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日本語/Japanese  Mon 06/16 10:00 JST
I've only been back to the UK a couple of times since moving to Japan and each time I went was usually because the company (Nature,Amazon) payed for the business trip. Here are some pics taken during my last visit.

First up is Piccadilly Circus where I used to get all my Japanese learning/heath material - a bookshop called the Japan Center opened was my doorway to discover Japan.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Regent Street - the biggest toy shop in the UK Hamleys is here where I used to visit all the time for the Star Wars goodies.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Hackney London - voted one of the worst places to live in the UK.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Tottenham Court Road where I used to get my electronic equipment from. Where should folks go in your region to pick up good electronics? All I know of is Yong San in Seoul.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
London China Town which has a restaurant called Wong Kei where the waiters say things like "you drop your chopsticks and you not get no more" and are incredibly rude. But their food is delicious which is why they are popular. Not sure if they are still there.

Would you go back to a restaurant if the service is crap but food good n cheap?
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
On a double decker round bus - not sure if there are any left. Many buses are now square.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Outside my dads couture studio.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
The food I buy to bring back to Japan. Must stock up on the PG Tips n biscuits!
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Oxford Street full O shops. My dads studio is at the other end at Marble Arch.
Hmmm, as I write this I really feel like going back for a visit ^^;

I remember when I first moved to Japan after 27 years of living in the UK since birth. Even though I longed to live in Japan, I would still visualize me being back in the UK walking about town. I do miss it from time to time but have no intentions of going back to live/retire - pretty happy living in Japan.

Do you live in a country other than the place of your birth? Do you prefer it where you are or long to be back at your homeland?
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
To stop a bus you need to hold out your arm. This reminded me of the good ol days at night where the driver was in a rush to get home - they would just drive by leaving the smoke in yer face and dust in yer teeth. Do bus drivers do this in your region too?
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
On a square bus.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Me, my dad and a colleague from Amazon. Amazon had many ladies who seemed to like my dads shoes. Whenever possible, I would arrange for them to go meet him.

Yes I used to have long hair but the weight of it meant that it sped up the balding rate for me which is why I cut it short^^;;;
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Where I live. My mum got mugged twice in this area.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
More of the local neighborhood.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
London has many train stations but not enough meaning long waits for buses that took their time to come - and when they did come they always come in threes.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
One of my fave past times in London - strolling by the Thames. London is lovely when the sun is out...
I remember as a young teenager coming here on my own wondering where in the world my lifetime love was - so ronery ^^;;
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
But London usually looks like this - gloomy.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Digging up my old mac.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
At my dads studio designing some shoes for my wife.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
I still have my shoe making skills and planned to start my own label in Tokyo but decided to concentrate on webstuff.

For those who are wondering why I didn't follow in my dads footsteps - I wanted to go alone in a completely different field without any financial aid to see how far I could go with few hundred pounds of savings.

Reached many of my destinations (goals) in life and am setting new goals every day. The last goal was to set up a company by the age of 35 which I accomplished. Will talk about the other goals soon ^^
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Shopping in Tescos.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
A view from my room.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Mum does a great B'fast.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Just for the lulz - me as a little blighter.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
Me deciding which "eyes"-cream I should go for first.
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
One of my fave UK dishes - chips, scampi, peas n savaloy. Why do the Japanese complain that UK food sucks?
The Early Years2 (click to enlarge)
The day after I arrive is raid Tescos and buy the same stuff. Lord I miss UK food.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
Not 3 but 5 buses on a row - after waiting 20 mins for any of these buses.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
You saw what my room looked like in The Early Years 1 and this is what it looks like now.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
My mum keeps a load of strange object in my room while I'm not there ^^;
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
My first computer - 4GB drive running on a 56k modem. I remember taking out a loan to buy that but it was the best investment ever which enabled me to learn the ways of the compuer/internets and get me a job at Japan Airlines in London which lead to a job in Japan with Nature etc etc - more of my history of getting to Japan in this article.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
Gorgeous sunny day in South London.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
And then suddenly I discover this big eye thing at the Thames.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
Virgin airlines - nice interior but the seats a bit hard.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
I think this is Covent Garden (?) a nice place to go eating and hang out.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
Paying the ancestors my respects.
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
Name that dinosaur. Used to be a dinosaur fanatic and could name them all - but not anymore ^^;
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
Inside of the Natural History Museum (I think).
A Week in London (click to enlarge)
Categories
Polls
laughingman in Canada
McMaster Engineering Student Fall 08
Registered on 2007/11/18 11:58
Was born in germany (polish by decent), and later moved to Canada; Ontario to be precise. In the future, I plan to move out to British Columbia or some other place that I have yet to think about.
(ID #214097) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:09
skankywonders in California
Student
Registered on 2007/08/09 05:36
I was born in America but lived in Mexico for about 8 years and basically grew up there. When I was 9 years old I moved out of Mexico and moved to sweet old America! 

