusai Forum complex. Being right next to several main railway lines, they put up a long narrow building shaped something like a boat next to the tracks, and the concert hall spaces are on the other side of the empty space between the boat-shaped building and concert hall spaces. In this way, the noise from the railways is blocked by the boat-shaped building.
Like the nearby under-the-tracks izakaya, this is also thought of as being in Yurakucho, although the address is Marunouchi 3-chome. Yurakucho Station is right on the very corner of Yurakucho, so the street between the station and Kokusai Forum is the dividing line between Marunouchi and Yurakucho.
国際フォーラム 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:10 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Station Framed by Seasonally Lit Kokusai Forum" (100108-1913)
Looking towards Yurakucho Station from the middle of the open plaza between the two Kokusai Forum buildings. (Vertical view)
国際フォーラム 有楽町駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:13 p.m.)
"Yurakucho Bipedal Navigation" (100108-1914)
Walking out of Kokusai Forum in Marunouchi 3-chome, across the street, and into Yurakucho 2-chome.
People in LA are used to cars moving about everywhere all the time, and people in Tokyo are used to people walking about everywhere all the time. This video is a good example of how it feels to navigate pedestrian traffic in Tokyo.
有楽町の歩いている人々 有楽町駅 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:14 p.m.)
"Headed for Yurakucho SB - January 2010" (100108-1915)
Walking mainly against the flow of people, most of whom are going towards Yurakucho Station.
有楽町の人々 有楽町駅 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 7:15 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Sunday, January 17, 2010
"Senzokuike, Hatanodai, & Kabukicho"
Several views of Senzokuike Park (on the Ikegami Line near Senzokuike Station), as well as a few views at or near Hatanodai Station, and one video of Kabukicho 1-chome, in Shinjuku.
"Ikegami Line Hums Off Through Light & Shadows" (100108-1410)
Going from a vertical view of shadows on the platform to a horizontal view of an Ikegami Line train leaving the station.
The Ikegami Line is interesting is that there are four generations of railway carriages being used, with the oldest being close to 50 years old and the newest being very recently put on the rails.
池上線が光と影の中、出発 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:10 p.m.)
"Senzokuike Park - One Sunny, Calm, Cold Day in January" (100108-1420)
Walking around in sunny, but cold Senzokuike Park, starting with a 360 decree pan of the surroundings, and then walking over to look out over the pond (or should I say small lake) that forms the center of the park, and is what makes this such a nice spot within mega-city Tokyo.
洗足池公園 池上線の洗足池駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:20 p.m.)
"Senzokuike Park - View from Pier (While Men Talk)" (100108-1424)
View over Senzokuike Lake from the end of a small pier as a group of men talk.
洗足池公園 池上線の洗足池駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:24 p.m.)
"Carp in Feeder Stream at Senzokuike Park" (100108-1433)
A look at some of the carp in a feeder stream that flows into Senzokuike Lake.
洗足池公園の鯉 (池上線の洗足池駅の近く) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:33 p.m.)
"Boys Feeding Carp, Fishing, at Senzokuike" (100108-1434)
Walking by some young boys - one group feeding large carp, and the other catching small fish (also carp?).
洗足池公園の魚釣り (池上線の洗足池駅の近く) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:34 p.m.)
"Crossing Old Style Bridge in Senzokuike Park" (100108_1436)
Exploring Senzokuike Park - walking/looking around - crossing an old style wooden bridge.
洗足池公園の古い形の橋 (池上線の洗足池駅の近く) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:36 p.m.)
"Crossing Pedestrian Bridge to Senzokuike Station" (100108_1441)
Walking across the pedestrian bridge between Senzokuike Station and Senzokuike Park that crosses the four-lane main road there.
洗足池公園と池上線の横断歩道 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:41 p.m.)
"Triangular Sky - Ikegami Line 2010" (100118-1450)
Looking up at a triangular section of sky and then dropping the field of view to take in the approaching train. As the warning bells sound and I'm climbing aboard the train, the clip ends.
池上線の三角形の空 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:50 p.m.)
"Exiting at Hatanodai Station (Ikegami Line)" (100108-1459)
Exiting through the ticket gates and walking over to a clanging railroad crossing.
池上線の旗の台駅から降りて、踏切を見る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:59 p.m.)
"Side Street off Hatanodai Shotengai" (100108-1527)
Walking along the long shotengai (shopping street) near Hatanodai Station, I stumble upon a narrow street that leads past some hidden (from the main street) shops.
旗の台の商店街を散歩して、細い道を発見 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 3:27 p.m.)
"Quick Look Inside Hatanodai Grocery Store" (100108-1554)
Walking along the Hatanodai Shotengai, I take a look inside a grocery store as the evening shopping period begins.
旗の台の商店街のスーパーマーケット 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 3:54 p.m.)
"Newest of Four Train Types Arrives at Hatanodai Station" (100108-1605)
Watching from Hatanodai Station as one of the new type trains comes in.
旗の台駅の新しい電車がやって来る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 4:05 p.m.)
