Religious Zealot

Yesterday was beautiful and sunny, so I headed into Tokyo. Since it was so nice, I decided to walk around Harajuku a bit, watching the different people and happenings. After a casual stroll, I ended up back at the main thoroughfare and stopped to send a quick e-mail from my phone. Although I was in my own world, I saw him lurking out of the corner of my eye. Next thing I knew, this overweight, pushy, American, religious zealot was approaching me. He asked if I was having a problem with my "machine" (i.e. my cell phone), and when I kindly replied that I was just sending an e-mail, he proceeded to shove some religious propaganda on me. (Now, I'm not against organized religion, but I'm not really a part of it, and I expect people to respect my choice as I respect their choice to be part of their respective religions) When I asked him to leave me alone, he assumed I was a heathen, quickly flipped to another flier with "666" all over it, and started blabbing about having both Jesus and the devil covered. I again asked him to leave me alone and told him that I do not care for organized religion, but he kept on. Finally, I had to resort to telling him off in order to finish my e-mail in peace.

Am I really in need of salvation? Do my black fleece, khakis, and alien status cry out Devil Worshipper? So far I have had the Jehovah's Witnesses wake me up three different Sundays (even dispatching an "English" speaker) and have been hassled by a few street preachers in Tokyo. I try to be respectful, but I find them pushing my buttons until I am forced to become that pushy/disrespectful American. I despise them for this.

Anyway, so that is my beef of the week. Thanks for listening. Now, onto the fun part: the photos of the week!

Ever wonder how one would transport a drum set on the train? This is how. He was part of one of the bands I stopped to listen to outside Yoyogi. Even the amps are tiny and portable over here!

This one is for you Dad! Thought you would like the old Caddy. There are groups of 1950's greasers that hang out, dancing outside of Yoyogi Park, every Sunday (complete with the ducktail hairdos and black leather jackets). I'm assuming this is one of their cars.

Finally, yet another installment in the Jessica's Favorite Signs series. Just noticed this sign at an intersection on my way home the other night. I love the fact that a lot of the signs here seem to have over dramatic cartoons on them.