I have ancestors from England, Liverpool. The last of my family to live there would be my great grandfather and some small groups of my family still do live there. 

I'd LOVE to visit parts of England one day, searching through the whole beautiful cities. 

"Would you go back to a restaurant if the service is crap but food good n cheap?" Hmm... Absolutely. Even if I'm treated like crap, the good food will take the anger away from me. 

Wow Danny, you used to have long hair, you should keep it like that only in Winter. 
(ID #214104) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:19
sumomokotoko in Norwich, CT
U.S. Navy
Registered on 2008/05/04 01:52
The pictures are great.  Thanks again!
(ID #214108) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:25
Rokku in S,pore
Student
Registered on 2007/11/11 13:00
wow, those food look nice.
and, Damn, i sure want to see that chinese restaurant, cheap and good, with lousy service.
(ID #214114) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:31
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
Danny--you serious, your dad is Jimmy Choo??? x_X;;
(ID #214128) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:44
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
BTW That was just shock--I don't think you're a liar! :P
(ID #214135) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:49
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
Oh and I realized, I didn't answer. I still live in the Country/State I was born. I wish I could move though, but anywhere else just has something I don't like. Some places are too cold, or too hot, or too far from things I like, or the job market is very sparse...or too far from home (like Japan...I'd love to move there but I know I'd get homesick).
(ID #214138) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:51
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Not much to lie about ^^
(ID #214960) Posted on 2008/06/17 12:20
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
:) 
(ID #215033) Posted on 2008/06/17 13:45
lchen in Brooklyn, NYC
illustrator
Registered on 2007/12/19 12:57
:o i m shocked too
wish i could own a pair

born in china, grew up in america. i think of myself completely american.
(ID #216112) Posted on 2008/06/18 16:53
Garv in Sydney, Australia
Uni Student
Registered on 2008/06/16 11:20
your dads the same jimmy choo as this???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Choo

dude i'm in aus, and i hearda bout him, and i don't know jack all about ladies shoes or fashion lol, but i read something bout him before hahaha

you and your dad are raking heaps of $$ in! hahah
(ID #214155) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:24
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
Yeah, his shoes are very famous! I wanted a pair, but I can't afford them :P Probably for the best though, I have weak ankles so I can't wear heels. 
(ID #214170) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:52
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
Well, I can wear them, but not enough to justify spending $500+ on them ;)
(ID #214171) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:53
Koshiko in Sydney
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
Registered on 2007/08/03 12:37
At least you can wear them, I have really wide feet and short toes so it's almost impossible for me to find fancy shoes u_u;~ I end up having to buy a size 9 where I'm generally a size 7-8 with sneakers
(ID #214239) Posted on 2008/06/16 14:06
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
My mom has that problem with her wide feet too, that sucks! I have narrow feet, which I am glad for. I think I probably just have to learn to wear heels and it would be ok...I also have flat feet which could be an issue though too.
(ID #214270) Posted on 2008/06/16 14:52
Ichi in a state of madness
Mahjong Musume
Registered on 2008/05/07 05:18
I had the same reaction. It seriously blew my MIND. I had to tell all my friends. Often, when I told my friends about the DannyChoo blog, I would let my mind wander and say "Jimmy Choo" and then my friends would get mad and say "It's DANNY Choo! Get it right! They're no where near related!" And look at that, you're father and son! Gosh, I'm still headblown after reading this article...


Danny you should post some shoe designs of your own if you have the time~! The ladies of the blog would love it!
(ID #214224) Posted on 2008/06/16 13:38
tammie86 in Santa Clara, CA
Secretary
Registered on 2008/01/08 09:58
Yes! Danny we want to see your shoe designs (I will act as the rep. of female readers ;D). 