"Kabukicho 'Shinjuku Golden-gai' 歌舞伎町新宿ゴールデン街" (100116-2000)
Wandering around in the mysterious "Golden-gai" area of Kabukicho in Shinjuku. This used to be just a cheap drinking area comprised of a collection of small wooden buildings, but it's becoming a bit of a tourist attraction as it seems very much from a different era. Walking through on a Saturday night at 8:00 p.m., I got the feeling that business isn't so good - many of the shops were empty and most of the people I saw walking through were just sight-seeing a funky old area, and not going into any of the drinking establishments. On the other hand - 8:00 p.m. may be way too early for this area. It's probably busier around 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.
歌舞伎町新宿ゴールデン街 東京 (Recorded on Saturday, January 16th, 2010, at 8:00 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"Ikegami Line Hums Off Through Light & Shadows" (100108-1410)
Going from a vertical view of shadows on the platform to a horizontal view of an Ikegami Line train leaving the station.
The Ikegami Line is interesting is that there are four generations of railway carriages being used, with the oldest being close to 50 years old and the newest being very recently put on the rails.
池上線が光と影の中、出発 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:10 p.m.)
"Senzokuike Park - One Sunny, Calm, Cold Day in January" (100108-1420)
Walking around in sunny, but cold Senzokuike Park, starting with a 360 decree pan of the surroundings, and then walking over to look out over the pond (or should I say small lake) that forms the center of the park, and is what makes this such a nice spot within mega-city Tokyo.
洗足池公園 池上線の洗足池駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:20 p.m.)
"Senzokuike Park - View from Pier (While Men Talk)" (100108-1424)
View over Senzokuike Lake from the end of a small pier as a group of men talk.
洗足池公園 池上線の洗足池駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:24 p.m.)
"Carp in Feeder Stream at Senzokuike Park" (100108-1433)
A look at some of the carp in a feeder stream that flows into Senzokuike Lake.
洗足池公園の鯉 (池上線の洗足池駅の近く) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:33 p.m.)
"Boys Feeding Carp, Fishing, at Senzokuike" (100108-1434)
Walking by some young boys - one group feeding large carp, and the other catching small fish (also carp?).
洗足池公園の魚釣り (池上線の洗足池駅の近く) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:34 p.m.)
"Crossing Old Style Bridge in Senzokuike Park" (100108_1436)
Exploring Senzokuike Park - walking/looking around - crossing an old style wooden bridge.
洗足池公園の古い形の橋 (池上線の洗足池駅の近く) 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:36 p.m.)
"Crossing Pedestrian Bridge to Senzokuike Station" (100108_1441)
Walking across the pedestrian bridge between Senzokuike Station and Senzokuike Park that crosses the four-lane main road there.
洗足池公園と池上線の横断歩道 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:41 p.m.)
"Triangular Sky - Ikegami Line 2010" (100118-1450)
Looking up at a triangular section of sky and then dropping the field of view to take in the approaching train. As the warning bells sound and I'm climbing aboard the train, the clip ends.
池上線の三角形の空 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:50 p.m.)
"Exiting at Hatanodai Station (Ikegami Line)" (100108-1459)
Exiting through the ticket gates and walking over to a clanging railroad crossing.
池上線の旗の台駅から降りて、踏切を見る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 2:59 p.m.)
"Side Street off Hatanodai Shotengai" (100108-1527)
Walking along the long shotengai (shopping street) near Hatanodai Station, I stumble upon a narrow street that leads past some hidden (from the main street) shops.
旗の台の商店街を散歩して、細い道を発見 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 3:27 p.m.)
"Quick Look Inside Hatanodai Grocery Store" (100108-1554)
Walking along the Hatanodai Shotengai, I take a look inside a grocery store as the evening shopping period begins.
旗の台の商店街のスーパーマーケット 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 3:54 p.m.)
"Newest of Four Train Types Arrives at Hatanodai Station" (100108-1605)
Watching from Hatanodai Station as one of the new type trains comes in.
旗の台駅の新しい電車がやって来る 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 4:05 p.m.)
"Kabukicho 'Shinjuku Golden-gai' 歌舞伎町新宿ゴールデン街" (100116-2000)
Wandering around in the mysterious "Golden-gai" area of Kabukicho in Shinjuku. This used to be just a cheap drinking area comprised of a collection of small wooden buildings, but it's becoming a bit of a tourist attraction as it seems very much from a different era. Walking through on a Saturday night at 8:00 p.m., I got the feeling that business isn't so good - many of the shops were empty and most of the people I saw walking through were just sight-seeing a funky old area, and not going into any of the drinking establishments. On the other hand - 8:00 p.m. may be way too early for this area. It's probably busier around 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.
歌舞伎町新宿ゴールデン街 東京 (Recorded on Saturday, January 16th, 2010, at 8:00 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
"Friday, January 8th, 2010 Yamanote Line Views"
"The good-old Yamanote Line." I don't always think of it that way when I just want to get home and conditions are crowded (which they usually are), but Tokyo life revolves around the Yamanote Line to a fair degree, with it defining the central area and its stations being used as area names (which is generally accurate, since the stations are named after the areas they are in).
