Odd Rooster Out

On the school grounds of an elementary school in Sakura, Chiba, a lone rooster is cooped up in a rabbit pen. It opens up into a larger space for the animals, but even the rabbits are not allowed out for extended periods as crows mercilessly hunt them down.

Rabbits so cute and stylishly spotted, the belong in a Chanel ad.

Torii in the Background

A Hachiman shrine in Sakura, Chiba. Rumor has it that a local let some unwanted rabbits loose on the grounds, leading them to multiply. Unfortunately, they were nowhere to be seen on the day I visited.

Ancient sugi (Japanese cedar) trees like the one on the above right were individually tagged for protection.

Bonsai Sanctuary

In the backyard of a modest farmhouse in Sakura, Chiba. The best sunlight is saved for their bonsai collection.

Please Mr. Postman

(In Sakura, Chiba.)

Guarded by rocks and a block of concrete, a rusted-over mailbox (or a box used as a mailbox that has rusted over) sits, waiting for the arrival of the post. If it weren't for the telltale 〒 (which, despite popular misconception, is not a T but is the Japanese postal mark), you'd never be able to tell what it was for.

Buzzkill

(In Sakura.)

A hornet's nest has made itself quite at home. The owners of the house are either oblivious, or they have learned to coexist with the hornets.

Marred

Pinza Salon, a recently opened event space across the street from the NHK Studio. With abundant plants and a rare-for-Tokyo terrace, it's a classy building until you tilt your head upward:

Dear god.

I could have sworn these rabbits (with horns?) were not there when I passed by a month ago.

Bad Influence

Little boys transfixed by a trio playing faintly traditional music in front of Takatanobaba station. (The saxophone was a surprisingly good mix with the taiko drums.)

The two geishas and one hipster were actually walking, performing advertisements for a pachinko shop specializing in slot machines. An indelible combination of bad taste.