Better late than never, here is perhaps my favorite photo from hanabi (viewing the cherry blossoms) 2011. Good to see the Japanese letting loose a bit despite the tragedies that have befallen them. From Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan.

東京都代々木公園

At midnight, balloons are released with wishes for the new year.

Zojoji Temple (near Tokyo Tower), Tokyo, Japan

増上寺、東京都港区

Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées (or 5th Avenue), looking very festive as the New Year approaches.

Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
東京都渋谷区

So it’s not just the Japanese who do it.

Somewhere around Daly City I think.

The first one held since 2007. It doesn’t hold a candle to the parades in New York or San Francisco, but it’s something.

Near NHK Hall, Tokyo, Japan

東京都渋谷区NHKホール

Performing live in the rain at the Fuji Rock Festival on August 1, 2010.

Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.
新潟県苗場スキー場

After Japan’s improbable World Cup victory over Denmark, propelling it to the Round of 16, throngs of Japanese Blue Samurai revelers descended upon Shibuya for a raucous celebration. I was right in the thick of things here.

At the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station, Tokyo, Japan

東京都渋谷のハチ公口

After Japan’s improbable World Cup victory over Denmark, propelling it to the Round of 16, throngs of Japanese Blue Samurai revelers descended upon Shibuya for a raucous celebration. I was right in the thick of things here.

At the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station, Tokyo, Japan

東京都渋谷のハチ公口

This resourceful gaijin was dazzling his Japanese audience by playing the drums on plastic buckets by Hachiko in front of Shibuya Station. Shortly after I arrived, a car full of Japanese musicians pulled up, and, one by one starting with the guitarist, they joined in an impromptu jam session.

Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station, Tokyo, Japan

東京都渋谷駅のハチ公口

On the Izu Island of Shikinejima, Tokyo-to, Japan

東京都式根島