You have a very talented family Danny! Including you!
(ID #214235) Posted on 2008/06/16 14:03
Red October in Elk Grove, CA USA
Deadend Job
Registered on 2007/04/05 07:07
Now, it all make sence. In your old blog, you shown us that you know how to make shoes. You and Jimmy share the same last name. Why I didn't figure it out earlier? The reason is I'm not a woman. The first time I hear Jimmy Choo is in Sex and the City.
(ID #214731) Posted on 2008/06/17 06:24
Coco the Bean in SoCal, USA
Student
Registered on 2008/01/06 05:41
WHOA. I thought that was just a rumor.  When I saw your previous blog post about making shoes I just figured it was a coincidence. 
(ID #215041) Posted on 2008/06/17 13:48
Amstrad in Buffalo, NY
IT
Registered on 2007/09/21 01:39
That's an Iguanodon of course, the thumbspikes pretty much gave it away. Though it's sorta odd that they have it displayed in an upright position like that.
(ID #214130) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:46
llorchTHX in USA & Mexico
Researcher
Registered on 2007/09/04 06:54
I was born in the Atlantic coast of Mexico (in the Gulf) and then moved to the center of the country where I lived in three different cities trough my life. After getting my PhD I lived for about 4 years in USA. Now very recently I'm back in Mexico (in yet another different city.... Mexico is huge and there are places where you'll think you are in a different country).
(ID #214132) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:46
llorchTHX in USA & Mexico
Researcher
Registered on 2007/09/04 06:54
Oh, I forgot to add that, altough I miss living in my original city, I like being able to do short or long stays outside of my country due to my profession (currently looking for a good excuse to go to Japan).
(ID #214148) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:02
wormgear in Chicago
Software Quality Engineer
Registered on 2008/02/22 08:14
Great photos!! Ahhh--- those bring back some great memories. I loved living in London. I also used to live in a crappy neighbourhood-- right on Tufnell Park / Kentish Town / Camden Town border. Still, I remember it so fondly-- good times. I miss it sometimes.
(ID #214134) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:48
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:57
i was born in malaysia but grew up in singapore.

looking good in long hair danny, i use to have long hair as well but they tend to curves when it get too long so now its short hair for me as well.

lastly hope u don't mind me asking, the most important question; is your dad really mr jimmy choo? if yes he must have conceived you at a very young age. 
(ID #214140) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:54
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
I'm guessing he has an official and *real* age ^^;
(ID #214187) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:23
ornehx in Penang, Malaysia
dannychoo.com no aidokusha
Registered on 2007/12/25 23:02
as in chinese age and english age?
(ID #214219) Posted on 2008/06/16 13:29
soonkiong in Kuching, Malaysia
Student
Registered on 2007/08/22 12:50
chinese and "english" age has a difference of only one year right... I wiki-ed Jimmy Choo and it says that he was born in 1961. That's one year younger than my mum! Danny, mind telling us your age? XD
(ID #214276) Posted on 2008/06/16 14:57
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Fashion designers seem to have an official age and a real age - hope I'm getting the message across without saying anything that some PR agency would not want me to say ^^;;;;
(ID #214314) Posted on 2008/06/16 15:58
ornehx in Penang, Malaysia
dannychoo.com no aidokusha
Registered on 2007/12/25 23:02
danny, hope i didnt blow your cover
you are 1972??
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Danny_Choo

as for you dad, there i believe he isn't 1961, i remember an article in local malaysian paper about his success story and it isnt 1961..

ok i will stop probing your private life..
=p 
(ID #214538) Posted on 2008/06/17 00:59
kiss me im british in England
hobo
Registered on 2008/06/16 08:59
So your saying he is like the royal family ? :O does that mean we have to bow to you danny? lol
(ID #215761) Posted on 2008/06/18 08:15
Rin in Canada
Student Otaku
Registered on 2008/01/04 16:17
I've been living in Canada since I was born. I never went on a plane so I never experience other places like Japan, UK or China. I'll be going to HK and Japan this summer and meeting some bloggers there. I wish to go to London. It seems that it's a great place to visit. Nice shoes your family designs I have to say.
So, having long hair increases the balding rate...
Now I'm scared...
(ID #214141) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:54
Tourak in Canada, Quebec
Student
Registered on 2007/12/20 09:45
I was born in the province of Quebec and still live here. Actually, I still live in the same city I was born in, but that gona change soon, moving to Montreal for university in september. Hopefully, after I get my software engeneer degree, i'll be able to go to Japan eventually. ^^;
(ID #214142) Posted on 2008/06/16 10:57
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
3D artist
Registered on 2006/12/25 10:08
Nice to see your old stomping grounds, and pics of lil diddy-Choo! I didnt know your dad was a shoe-ninja - now i know where you got your skills from...

