From an all-English expat magazine I snagged at Homeworks “the best burgers and sandwiches in town,” I discovered that Halloween coincided with Meiji Shrine’s 50th anniversary. To celebrate, the shrine was having a light-up on Halloween, and the day after.  A light-up is exacty what you’d think – while the shrine would normally be closed in the evening, they instead…turn on the lights, add some lanterns and candles, and poof – instant magic atmosphere. They even had a fog machine going behind some rocks, and little raised firepits being guarded by boy and girl scouts.
I skedaddled over there right after work, because it was only running from 5:30-8:30 or something, and I was anxious to get back to my apartment to sign for a package (more on that later).
Some cool pictures…but it’s tough figuring apertures and stuff when you’re clueless. Trial, error and volume really does gets you a long way. At least I learned some things. (Like…forget about autofocus in the dark :P)
The Tokyo office at work got into the ghosts and goblins only marginally – but they did have a pumpkin carving competition. I’m rather proud of our result, but alas, apparently we failed to scrape out his innards sufficiently, and he got a little moldy (which I’m pretty sure affected his popularity.) Parasite-kun was a great collaborative effort, though. I think every one of the four members of team mux mux contributed something to his design (fingernails, spidery grin, extended arms…)
Today I’m off to check out Tokyo Design Week, and get some archery in. Maybe after another cup of tea. Ah, Sunday…
Hey, that is Japanese Jack-O-Lantern! I like it!