Sometimes I wonder what is appropriate?

Am I a prude or perhaps a little too conservative? But when I was walking though one of the back streets in Harajuku along Omotesando, I came across this window with children's and toddler's t-shirts. On first inspection they seemed attractive featuring bright colors, interesting graphics and good design. However, I am not sure if it is appropriate to have a hemp or cannabis leaf on a children's shirt.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 24mm f/2.0 Nikkor AI @ f4.0, ISO 800, 1/13 sec.

Street Art and a Strange Sign

I was wandering between Shibuya and Meijijingumae Station along Meiji Dori and found this unusual skull stuck on a pedestrian overpass. The overpass was covered mostly with graffiti but this little guy was the most interesting thing. I don't know if whether this is graffiti, a 3-D sticker, or something else, but it definitely is a form of street art or sculpture.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 200, 1/250 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 200, 1/250 sec.

I also wandered by this store with an unusual name, 'Guerilla The Incubation Period'. It's the flagship store of the Tokyo fashion brand, WTAPS, but the name seems out of place just like a skull stuck on an overpass. Anyway, the WTAPS website says that their concept is "placing things where they should be." Hmmm... I liked the design of the exterior of the shop, but couldn't see their merchandise. So perhaps their clothes did not belong on me?

Nikon D600 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens f4.0, ISO 200, 1/15 sec.

Free Smoking Space

There's not much to tell about this photo. This is a public smoking room located in Shibuya just a short distance from the Freak's Store.

The concept of a "Free Smoking Space" seems strange to me anyway. I never fully understood smoking. It always seemed like a smelly, expensive and unhealthy habit. I did get a nicotine rush once by just having a cigar in my mouth. Apparently, the nicotine transferred into my bloodstream on contact with my lips. Although it was interesting and not unpleasant, I did not feel a desire to repeat this behavior.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 24 mm, f4.0, ISO 200, 1/15 sec.

Freak's Store

I wasn't sure were to find a "Freak" before, but it seems that the Freak's Store in Shibuya. A quick look through the store window and it appears that Freak is quite ordinary (not at all "Freaky") and sells dapper clothes in the style of Gap, Uniqlo, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren or Lacoste.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 18 mm, f5.6, ISO 200, 1/25 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 30 mm, f5.6, ISO 200, 1/25 sec.

Nikon D600 with Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF SWM @ 31 mm, f5.6, ISO 200, 1/25 sec.

This pouch has many functions

I'm not sure how, but perhaps I should have bought one to investigate more, but this pouch has many functions... napkin, underwear, PET bottle, cosmetics, ice pack.  Not sure how it can be used as underwear.  Do you know how?

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-Sf5.6, ISO 200, 1/25 sec.

No Concept

The shop was closed, but if you didn't need a concept you could find it here.  What does it all mean?

Sometimes I feel out of place

Hmm.... Perhaps "Lost Tokyo" should have a gallery exhibit at "Tokio Out of Place"?  It seems like we may be on the same wavelength.

Tokyo fashion escapes me...

Even after living in Japan for almost 10-years, I'm often confused and a amused at fashion choices. I guess since I am now in middle age, I would be confused by younger peoples fashion choices practically anywhere.

Case in point, this gentleman strolling in Asakusa. He obviously spent time putting together his look. The similar colorful sakura embroidery suggest that the the jeans and shirt are from the same designer. He's also holding a man's purse which seems out of place. Oh well, I'm no critic, but I know what I like and would wear. The English phrase appears to be pointless, but at least the grammar is correct.

Accident? What are you worring about?

I am worrying about  HYGIENE!!!  That's what... Usually, Japanese are super duper obsessive about it.  People always have handkerchiefs to dry hands, and always tissues to blow noses to avoid spreading germs.  But in most parks where there are water play areas, there are always several children in nappies (or diapers) playing.  It looks worse that it is... but even swim diapers hang a little lower than regular diapers and can leak.

Anyway, I am always amused by t-shirts with nonsensical English (aka Engrish).  Considering the location and condition of the nappy that this child is wearing, I feel that there is nothing that would stop an accident if it were to happen. 

Does this count as Engrish?

I walked by this shop with a funny name in Roppongi and took a photo back in January.  The name of this shop begs the question, "What is the Hotman Style of Living?"  Perhaps I would have gotten more insight if I had actually gone into the shop instead of having a giggle and snapping a shot.

More Engrish...

I took this photo last October on a bus in Setagaya.  I'm not sure if the person who bought this shirt understands the meaning. I've seen similar variations of obscene English on clothing before. 

I really don't understand the point of it, especially if you don't understand the meaning.  Perhaps it's an inside joke by the graphic designer?

Engrish...

If you have traveled outside English speaking countries, you will often find that English is often used as design element in T-shirts and other commercial goods without a full understanding of the meaning. There is a site called Engrish that is dedicated to these funny mistakes. The site Hanzi Smatter showcased the reverse. On this site, the Chinese & Japanese characters are shown being used in comical ways.

You don't have to go far to find T-shirts with Engrish. Just look around and you'll be amazed.

"God Make Me Cool" or "Engrish is Fun"

Sometimes, English phrases are appropriated (or misappropriated) for their coolness.  Perhaps this is something that is thought of as cool or "kakoii" for those who are Japanese. However, for native English speakers these signs provide endless hours of chuckles and what were they thinking moments. 

Although, the phrase on this sign is not incorrect, it would not normally used as part of an advertisement in most places (especially in the US where they have a heightened sense of political correctness and sensitivity to all things religious).  This shot was of shop window for "Love Run" located near Hiroo station.