Of the following videos, some are of the over-recorded, straight through the front cab window angle, but others explore other angles and reflections:
"Shinjuku Yamanote Reflections - Yoyogi Bound" (100108-1334)
Shinjuku Station. Reflections in front cab passenger-side glass... doors close... train departs as platform melody plays for a train stopped at another platform. The train then passes beneath the new south side construction area, making the Yamanote Line tracks here seem as though they are passing through a tunnel on the way to Yoyogi Station. 新宿駅の光、代々木駅迎えて 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:34 p.m.)
"Gotanda to Osaki on January 8th, 2010" (100108-1347)
One of the recent women drivers operates the train, taking it from Gotanda Station to Osaki Station, where the driver of the train is changed. They seem to always change drivers at Osaki Station, in which case, they change the drivers every hour, as it takes about one hour to make a complete loop of the Yamanote Line. 女性の運選手さん 五反田駅から、大崎駅まで 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:47 p.m.)
"Osaki Station, Escalator & Platform - January 8th, 2010, 1:51 p.m."
Walking through Osaki Station and then down the escalator to the platform for Shibuya/Shinjuku-bound Yamanote Line trains. 大崎駅の中やプラットホーム 山手線 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:51 p.m.)
"Yamanote Line Arrives with a Vengeance at Osaki Station" (100108-1353)
A Yamanote Line train comes into Osaki Station a bit like a typhoon. 台風山手線電車が、大崎駅にやって来る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:53 p.m.)
"Osaki to Gotanda via Yamanote on January 8th, 2010" (100108-1354)
View out left side of Shibuya/Shinjuku-bound Yamanote Line train from Osaki to Gotanda. 大崎駅から、五反田駅まで 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:54 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Of the following videos, some are of the over-recorded, straight through the front cab window angle, but others explore other angles and reflections:
"Shinjuku Yamanote Reflections - Yoyogi Bound" (100108-1334)
Shinjuku Station. Reflections in front cab passenger-side glass... doors close... train departs as platform melody plays for a train stopped at another platform. The train then passes beneath the new south side construction area, making the Yamanote Line tracks here seem as though they are passing through a tunnel on the way to Yoyogi Station. 新宿駅の光、代々木駅迎えて 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:34 p.m.)
"Gotanda to Osaki on January 8th, 2010" (100108-1347)
One of the recent women drivers operates the train, taking it from Gotanda Station to Osaki Station, where the driver of the train is changed. They seem to always change drivers at Osaki Station, in which case, they change the drivers every hour, as it takes about one hour to make a complete loop of the Yamanote Line. 女性の運選手さん 五反田駅から、大崎駅まで 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:47 p.m.)
"Osaki Station, Escalator & Platform - January 8th, 2010, 1:51 p.m."
Walking through Osaki Station and then down the escalator to the platform for Shibuya/Shinjuku-bound Yamanote Line trains. 大崎駅の中やプラットホーム 山手線 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:51 p.m.)
"Yamanote Line Arrives with a Vengeance at Osaki Station" (100108-1353)
A Yamanote Line train comes into Osaki Station a bit like a typhoon. 台風山手線電車が、大崎駅にやって来る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:53 p.m.)
"Osaki to Gotanda via Yamanote on January 8th, 2010" (100108-1354)
View out left side of Shibuya/Shinjuku-bound Yamanote Line train from Osaki to Gotanda. 大崎駅から、五反田駅まで 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:54 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"Yurakucho Izakaya & Tachikawa Views"
I visited Tachikawa recently - the first time I've been there in some time. Some views of the station area and nearby streets follow a couple of Yurakucho area videos:
"Izakaya Search Under Shinkansen Tracks in Yurakucho" (100108-1849)
Heading under the Shinkansen tracks near Yurakucho Station in search of old-style izakayas. It used to be that places under the tracks were never expensive, due to noise and vibration from the overhead trains, and so they've always been popular with people looking for economical places to eat and drink who don't mind the noise. But with better tracks and smoother running trains, combined with a tidal wave of overpriced luxury stores and restaurants all over Tokyo, places under the tracks have been getting (shudder) trendy, and the trendiness could be the death of the area's low-priced small shops as expensive restaurants and drinking establishments move in, pushing up rents and driving out the smaller, more atmospheric, lower priced establishments. But for now, there are still remnants of the old Yurakucho if you look hard enough.... 新幹線のガードの下の居酒屋、有楽町辺り (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:49 p.m.)
"Trendy Izakaya Shops Along Tracks in Yurakucho" (100108-1852)
With quick access to Yurakucho Station, quieter rails and trains, and new, larger shops, there are many popular trendy shops under the tracks now. It's too bad in a way, as almost all of Tokyo is plagued with new trendy stuff, so it's easy to find yourself wishing for a continuation of some of the funky old stuff. Anyway, even the new places aren't bad, and some of them are reasonably priced.... 京浜東北線のガードの下のトレンディ居酒屋、有楽町の辺り (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:52 p.m.)
"Evening Inbound Chuo Line Train Arrives at Kokubunji" (100105-1827)
Chuo Line train comes into Kokubunji Station on a weekday evening. 中央線が国分寺駅に入る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010, at 6:27 p.m.)
