Tokyo Street Performance

Fri 2007/11/16 02:18 JST
 62
 in Japan
2894 views

Tokyo Street Performance title=

Click through to see what this means in English...

Tokyo Street Performance title=

Even though theres a sign clearly stating that the "act of vending/performance is strictly prohibited," you'll still often see folks doing these "acts" in Shinjuku on Sundays when the streets are closed off to vehicles.
I've seen people selling baby rabbits, parading their pet monkey, and the occasional band.

The temporary ban on vehicles is known as Hokousha Tengoku as explained previously in this article (includes a nice pair of eyes).

Tokyo Street Performance title=

I plan to do the next dance in Shinjuku and was thinking of ideas until reader Sean sent in the following video - I believe that its my destiny to do the dance that this woman is doing. Shes also doing it right in the same location as these photos.
The main theme of this article is actually this video and I thought I'd throw in the stormtrooper pics taken in Shinjuku for good measure ^^; Have a look - it could be the first time you've seen somebody "dance" like this ^^;

Tokyo Street Performance title=

Might as well take a look at the rest of the photos taken.

Tokyo Street Performance title=

My body starts to twitch when I don't wear armor for a while so I wear it to go shopping.

Tokyo Street Performance title=

Was in Shinjuku looking for some pouches to stick on the armor.

Tokyo Street Performance title=

I read in a few comments that quite a few of you are coming to Tokyo in December. Remember to drop me a line when you are over and maybe we'll go shooting the next video together ^^;

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  • windbell
    windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京 (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
    http://www.moeside.net/weblog

    That's some wacky dance!

    I want to visit Tokyo again in December again but can't get away from internship ORZ

    Fri 2007/11/16 02:21:28 JST (ID #63735)
    reply to windbell's comment
  • JustaGuy
    JustaGuy in Singapore (Registered on 2007/11/09)
    Student

    Wow... talk about high on pills...

    Fri 2007/11/16 02:23:27 JST (ID #63736)
    reply to JustaGuy's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    Ah well, you know, laws, signs filled with typos... Sometimes you have the right to fear them, sometimes you can ignore them and face the possible consequences in the worst cases...

    As long as you don't get caught, go crazy! ;)

    As for that woman... I guess it's a woman? (You messed up our minds big time with all those cross-dressing pics...!) Don't laugh, I instinctively feel she is practicing her katas, with a style not unlike Voldo from Soul Calibur.

    Good to see you with the ol' good Stormtrooper suit otherwise.

    Fri 2007/11/16 02:23:29 JST (ID #63737)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • iMM
    iMM in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Registered on 2007/07/08)
    Publisher

    unusual....that is a unique style of "dancing"...as long as she is having fun good for her....Guess it already gave her a worldwide exposure

    Fri 2007/11/16 02:57:44 JST (ID #63739)
    reply to iMM's comment
  • chun
    chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
    http://puppy52art.com/

    oh boy :P that woman's quite scary actually o_o! Danny if you "dance" like she does you may end up with a very scratched up armor! *L*

    Fri 2007/11/16 03:04:32 JST (ID #63740)
    reply to chun's comment
  • Rokku
    Rokku in Little Red Dot (Registered on 2007/11/11)
    Student
    http://iish.wordpress.com/

    Stasion?

    Fri 2007/11/16 03:37:42 JST (ID #63741)
    reply to Rokku's comment
  • lanie-emon
    lanie-emon in Keldabe, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/06/05)
    Mandalorian in training + Otaku...

    Uh, fair enough ^^.

    Fri 2007/11/16 03:42:15 JST (ID #63742)
    reply to lanie-emon's comment
  • FatBastard
    FatBastard in over his head (Registered on 2007/11/04)
    Dirty Gentleman
    http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/

    Errr... you're gonna bust up your white armor pullin those moves. Unless you get some boba fett armor then you can scratch it all you want. Better yet, get one of the people visiting you in Dec to wear boba fett armor and dance around crazy. That'll be a one of a kind Japan memory.

