Harajuku: the kids on the bridge

By fuzzy1 written 11/11/07 9:08 AM, published 11/12/07 2:55 PM

If you walk out of the Harajuku train station on a Sunday afternoon, turn left and walk about a block down the street. Just past the entrance to the subway there is a bridge that crosses over the train tracks and leads to Yoyogi Park and the entrance to the Meiji Shrine.

The bridge is a popular hangout spot for kids - you'll see bands playing, kids impersonating their favorite bands, some Lolitas (girls dressed up in elaborate and very detailed outfits made to resemble Victorian dolls) and a lot of other kids dressed up in costumes to resemble anime or fantasy characters, called 'cosplay'.

(read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosplay )

I was really impressed and amazed at some of the costumes, and the whole phenomenon in general. Here's what I saw on the bridge

(I'm leaving for Asia again tomorrow - a couple of weeks in Hong Kong followed by a week or so in Australia. See you guys in about a month...)

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Penny 11/11/07 9:26 AM

These are fantastic. How did you ever stop taking shots. It looks like you had a ton of things/people to take very interesting shots of. These are so interesting. These kids go all out...

- Smile
smalltown05 11/11/07 10:03 AM

Apparently, teenagers are unfathomable in all cultures. Amazing the amount of time and money invested in this. And I'm like Penny--how did you stop shooting? by the way, do you have permanent jet lag?

- blow.....hard
msjudi 11/11/07 10:54 AM

wow.. more wonderful shots of the teens... On the go again???? have a great safe trip... more pics please... do you ever rest?

- Smile ; )
Lidljo 11/11/07 11:15 AM

Wow, they sure do go all out with the costumes don't they. Such colorful characters and pictures. Have a good trip to Asia, and bring back some more great shots.

- Flowers are happiness...
fuzzy1 11/11/07 11:36 AM

This is the last trip for 2007. The jet lag usually takes about a week before it's gone, although with Australia, sometimes it takes longer, because the time difference is 18 hours. And I stop shooting when I run out of memory cards. But you'd be amazed how many memory cards I own that I've purchased in a foriegn country.

- f8 and be there...
Birdie 11/11/07 1:38 PM

Safe trip Fuzzy keep bringing us back your great shots of far away countries
dragonfly 11/11/07 3:51 PM

Terrific and very interesting shots... Have a safe trip...Hope you get a chance to rest awhile now...

- Have a nice day...
Sopris 11/11/07 4:36 PM

Always entranced by your shots! Have a safe trip and fill up many cards for us!
chef009 11/11/07 8:41 PM

these just grab ya...very colorful and full of life.

- With these Hands
bugaboo 11/12/07 2:40 AM

These are fascinating! I think it is great that they all get together in a place like this and mingle. Fantastic candids & portraits! Have a safe trip to your next destination, looking forward to what you capture and share with us from there!
Wildman 11/12/07 2:55 PM

You're the master of street photography! Have a good trip Denise and bring back more!
grami 11/12/07 7:01 PM

Through your eyes, or should I say lens, I have learned so much about life in various locations. Your shots are always excellent. Thank you and keep 'em coming.
KayN 11/13/07 8:31 PM

Another fantastic set.............. I know I'm late, but have a safe trip............can't wait to see the images you come back with!

- Ms.N