"Walking Towards Monorail at Tachikawa Station" (100108-1141)
Walking towards the monorail station at Tachikawa after riding in on a Chuo Line train. 中央線の立川駅からモノレール向きに歩き出す 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 11:41 a.m.)
"Outside Down Escalator in Tachikawa" (100108-1143)
Looking around while riding an outdoors escalator towards street level from the overhead pedestrian walkway on the south side of the station. 立川駅南口の外のエスカレーター 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 11:43 a.m.)
"Tachikawa Bipedal Street View" (100108-1233)
Walking along a January street in Tachikawa at lunchtime. In the middle of the video is a hamburger place playing fifties music. After walking by with the camera recording, I shut off the camera and went back for a hamburger. It was quite good I thought. And since it was between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., it included free French fries (or "fried potato[es]" as they are locally known). In addition to the retro-music, they had advertisements from old magazines on the wall that were interesting to check out. The only one I could put a specific date to was an ad for a 1960 car. I asked when they were from, but the shop-keeper didn't have any idea. Late fifties I would guess, from the content and from the ad for the 1960 car. 立川の道の歩きながらビュー 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 12:33 p.m.)
"Tachikawa Station Bound on January 8th, 2010" (100108-1302)
Walking under the monorail... (track? concrete road?) on the way to the entrance to Tachikawa Station. 立川駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:02 p.m.)
"Tachikawa Station & Running for Chuo Line" (100108-1303)
Walking past a bakery as I enter Tachikawa Station, I take a quick look at a rest area and then proceed through the ticket barrier and into the central part of the station. As I realize there's a Chuo Line train about to leave, I break into a run in order to catch it. I run down the stairs and then walk up the platform a little before climbing aboard. Looking out the still open door from inside the train, there is a view of a freight train just coming to a stop on a neighboring track. 立川駅 中央線に乗る為、走る 貨物列車 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:03 p.m.)
"Leaving Tachikawa via Chuo Line" (100108-1305)
As the train pulls away from Tachikawa Station, you can see a stopped freight train on a neighboring track. Further along, there is a quick view of new tracks under construction. (Only the outbound rails are elevated here now, next they will elevate the inbound rails as well. 中央線の立川駅からの出発 貨物列車 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:05 p.m.)
"Chuo Line Construction between Kokubunji & Tachikawa" (100108-1306)
In this stretch, only the outbound tracks are elevated, so the newly elevated part is seen from ground level in this view taken from the right side of an inbound Chuo Line train. (It was a similar situation with the stretch between Kokubunji and Mitaka, but they've got both inbound and outbound elevated there now.) 中央線の国分寺と立川の間の工事 貨物列車 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:06 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"Izakaya Search Under Shinkansen Tracks in Yurakucho" (100108-1849)
Heading under the Shinkansen tracks near Yurakucho Station in search of old-style izakayas. It used to be that places under the tracks were never expensive, due to noise and vibration from the overhead trains, and so they've always been popular with people looking for economical places to eat and drink who don't mind the noise. But with better tracks and smoother running trains, combined with a tidal wave of overpriced luxury stores and restaurants all over Tokyo, places under the tracks have been getting (shudder) trendy, and the trendiness could be the death of the area's low-priced small shops as expensive restaurants and drinking establishments move in, pushing up rents and driving out the smaller, more atmospheric, lower priced establishments. But for now, there are still remnants of the old Yurakucho if you look hard enough.... 新幹線のガードの下の居酒屋、有楽町辺り (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:49 p.m.)
"Trendy Izakaya Shops Along Tracks in Yurakucho" (100108-1852)
With quick access to Yurakucho Station, quieter rails and trains, and new, larger shops, there are many popular trendy shops under the tracks now. It's too bad in a way, as almost all of Tokyo is plagued with new trendy stuff, so it's easy to find yourself wishing for a continuation of some of the funky old stuff. Anyway, even the new places aren't bad, and some of them are reasonably priced.... 京浜東北線のガードの下のトレンディ居酒屋、有楽町の辺り (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 6:52 p.m.)
"Evening Inbound Chuo Line Train Arrives at Kokubunji" (100105-1827)
Chuo Line train comes into Kokubunji Station on a weekday evening. 中央線が国分寺駅に入る 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010, at 6:27 p.m.)
"Walking Towards Monorail at Tachikawa Station" (100108-1141)
Walking towards the monorail station at Tachikawa after riding in on a Chuo Line train. 中央線の立川駅からモノレール向きに歩き出す 東京 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 11:41 a.m.)
"Outside Down Escalator in Tachikawa" (100108-1143)
Looking around while riding an outdoors escalator towards street level from the overhead pedestrian walkway on the south side of the station. 立川駅南口の外のエスカレーター 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 11:43 a.m.)
"Tachikawa Bipedal Street View" (100108-1233)
Walking along a January street in Tachikawa at lunchtime. In the middle of the video is a hamburger place playing fifties music. After walking by with the camera recording, I shut off the camera and went back for a hamburger. It was quite good I thought. And since it was between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., it included free French fries (or "fried potato[es]" as they are locally known). In addition to the retro-music, they had advertisements from old magazines on the wall that were interesting to check out. The only one I could put a specific date to was an ad for a 1960 car. I asked when they were from, but the shop-keeper didn't have any idea. Late fifties I would guess, from the content and from the ad for the 1960 car. 立川の道の歩きながらビュー 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 12:33 p.m.)
