Totally Tokyo

January Extravaganza!

I have not been keeping up with my post as I should be considering all of the stuff that I have already managed to get my self involved with.
Last Friday was TUJ's semesterly Sake tasting. Where we learn the history of sake, and also saw several tradition Japanese artists (shamisen player, shinto calligraphy artist, traditional dancers) where I meet a lot of new kids and I got to hang out with Sei and Shinsuke who are the modern day calligraphy artists that paint and write off of emotion, they are friends I meet at last years sake tasting.
As it has been known, I celebrated my 21st birthday. In addition to my birthday, there have been a handful of close friends birthdays, including my "Dokyo-nin" (roommate) Bree! For a celebration we went to a funk concert, put on by the fantastic Osaka Monaurail. We had the pleasure of meeting the lead singer last November at another concert of theirs. It was at that point we told him we would celebrate our 21st birthdays at their January concert. And guess who remembered? Saw us and gave us a Happy Birthday greeting on stage? Yep, your right, the lead singer.
The day after that concert I found myself at another show. It was a Japanese jam band with american rock and roll influence and psychedelic passion, Majestic Circus. It was an amazing show which I will remember always because the music and venue and crowd were perfect that night!
Also this past weekend, I was requested to film and take pictures of a Pride Fighting World Tournament. I got a press pass and had a seat right against the ring at a venue in Shinjuku. I have never been to anything like it before and I enjoy every minute of this stylized intense and passionate fighting genre.
As I have been told before, I need more pictures and less words, so here are the pictures... Enjoy!

posted by Stephy-ru @ Wednesday, January 24, 2007