Japan in the middle of the night shines it's own kind of light.
PLASTIC BOTTLE NIGHT LIGHTS
Nakamuraya. Out of haste, their portrait came out blurry, but I think the idea’s there.
HIROSHIMA. Nakamuraya, the most unintentionally exactly hipster cafe. We had fun guessing at what the odd old building used to be. An old piano and several large stacks of old cds in the back, a confusing balcony above, an older aproned and bow-tied couple up front with some fancy coffee machines, and an interesting assortment of lawyer desk lamps, cozy kerosene heaters, and random tchotchkes in between. The tiny thimbles of cream were just enough for the coffee served with the egg, toast, and fruit breakfast. They didn’t mind posing for a few shots, but of course I managed to take my time and got a sharp “hurry up quick please.” The several other, decidedly elderly customers were drifting in. We went twice, but there were more details I missed. If I visit Hiroshima again, I’ll be sure to stop by.
HIROSHIMA. The castle just before twilight. Foundation stones and a willow that looks aged much beyond it’s years are the signs that a bomb blast once leveled the park. Beyond the tall castle walls, the ubiquitous city lights shine.
FUKUOKA. Dazaifu temple, or was it a shrine? Where the kids go to pray so they can pass that damn test. Bonus: amusement park. Huh? The yatai - food carts - were hard to really get a feel for, maybe we weren’t doing it right. Maybe my expectations were too high. The food only ok yet expensive and where was the much lauded conversation. Ah, we were too tired anyways. Let’s put this beer and mediocre ramen away and find our beds.
FUKUOKA. Cats on the ceiling, like a story I once heard…a wall of flashing tv screens, way to go massive shopping mall, that’s super thoughtful of you. But it was cool.
FUKUOKA. Sunshine that felt lost, lonely volleyball nets, youth, a baseball team practices soccer, palm trees what, boardwalk, look at the sea.