"Tachikawa Station Bound on January 8th, 2010" (100108-1302)
Walking under the monorail... (track? concrete road?) on the way to the entrance to Tachikawa Station. 立川駅の近く 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:02 p.m.)
"Tachikawa Station & Running for Chuo Line" (100108-1303)
Walking past a bakery as I enter Tachikawa Station, I take a quick look at a rest area and then proceed through the ticket barrier and into the central part of the station. As I realize there's a Chuo Line train about to leave, I break into a run in order to catch it. I run down the stairs and then walk up the platform a little before climbing aboard. Looking out the still open door from inside the train, there is a view of a freight train just coming to a stop on a neighboring track. 立川駅 中央線に乗る為、走る 貨物列車 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:03 p.m.)
"Leaving Tachikawa via Chuo Line" (100108-1305)
As the train pulls away from Tachikawa Station, you can see a stopped freight train on a neighboring track. Further along, there is a quick view of new tracks under construction. (Only the outbound rails are elevated here now, next they will elevate the inbound rails as well. 中央線の立川駅からの出発 貨物列車 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:05 p.m.)
"Chuo Line Construction between Kokubunji & Tachikawa" (100108-1306)
In this stretch, only the outbound tracks are elevated, so the newly elevated part is seen from ground level in this view taken from the right side of an inbound Chuo Line train. (It was a similar situation with the stretch between Kokubunji and Mitaka, but they've got both inbound and outbound elevated there now.) 中央線の国分寺と立川の間の工事 貨物列車 東京 (Recorded on Tuesday, January 8th, 2010, at 1:06 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Sunday, January 10, 2010
"Kokubunji, Yamanote, Chuo, & Ikegami Line Views"
Still off beaten tracks, and running around off-schedule - me that is, not the trains! No pun intended there, but as soon as I wrote that, it seemed like a bad set of words to introduce some train videos with - "off the tracks" and "off schedule"! In any case, here's the latest batch of videos, showing trains that are both *on* the tracks and *on* schedule:
"Manual Train Operation - Seibu-Kokubunji Line" (December 31st, 2009)
Newer trains tend to have a single lever that is pulled back and pushed forward to control acceleration and braking (back for acceleration, forward for braking I think) - but the old type trains have separate controls for acceleration and braking - the operation of which is clearly shown in this video clip - taken on the Seibu-Kokubunji Line on December 31st, 2009. 手動電車の操作 西武国分寺線
"Shinjuku South Entrance/Exit - January 5th, 2009, PM"
View of the outside of the South entrance/exit of Shinjuku Station, and then passing through the ticket barrier, and down the stairs to the Chuo Line platform. Dispassionately watching this at home, it seems different than when not looking at (or thinking in) the tunnel vision that cameras have. In the day-to-day navigation of Tokyo, it's more of a constant scan of your surroundings from way-point to way-point. Collision avoidance becomes second nature.
"Shibuya to Ebisu via Yamanote Line (in HD) on January 31st, 2009" (091231-1308)
Riding the Yamanote Line from Shibuya to Ebisu - looking out the front cab in the early afternoon on December 31st, 2009.
This is my first upload of a high-definition video to YouTube, so I'd be interested in hearing feedback regarding how it looks and plays back on your system. Feedback so far indicates that it plays okay at the larger size. The weight of the HD files makes for long uploads though, so I probably won't be uploading very many in this format. 渋谷駅から恵比寿駅まで、電車の前の風景 (Recorded on Thursday, December 31st, 2009, at 1:08 p.m.)
"Car Culture Japan - Bicycle Ride in January 2010"
Lest people think that everyone always gets everywhere by train in Japan, I thought I'd toss this car-culture view on-line. Particularly outside central Tokyo, many people rely on their cars as much as US drivers. Much of Japan is a car culture now. Areas designed for walking are much more enjoyable to walk around in, but this area isn't bad on a bicycle - aside from having to breath noxious gases from fire-breathing machinery that is. (I know - I know. Listen, when I'm behind the wheel of a car, I love cars! But recently I'm almost never behind the wheel of a car or even in a car as a passenger, and when you're walking or cycling, cars & trucks seem like quite nasty contraptions - dangerous, noisy, noxious, etc.)
"Kokubunji to Tachikawa via Chuo Line" (100108-1133)
Taking the Chuo Line from Kokubunji to Tachikawa, watching the scenery (on the right side of the train) flow by. Nothing very exciting - just views of houses, large apartment buildings, and (a little exciting for people who use the Chuo Line) new track construction.
They've been working on improving the Chuo Line between Mitaka and Tachikawa for several years now, and all the new construction is beginning to produce improved train service. Elevating tracks that were on the ground eliminates railway crossings for roads; and new stations where express trains can pass local trains speeds up the line as a whole, etc. 中央線で、国分寺駅から立川駅まで、電車の右側の風景 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 11:33 a.m.)
