Japanese teenage girls do "cos-play"

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Sunday afternoons are the time to check out the "cos-play" girls around the bridge that crosses the tracks next to Harajuku Train Station. "Cos-play" is costume play, where teens and 20-somethings dress up in sometimes outlandish outfits and parade for onlookers or just hang out. Tourists and suspect Japanese men hang out here to photograph the girls. Some of the exhibitionists relish the attention, but some don't. There's obviously a culture of outdoing one another or following trends. Only the girls truly know the code. Around and near the bridge were various performers, bands, and people high on life. It was definitely a fun time for all.

I'm leaving Japan in the morning, so that's it for my Asia trip. I've had experiences I will never forget and some I wish I could. For me, China was the most interesting. I had the luxury of two weeks there and friendly contacts who showed me what China was really about. Korea was a chance to discover my roots. Japan was a fantasy visit - and very expensive. I was hoping to do this trip on the cheap but my need for Internet access for this video-blog and my spoiled affection for comfort and convenience led me rack up some serious credit-card debt. It was worth it. I don't know when I'll get back. I know from being here how much I missed because I didn't have the time. I hope to come back and find my new friends once again. Thank you all.