I landed in Tokyo yesterday (Tuesday), but after a 22-hour journey, didn't feel up to much, so I hung out in the hotel and got a decent night's sleep. Here's a view from the hotel window at night:

　　But today was a different matter, and I joined some of the other guys for a trip out and about in Tokyo. We went down to Harajuku, a place not to dissimilar to somewhere like Soho or Camden in London, and took in a few sights. Homer and Takeshi were doing some filming, so we helped out a bit, as well as managing a bit of shopping.

　　It was pretty hot, though not as humid as it usually is. As well as shops and culture we also got a good impression of the bustle of Japanese city life. Among it all sat a place of tranquility--a quiet garden.

　　One of the other things that struck me--apart from knowing what absolutely nothing means, anywhere--was the sheer number and variety of dispensing machines. They're everywhere, and they sell almost everything, it's pretty bizarre.

　　All in all, I'm pretty glad we had Takeshi along, because as well as being a cameraman-extraordinaire, he's also fluent in speaking and reading Japanese. That was a lifesaver not just for the train system, but also the lunch menu...

　　So far there's not been much on the ground in terms of video games, but we can't wait for the action to get underway properly. There'll be more tomorrow, before the craziness starts in earnest on Friday.