"Vertical Reflections on the Ikegami Line (HD)" (091231-1318)
(In high-definition) Looking out the front cab of an Ikegami Line train (running from Osaki-Hirokoji to Togoshi-Ginza) at a combination of outside images/light mixed with internal images/reflections. The station name announcements are the cool/retro recorded-decades-ago type. 池上線 大崎広小路駅 戸越銀座駅 (Recorded on Thursday, December 31st, 2009, at 1:18 p.m.)
"Senzokuike to Ishikawadai (Vertical HD)" (091231-1325)
High-definition vertical view through front cab of an Ikegami Line train of the run from Senzokuike to Ishikawadai. Taken vertically, you probably have to watch it horizontally, but I look forward to the day when video can be displayed easily vertically, and *then* you can see this in the way it should be seen. Best of all will be moving images that can snap from horizontal to vertical and back, as you watch (designers - hello?). 池上線 洗足池駅 石川台駅 (Recorded on Thursday, December 31st, 2009, at 1:25 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"Manual Train Operation - Seibu-Kokubunji Line" (December 31st, 2009)
Newer trains tend to have a single lever that is pulled back and pushed forward to control acceleration and braking (back for acceleration, forward for braking I think) - but the old type trains have separate controls for acceleration and braking - the operation of which is clearly shown in this video clip - taken on the Seibu-Kokubunji Line on December 31st, 2009. 手動電車の操作 西武国分寺線
"Shinjuku South Entrance/Exit - January 5th, 2009, PM"
View of the outside of the South entrance/exit of Shinjuku Station, and then passing through the ticket barrier, and down the stairs to the Chuo Line platform. Dispassionately watching this at home, it seems different than when not looking at (or thinking in) the tunnel vision that cameras have. In the day-to-day navigation of Tokyo, it's more of a constant scan of your surroundings from way-point to way-point. Collision avoidance becomes second nature.
"Shibuya to Ebisu via Yamanote Line (in HD) on January 31st, 2009" (091231-1308)
Riding the Yamanote Line from Shibuya to Ebisu - looking out the front cab in the early afternoon on December 31st, 2009.
This is my first upload of a high-definition video to YouTube, so I'd be interested in hearing feedback regarding how it looks and plays back on your system. Feedback so far indicates that it plays okay at the larger size. The weight of the HD files makes for long uploads though, so I probably won't be uploading very many in this format. 渋谷駅から恵比寿駅まで、電車の前の風景 (Recorded on Thursday, December 31st, 2009, at 1:08 p.m.)
"Car Culture Japan - Bicycle Ride in January 2010"
Lest people think that everyone always gets everywhere by train in Japan, I thought I'd toss this car-culture view on-line. Particularly outside central Tokyo, many people rely on their cars as much as US drivers. Much of Japan is a car culture now. Areas designed for walking are much more enjoyable to walk around in, but this area isn't bad on a bicycle - aside from having to breath noxious gases from fire-breathing machinery that is. (I know - I know. Listen, when I'm behind the wheel of a car, I love cars! But recently I'm almost never behind the wheel of a car or even in a car as a passenger, and when you're walking or cycling, cars & trucks seem like quite nasty contraptions - dangerous, noisy, noxious, etc.)
"Kokubunji to Tachikawa via Chuo Line" (100108-1133)
Taking the Chuo Line from Kokubunji to Tachikawa, watching the scenery (on the right side of the train) flow by. Nothing very exciting - just views of houses, large apartment buildings, and (a little exciting for people who use the Chuo Line) new track construction.
They've been working on improving the Chuo Line between Mitaka and Tachikawa for several years now, and all the new construction is beginning to produce improved train service. Elevating tracks that were on the ground eliminates railway crossings for roads; and new stations where express trains can pass local trains speeds up the line as a whole, etc. 中央線で、国分寺駅から立川駅まで、電車の右側の風景 (Recorded on Friday, January 8th, 2010, at 11:33 a.m.)
"Vertical Reflections on the Ikegami Line (HD)" (091231-1318)
(In high-definition) Looking out the front cab of an Ikegami Line train (running from Osaki-Hirokoji to Togoshi-Ginza) at a combination of outside images/light mixed with internal images/reflections. The station name announcements are the cool/retro recorded-decades-ago type. 池上線 大崎広小路駅 戸越銀座駅 (Recorded on Thursday, December 31st, 2009, at 1:18 p.m.)
"Senzokuike to Ishikawadai (Vertical HD)" (091231-1325)
High-definition vertical view through front cab of an Ikegami Line train of the run from Senzokuike to Ishikawadai. Taken vertically, you probably have to watch it horizontally, but I look forward to the day when video can be displayed easily vertically, and *then* you can see this in the way it should be seen. Best of all will be moving images that can snap from horizontal to vertical and back, as you watch (designers - hello?). 池上線 洗足池駅 石川台駅 (Recorded on Thursday, December 31st, 2009, at 1:25 p.m.)
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
"New Year's Shopping in 1990 & Riding the Chichibu Line"
A look back at grocery shopping before the beginning of the New Year's holiday, taken on December 30th & 31st, 1990; and several views from the front and rear cabs of a Chichibu Line train, taken in January 2010.
