We had very heavy rain in Tokyo this morning so it was quite late in the morning before we ventured out. As Kayoko our Japanese friend was meeting us at midday we only ventured as far as Electric Street in Shinjunku. Looking for Yodobasi Camera we stepped into a what must have been an 8 storey building with that name on to find that building was just for mobile phones. The larger store next store is dedicated to cameras with other applicances on other floors.

Kayoko took us out in Shinjuku to have lunch at the Times Square, Takashimaya near Shinjuku station. It suprised me at just how big a department store can be. Apparently at weekends this store is supposed to be packed. On the way there we passed what looks like a Tokyo version of the London Gherkin and a Krispy Kreme shop. I was suprised to find even out in Japan that people are queing up to buy them. [thumb:1753:l][thumb:1750:l][thumb:1752:l][newline]

After a very interesting lunch were you have to crush your own sesame seeds we headed off to watch some Sumo Wrestling. The early bouts we watched were between junior sumo wrestlers. These were over within seconds as one of the wrestlers forced the other out of the ring. In contrast the later bouts went on for much longer and the winner did not necessarily have the upper hand through the fight. In once case the match referees went into conference to decide the winner as it was so close. As the bouts neared the end with the strongest wrestlers the atmosphere became more tense with the crowd shouting out the names of those competing. The final match was a bit of an upset as the current champion lost his bout. As is traditional the audience surrouding the ring picked up their cushions and tossed them at the ring. The wrestler that defeated the champion was presented with a bow and paraded with this in the ring. [thumb:1764:l][newline]

After the wrestling was over were headed over to Akihabara to expereience Electric City. We only had time to go to one shop; Yodobasi Camera main Tokyo branch but it was huge. My best description of this place was the best of the Tottenham Court Road under one roof. In camerea section I found the same camera on display 4 times to my amazement. The tv section had a 102″ television screen. Unfortunately that would set you back around £30,000 or so. Not sure I know of many people with a house big enough to get it in.