In the summer of 2002, I got word that a fellow Albion grad was on her way to Japan to visit her family in Yokohama.  Ayako is one of the sweetest and most fun people I know, so I jumped on the opportunity to run up to the Tokyo/Yokohama area.  Here are a few photos of that adventure in the world's most populous city.

  If you have a question or want a better scan of any photo, just email erik@eriklove.com 

Click on any image for a larger, better quality version.

Ayako and I in the Odaiba Ferris Wheel

I pose next to some beautiful calligraphy at a festival.

Some shopkeepers at the festival's temple shop.

A very good looking family dressed in traditional kimono and yukata.  And me.

Tokyo's Rainbow Bridge, and the crowds gathered for the Big Tokyo Fireworks Festival

The big fireworks, launched from two barges in Tokyo Bay.

Meiji Shrine, in downtown Tokyo.

Shibuya district, everyone's image of busy, neon Tokyo life.  Some firefighters are responding to a call.

Ayako and I with an unidentified... man?  At the Toyota Showcase in Tokyo.

And finally, back to little Shiga on the famous bullet train, Shinkansen.