"New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (A)"
Walking around in Hibarigaoka on December 30th, 1990, observing people shopping ahead of the New Year's holiday. This may be of some historical interest, as it shows the shops that were subsequently torn down to make way for the Parco department store, as well as the shops below the old station, which were also torn down when the station was rebuilt. ひばりが丘の正月の買い物 平成二年十二月三十日 (See "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (B)" for the second part of this.)
"New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (B)"
Continuing my walk around Hibarigaoka on December 30th, 1990. As I mentioned in the "A" part of this, this may be of some historical interest, as it shows the area before construction for Parco began and also the old station and the shops below it before it was rebuilt. (See "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (A)" for the first nine minutes). ひばりが丘の正月の買い物 平成二年十二月三十日
"Tokyo New Year's Eve Shopping - December 31st, 1990"
Going shopping on the last day of 1990 at (mostly) Seiyu (with a brief view of Olympic) in Hibarigaoka (in Tokyo) on December 31st, 1990. Taken before construction of Parco had even begun, Seiyu was the main store for grocery shopping in Hibarigaoka at the time. Being the final day for shopping before the New Year's holiday began, this video shows large numbers of people stocking up on food just before the holiday begins. ひばりが丘の正月の買い物 平成2年12月31日 (See "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (A)" and "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (B)" for scenes from the previous day, also taken in Hibarigaoka.)
"Night Tokorozawa Station Platform" (January 2010)
Waiting for a train in Tokorozawa - looking both ways on the platform. 夜の所沢駅 西武線 平成22年1月
"Arriving in Yorii in Nearly Empty Tobu-Tojo Line Train" (January 2010)
The Tobu-Tojo Line is a busy line, but not out at the very end of the line, where this video was taken (nearing the final stop, Yorii Station). 東武東上線 寄居駅の近く 平成22年1月
"Yorii Station Bridge to Chichibu Line Platform" (January 2010)
Walking down an old station bridge to the Chichibu Line platform. 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Boarding Chichibu Line Train at Yorii" (January 2010)
Watching a Chichibu Line train arrive at Yorii Station and then climbing aboard. 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Arriving Chichibu Line Train" (January 2010)
Watching a Chichibu Line train arrive at the station from the other direction (taken inside another Chichibu Line train). Notice how the middle car of the three-car train (by looking at the roofs of the three train cars) doesn't have air conditioning. I wish none of the trains had it - since air conditioning only makes conditions on trains better (cooler) for a couple of months a year, and it has led to new trains being designed with bad ventilation.) 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Front Cab View from Chichibu Line Train" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it runs along a road. (Unluckily for the Chichibu Line, it runs in a car culture section of Japan and doesn't get very many passengers. Hopefully it'll stay in business.) The odd noise is a wind leak - a nice feature of old trains, as then you get some ventilation even when the windows are shut (said without even a trace of sarcasm). 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line to Higuchi Station" (January 2010)
Riding the Chichibu Line (starting midway to Higuchi Station); a front cab view of the ride until the train stops at Higuchi. Notice how the driver gets up at each station to open and close the doors. On longer and busier trains, they usually have both a driver and a conductor, but on short trains with few passengers, the driver performs the conductor's usual duty of controlling the doors in addition to running the train. (On lines in Tokyo with more modern equipment, the driver remains seated and controls the doors by watching video camera views from monitors in the cab.) 秩父鉄道 樋口駅 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Higuchi to Nogami" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Higuchi Station to Nogami Station. 秩父鉄道 樋口駅から、野上駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Nogami to Nagatoro" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Nogami Station to Nagatoro Station. 秩父鉄道 野上駅から、長瀞駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Kami-Nagatoro to Oyahana" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Kami-Nagatoro Station to Oyahana Station. The train crosses a river, via a bridge someone afraid of heights probably wouldn't want to walk across (no guardrails).
Towards the end of the clip, I walk back to the rear of the train, passing through the type of doors JR (formerly JNR) trains used to all have. (Someone told me that the trains now being used on the Chichibu Line used to be Chuo Line trains.) 秩父鉄道 上長瀞駅から、親鼻駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Rear Cab View from Oyahana to Minano" (January 2010)
Looking out the rear cab of a Chichibu Line train as it runs from Oyahana to Minano. Also a view of the inside of the train. Notice how different the sound of the announcements is compared with newer trains. I'm not sure why exactly, but I prefer old announcements via old PA systems like this one. It's also very nice in that it doesn't have any highly irritating, quarter-speed, over-pronounced, inane English announcements - the curse of modern trains in Tokyo. 秩父鉄道 親鼻駅から、皆野駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Minano to Wadokuroya" (January 2010)
Back to the front of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Minano to Wadokuroya. 秩父鉄道 皆野駅から、和銅黒谷駅まで 平成22年1月
"Driving on Back Streets in Chichibu City" (January 2010)
Driving on back streets n Chichibu City. 秩父市の夜道 平成22年1月
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
"New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (A)"
Walking around in Hibarigaoka on December 30th, 1990, observing people shopping ahead of the New Year's holiday. This may be of some historical interest, as it shows the shops that were subsequently torn down to make way for the Parco department store, as well as the shops below the old station, which were also torn down when the station was rebuilt. ひばりが丘の正月の買い物 平成二年十二月三十日 (See "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (B)" for the second part of this.)
