hairfish

I’ve mentioned Don Quixote a few times here, as well as Roppongi, but here’s a little bit of background information: Roppongi, besides having a reputation as the Devil’s Playground (I don’t think it’s that bad but it is pretty weird, especially for Japan) literally translates as ’six trees’; 六本木, or six (roku) book (hon) tree (ki) , if you know your literal translation of kanji.

Roppongi is a known for Roppongi Hills, it’s active/vibrant night life and the huge presence of Western tutorists and expats. However, a majority of the people who live in Roppongi are Japanese but if you talk to people here, you’d never know that. Like Chicago, Tokyo is a city of neighborhoods and Roppongi is probably one of the better known neighborhoods in Tokyo.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Roppongi because it’s so accessible to me and because I really miss McDonalds and things that remind me of home, such as Don Quixote. One of my favorite blogs, demonbaby, has some great articles on ‘weird’ Japan — that’s pretty self explanatory. There are lots of things here in Japan, material and otherwise, that are very unusual to Westerners, and so far, I’ve found some…interesting things at Don Quixote. Actually, interesting may be putting it lightly but I’ll leave it up to you to decide.

One of the Roppongi Hills Towers

Roppongi Dori. The sign aboves says 'High Touch Town', which was Roppongi's title. It's currently being changed.

Roppongi at night reminds of Times Square

Japan's advertisements are sort of problematic for me. Westerners are always part of ads here; it's very rare I see Japanese people in advertisements. But I love Salma Hayek so it's all good.

Ne-Yo, who apparently spends a lot of time here, advertising his new album "Year of the Gentleman" via a bus blasting his single "Closer"

Buildings and street in Roppongi. The incline here is ridic!

Wires

Don Quixote is a six floor shopping complex of mayhem and madness located in Roppongi. The first floor sells women’s clothing, very trendy women’s clothing, the third floor is all electronics (where I got my keitai), the fifth floor is like toys and cute souvenirs, then the last floor is all used goods but super expensive used goods like Marc Jacobs clutches and Omega wrist watches and what not. Every so often though, you’ll run into something hentai, (lit trans. perverted) like boobie candy or, well, you’ll see…

Because sometimes certain parts need to breathe...

On the market level, boobie candy.

Women's goods at Donkey Hotei, as it is known in Japanese

Japanese women ADORE heels. They wear them with everything, everywhere. I think its because of the generally low crime rates. Don't really have to run unless you're catching a train.

TV's!

Engrish, of course

Yours truly

Before you enter DonQui, there is a huge fish tank. This woman spent over forty minutes with her face pressed up against the class, talking to the fish

Hayleigh in the toy isle.

Check my flickr for more of the adventure and other views of Tokyo!