Kinda strange that when you visit the UK, Tecso to you is like AsobitCity to me! You stock up on Tesco biccies and tea, i stock up on figures! I heard that Tesco are gonna try and open some combinis in Tokyo soon? World domination!

By the way - that dino is an Iguanadon! I used to be well into dinos too. That and fighter planes!
(ID #214144) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:00
Teh Eth in Cambridge, UK
Student
Registered on 2008/03/10 06:28
In 2013: Tesco invades Denmark - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfSi0D7KESk

Are there any UK/US import stores over there? Like we have the Chinese/Korean supermarkets in every city or large town?
(ID #214313) Posted on 2008/06/16 15:57
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
3D artist
Registered on 2006/12/25 10:08
Haha - yeah, i remember that. The tesco wars! 
Armando Ianucci is the funniest man in the universe! 'The Armando Ianucci shows' was my fave.
(ID #214394) Posted on 2008/06/16 20:54
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Nice vid!
(ID #214961) Posted on 2008/06/17 12:23
Atrus in the land of Oz
Student (for-ev-er)
Registered on 2008/02/21 08:37
At first I wasn't sure if you were pulling my leg, son of Jimmy Choo.  However I think your pictures were convincing.  (Haven't read much of your history).  Everyone's got to be their own person, ya know?

If I ate at a restaurant and was treated like a piece of sh*t I wouldn't go back, and I haven't gone back when that has happened to me.  That and lousy service really bug me.
(ID #214145) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:00
elysium in HK
Registered on 2008/02/05 23:38
yes, Wong Kei is still there!  and the service is as bad as ever lol
(ID #214147) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:01
zer0kage in Brunei
Student
Registered on 2007/07/08 22:37
I'm heading to London next week friday for the weekend. Any chance of meeting it?
(ID #214149) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:06
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
meeting "it" ?!
(ID #214962) Posted on 2008/06/17 12:24
litokid in Toronto, Canada
film student
Registered on 2007/11/25 09:34
I was born in Hong Kong, lived there for most of my childhood. I miss the whole atmosphere of that place and intend to go back once I finish University here in Toronto.
That said, I'd probably leave again if I marry. It may be a wonderful place for a single young male, but it's not a very good place to raise a family.
(ID #214154) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:20
nya-chama in London, United Kingdom
Student/Freelance Programmer
Registered on 2007/10/31 09:18
ROFL! Wong Kei is still there Danny, they were actually shut down for a few weeks 2 years ago for health and safety issues ^^;;;;
When they came back, the food was good as ever and the waiters are still rude XD They are always impatient, never smile... but who cares, food is great.

As for Hackney, it's safe enough now~ New areas in London are the most dangerous now, I bet in a few years time the map will change again.

I really love London, but I haven't lived here all my life though, my parents moved to London when I was 7, despite all my kicking and screaming (and some crying) they took me along =_=.
I reminisce of Madrid though, I wonder how my childhood friends are doing...
(ID #214164) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:43
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
I was born in the Philippines, but Chinese in decent, studied in Vancouver and became a Canadian, then moved back to Manila. ^^;
Went to London a couple of times since my sister studied in nearby Cambridge. did saw that Japanese store you mentioned at Piccadilly Circus. although I did find most electronic stuff there a bit more expensive and not so up to date, or had I been shopping at the wrong stores. ^^;
by the way I was a Jimmy Choo store somewhere in Tokyo while I was there, was wondering if you were looking over that one while working for yourself. however judging from this post I guess not. ^^;
(ID #214172) Posted on 2008/06/16 11:56
Registered on 2006/12/24 23:42
meant electronic stuff in London. electronic stuff in London seem more expensive and not so up to date. Folks from the UK please correct me if I'm wrong. ^^
also OMG on the part of having long hair = faster balding rate! gotta go cut me hair soon! ^^
(ID #214174) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:05
Saku in Toronto
Web Developer
Registered on 2008/02/07 23:38
London is a nice city and would like to go there again one day ^^.
(ID #214181) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:14
bibiyona in Illinois, US
Student
Registered on 2008/01/17 02:32
Wow, I always wondered if your dad really was Jimmy Choo or not since same last name and also located in London. I wish I could buy his shoes but I can't afford them. Figurines pretty much eat all my money away. ^^' 
(ID #214183) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:19
Leo~Chan in montreal,quebec,born in hk
study
Registered on 2008/03/26 12:09
canada
(ID #214186) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:23
Exiled_Gundam in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Castoffable figurines fan
Registered on 2007/08/22 14:09
Stunned a while~ Danny is a son of Jimmy Choo, that famous shoemaker? I remember seeing a brief documentary about your father in Malaysia TV program.
Hmm, for electronics, the most famous place for getting it in Malaysia would be Lowyat Plaza.
(ID #214191) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:24
StuperRicco in Montreal, Canuck-ville (aka Canada)
buffer
Registered on 2008/07/01 13:19
Awesome pics, Danny. I didn't know your dad was a couture designer.