"New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (B)"
Continuing my walk around Hibarigaoka on December 30th, 1990. As I mentioned in the "A" part of this, this may be of some historical interest, as it shows the area before construction for Parco began and also the old station and the shops below it before it was rebuilt. (See "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (A)" for the first nine minutes). ひばりが丘の正月の買い物 平成二年十二月三十日
"Tokyo New Year's Eve Shopping - December 31st, 1990"
Going shopping on the last day of 1990 at (mostly) Seiyu (with a brief view of Olympic) in Hibarigaoka (in Tokyo) on December 31st, 1990. Taken before construction of Parco had even begun, Seiyu was the main store for grocery shopping in Hibarigaoka at the time. Being the final day for shopping before the New Year's holiday began, this video shows large numbers of people stocking up on food just before the holiday begins. ひばりが丘の正月の買い物 平成2年12月31日 (See "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (A)" and "New Year's Shopping in Hibarigaoka - December 30th, 1990 (B)" for scenes from the previous day, also taken in Hibarigaoka.)
"Night Tokorozawa Station Platform" (January 2010)
Waiting for a train in Tokorozawa - looking both ways on the platform. 夜の所沢駅 西武線 平成22年1月
"Arriving in Yorii in Nearly Empty Tobu-Tojo Line Train" (January 2010)
The Tobu-Tojo Line is a busy line, but not out at the very end of the line, where this video was taken (nearing the final stop, Yorii Station). 東武東上線 寄居駅の近く 平成22年1月
"Yorii Station Bridge to Chichibu Line Platform" (January 2010)
Walking down an old station bridge to the Chichibu Line platform. 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Boarding Chichibu Line Train at Yorii" (January 2010)
Watching a Chichibu Line train arrive at Yorii Station and then climbing aboard. 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Arriving Chichibu Line Train" (January 2010)
Watching a Chichibu Line train arrive at the station from the other direction (taken inside another Chichibu Line train). Notice how the middle car of the three-car train (by looking at the roofs of the three train cars) doesn't have air conditioning. I wish none of the trains had it - since air conditioning only makes conditions on trains better (cooler) for a couple of months a year, and it has led to new trains being designed with bad ventilation.) 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Front Cab View from Chichibu Line Train" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it runs along a road. (Unluckily for the Chichibu Line, it runs in a car culture section of Japan and doesn't get very many passengers. Hopefully it'll stay in business.) The odd noise is a wind leak - a nice feature of old trains, as then you get some ventilation even when the windows are shut (said without even a trace of sarcasm). 秩父線 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line to Higuchi Station" (January 2010)
Riding the Chichibu Line (starting midway to Higuchi Station); a front cab view of the ride until the train stops at Higuchi. Notice how the driver gets up at each station to open and close the doors. On longer and busier trains, they usually have both a driver and a conductor, but on short trains with few passengers, the driver performs the conductor's usual duty of controlling the doors in addition to running the train. (On lines in Tokyo with more modern equipment, the driver remains seated and controls the doors by watching video camera views from monitors in the cab.) 秩父鉄道 樋口駅 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Higuchi to Nogami" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Higuchi Station to Nogami Station. 秩父鉄道 樋口駅から、野上駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Nogami to Nagatoro" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Nogami Station to Nagatoro Station. 秩父鉄道 野上駅から、長瀞駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Kami-Nagatoro to Oyahana" (January 2010)
Looking out the front cab of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Kami-Nagatoro Station to Oyahana Station. The train crosses a river, via a bridge someone afraid of heights probably wouldn't want to walk across (no guardrails).
Towards the end of the clip, I walk back to the rear of the train, passing through the type of doors JR (formerly JNR) trains used to all have. (Someone told me that the trains now being used on the Chichibu Line used to be Chuo Line trains.) 秩父鉄道 上長瀞駅から、親鼻駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Rear Cab View from Oyahana to Minano" (January 2010)
Looking out the rear cab of a Chichibu Line train as it runs from Oyahana to Minano. Also a view of the inside of the train. Notice how different the sound of the announcements is compared with newer trains. I'm not sure why exactly, but I prefer old announcements via old PA systems like this one. It's also very nice in that it doesn't have any highly irritating, quarter-speed, over-pronounced, inane English announcements - the curse of modern trains in Tokyo. 秩父鉄道 親鼻駅から、皆野駅まで 平成22年1月
"Chichibu Line Front Cab View from Minano to Wadokuroya" (January 2010)
Back to the front of a Chichibu Line train as it rolls from Minano to Wadokuroya. 秩父鉄道 皆野駅から、和銅黒谷駅まで 平成22年1月
"Driving on Back Streets in Chichibu City" (January 2010)
Driving on back streets n Chichibu City. 秩父市の夜道 平成22年1月
Lyle (Hiroshi) Saxon
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~LLLtrs/
http://youtube.com/lylehsaxon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
