Monday, March 10, 2008
Visiting Ueno and Asukasa
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Praising the Lord with Jesus Lifehouse Intl. Church
I took the train to get to the next stop (about a half-mile away). I could have walked, I guess, but I'm at the point right now that if I can get somewhere without using my legs, I'll go that route! The directions that I received from the church website were good and I had no problem getting there. As a matter of fact, I made it to the church 45 minutes early. Service started at 11:30 (not use to a late morning service starting time), and I arrived at around 10:45. Fortunately, I met a couple, from Canton, Ohio (imagine that... meeting nearly 6000 miles from home), that made me feel at home with there welcome. They've been in Tokyo for nearly two years and are active with the church. I also had a chance to meet the pastor, Rod Plummer. He was birthed out of the Hillsong church in Australia. God had placed on his heart, about seven years ago, a burden for Asia, and especially a burden for Tokyo. God is moving in Tokyo. There are currently churches in two different locations in Tokyo, one in Osaka, and there's now a Lifehouse church in Bejing, I believe. Service was cool. It was done in both Japanese and English. Rod, of course, spoke in English and there was an interpreter who translated the message in Japanese. Praise and Worship was short, in comparison to Crusaders (my church), but effective. They sang a few Hillsong songs.
I didn't take any photos during the service, one, because they don't allow it (I don't understand that, by the way), and two, I was enjoying the service! But if you want to check the entire message out, I believe that you can go to www.jesuslifehouse.tv/category/centraltokyo/ to either watch the taping or listen to the audio. The message title is "We are a 'Polaroid Picture' of the Future."
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Experiencing Harajuku and Shibuya
I found it interesting that this area was a place where young people could make their voices heard and demonstrate their talents without feeling ostracized. And I must say that as we walked, we passed a few singers and musicians that were in fact extremely talented, and possibly waiting for that next big break. I think this is an avenue, or opportunity, for many of the young people that we saw to be noticed by potential record executives who may be passing by on vacation as well.
This area is also reminiscent of scenes of Woodstock! Tokyo's hippyville would be a better description! From the clothing, to the long hair, to people sitting (not on grass, but on gravel!), in a trance, mesmerized by the music that is blaring from a band shell, to even the open alcohol, cigarette smoke, incense smoke and plethora of peace signs sewn into fabrics and on hats, the hippy movement is definitely in Tokyo.
There were also some cool murals that I took some photos of. Again this is just another symbol of freedom and expression through the arts.
I believe that the youth throughout America need similar avenues of expression, whether through music, the arts, dance, or whatever the talent may be. But there will be gratification that comes through the expression of that talent or gift. Not only that, but it will keep kids out of trouble as well.
Walking through Harajuku, we then stumbled upon Shibuya, which I must say, is like Michigan Avenue, but even more active! Waves of young people on the streets moved in and out of name brand stores that you would see in any upscale area of the U.S. It's a newer area in Tokyo, with a much cleaner and safer reputation than that of Shinjuku. It's also famous for NHK studios, and the 1964 Olympic Gymnasium.
One thing's for certain, Japanese culture is definitely wrapped up with high fashion, trend setting, and "bucking" against anything considered conservative. And it's even been said in one of the tour guide books that we've been using that Tokyo use to mimic the trends of the world, but now Tokyo is setting the trends for the world. I can definitely see that being the case, especially with the younger generation. Shopping is more than a hobby in Tokyo; it seems as if it's a way of life. I, myself, find it hard to comprehend because I'm not a shopper. I hate malls, and typically only frequent them on an as need basis. If I need a pair of pants, then I'll go. If I need a new shirt, then I'll go. But I'll only go if it's a dire situation. Even as a youngster, the mall was not my idea of fun. But nonetheless, shopping is sport in Tokyo, especially Shibuya!
Walking to another subway station, we were able to take a few photos of some of the shops at night. In this area, inventive architecture, as well as ingenious usage of lighting is on display. One thing that did come to mind is the lack of signage in this area, as compared to Shinjuku. The buildings definitely seemed to work together well (except one in particular which looked like Darth Vader's habitat). So it was definitely another good day in Tokyo. We were able to "kill two birds with one stone," having the ability to see two distinct areas in the same day.
Another Fatiguing Day
So, if you are ever in Tokyo and are planning to do some touring throughout the city, be prepared to do a ton of walking. I’d strongly suggest walking shoes, drinking plenty of water to avoid serious cramping, and get in shape before making the trip! I don’t think I’ve walked this much since 1999, my last year in college!
World Trade Center
But we did eventually make it to the World Trade Center. The building height is 152 meters (196 meters to the top of the roof top antenna). At the observation level, we were able to view the entire city, 360 degrees. All of the photos that I took were night photos. So the images aren’t the greatest, or at least, not as good as I wanted them to be. But I think they can still tell the story of how massive and how dense Tokyo really is. During the day, when skies are clear, one could see Mt. Fuji in the distance. Other prominent views are of course of Tokyo Tower which is about a mile away, and Tokyo Bay, which seems to be a stone’s throw away. The bay is currently in the process of redevelopment.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Shiba-Tokyo Tower
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Businessmen - Long Hours and Up to No Good
Crazy.