Thanks for sharing.
(ID #214192) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:25
StuperRicco in Montreal, Canuck-ville (aka Canada)
buffer
Registered on 2008/07/01 13:19
Forgot to mention that I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada in the 29 years of my life. (my parents and relatives are originally from Mauritius, they moved to Canada in the mid-70s) I also have a couple of relatives who live in the UK and visit Canada from time to time.
(ID #214208) Posted on 2008/06/16 13:06
Johnni Kok in Edmonton, Canada
Cigar Wholesale
Registered on 2008/05/09 08:52
I was born in Malaysia and moved to Canada when I was 10.  I've got no plans of going back to live there.  Don't think I could handle the humidity, heat and public restrooms.
(ID #214195) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:31
yanggie in Singapore
Advocado
Registered on 2008/01/14 16:42
Lived and studied in the UK for 3 years; lived in the States when I was a toddler for about a year, lived in my birthplace for about 3 years; rest of it, the little red dot on the equator.

Anyway, the topic of whether Danny's Jimmy Choo's son has been debated before?

I'm not sure if Danny's joking about the "official" and "real" age part!  Joudan deshou?
(ID #214204) Posted on 2008/06/16 12:55
Dancing Queen in Southern California
Blogger, Figure collector, Baby Photographer?
Registered on 2008/01/08 12:10
ok i'm about to have a heart attack, YOUR DAD IS JIMMYY CHOO? like omg! THE Jimmy Choo?
i hope this is one of your many jokes if not, then OMG!!!! 
If this isn't a joke, how are we only hearing about this now? 
(ID #214213) Posted on 2008/06/16 13:22
Dancing Queen in Southern California
Blogger, Figure collector, Baby Photographer?
Registered on 2008/01/08 12:10
oh forgot to mention, i was born in a town about 15 miles from where i live now, it's hard to live in the same town forever down here in so-cal but i'm a California girl deep down. I could visit places but never live in any other place other than down here in so-cal. 
(ID #214228) Posted on 2008/06/16 13:44
Koshiko in Sydney
website designer (currently assist. graphic designer)
Registered on 2007/08/03 12:37
Lol, it's no joke, he's mentioned it before but I don't think anyone really connected the dots so to speak. You can see http://www.intertrend.com/imprint/imprint2007/ for his profile where it's mentioned (outside of dannychoo.com of course)
(ID #214242) Posted on 2008/06/16 14:15
Judau Ashta in Boston, New England
Registered on 2008/04/02 14:54
I guess we all enjoy seeing a little bit of your London past, Danny.  Looking at those double-deckers remains me of my childhood years in HK.  Back then, the double-deckers didn't have any A/C.  During the summer days of steamy HK, you are like getting a sauna when you ride inside those buses if you know what I mean.
(ID #214215) Posted on 2008/06/16 13:27
shirow in UK
Registered on 2007/10/20 15:35
I went to the Japanese store just before christmas, I wanted to buy an idol magazine because it had a lovely girly in a bikini ... but I had second thoughts when the guy behind the counter looked at me funny ... I just left ... it was hard to find though.
I'll have to find your fathers store and buy soe shoes .. can I get discount?  :D
(ID #214217) Posted on 2008/06/16 13:29