Happy Birthday

Yesterday I went along with lots of other people, including a surprising number of gaijin, to see the Emperor of Japan make his birthday address. It was very crowded and the huge police presence kept as all organized and moving well. Managed to queue jump a little and get in behind the nationlists for a prime location right in front of the window. Though the early morning reflections on the bulletproof glass made photography difficult.

But that was not the best part of the day though; neither was the energetic and passionate “banzai!” that greated his message. Neither was it seeing the Emperor himself or the chance to peek inside the cloistered palace walls. No! the best part had to be being body searched on entry by a rather cute policewoman. In Britain I`d have gotten a policeman and the ladies would have had the policewoman but Japan likes to make it`s official rituals fun from beginning to end. I like that about Japan.

Here`s a pic of the first family of Japan: Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko flanked by their two sons, Prince Naruhito on the left and Prince Akishono on the right.

All for now, talk later.

Damon

UPDATE

By popular demand (sort of) this is the picture of my good friend photographer Gianni Giosue enjoying the palace security.