    Fri 2007/11/16 03:46:12 JST (ID #63743)
    reply to FatBastard's comment
  • Triplekia
    Triplekia (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Student

    heh, she can dance along with this dude http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htPYlSeWEGU and perhaps using these guys as background music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAMyQdBWhUw then we have a heavy metal group.

    Fri 2007/11/16 03:51:40 JST (ID #63745)
    reply to Triplekia's comment
  • Kiy
    Kiy in Warsaw, Poland (Registered on 2007/11/15)
    Son Iam disappoint

    Either a seizure or demonic possesion. Do I really have to call for an exorcist?

    Actually I kinda like spontanious acts, I bet she would have bigger audience if she had panties on.

    Fri 2007/11/16 03:52:13 JST (ID #63746)
    reply to Kiy's comment
  • quackie
    quackie in Brisbane (Registered on 2007/08/29)
    Aircrew Resource Analyst

    w00t

    Tokyo Jihen's Shuraba is t3h r0x0r!

    Fri 2007/11/16 04:03:43 JST (ID #63747)
    reply to quackie's comment
  • 10116222
    10116222 in QC, Manila, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/28)
    Nendoroid Hunter

    She knows what she's doing but watching her gave me a headache.

    Fri 2007/11/16 04:07:22 JST (ID #63748)
    reply to 10116222's comment
  • Triplekia
    Triplekia (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Student

    edit: forgot to add this guy to the group~ http://youtube.com/watch?v=THBiP7E4MXc

    Fri 2007/11/16 04:08:55 JST (ID #63749)
    reply to Triplekia's comment
  • marvin
    marvin (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    http://www.marvinryan.com

    don't mind the armour, you're gonna bust up some joints, ligaments as well as some brain cells dancing like that. ^^; wonder nobody called the cops, sometimes it looks as if she's possesed or something. *evil lol*

    Fri 2007/11/16 04:37:46 JST (ID #63751)
    reply to marvin's comment
  • Henry
    Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    anime/cosplay events organizer
    http://www.cosplay.ph

    that experimental dance is unique and it borders to making to look like a seizure...

    it's either a dance or a seizure attack lolz

    Fri 2007/11/16 05:01:26 JST (ID #63753)
    reply to Henry's comment
  • Dead Snake
    Dead Snake in Ngayogyakarto Hadiningrat (Registered on 2007/05/11)
    writing mini thesises
    http://kazenomise.net/

    yo danny...

    I'm not sure about doing that dance in that storm trooper outfit of yours...just don't get hurt ^^;

    Fri 2007/11/16 05:17:22 JST (ID #63757)
    reply to Dead Snake's comment
  • Setsuna-san
    Setsuna-san in Selangor, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/07/06)
    VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.

    Danny, in the last post you said that drugs were expensive in japan. so, how did this woman get so high??
    anyways, i think you should not try that, you will most likely break yourself and this blog will be over.
    but well, its up to you.

    Fri 2007/11/16 05:39:36 JST (ID #63759)
    reply to Setsuna-san's comment
  • kakit
    kakit in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/04/24)
    Student

    Aside from people playing guitar or something in the subway, there aren't many street performances here.

    Fri 2007/11/16 05:42:35 JST (ID #63760)
    reply to kakit's comment
  • Reikai
    Reikai in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan (Registered on 2007/02/04)
    Student

    Well next time I'm back in Tokyo... (like Christmas time when I get back from Uni) I'll definitely join you...

    but like... seriously..?
    watch some of Poppin Hyun Joon, and try to pull that off... would definitely look cool popping in a stormtrooper outfit...

    That... or of course, Shuffle :P

    Fri 2007/11/16 06:45:22 JST (ID #63764)
    reply to Reikai's comment
  • Tempest
    Tempest in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    Exchange Student

    Well, maybe she's getting rid of aggressions this way(?), either that or she's simply on drugs but she definitely has some guts to do this.

    And Reikais idea of shuffling in armor is great xD

    Fri 2007/11/16 07:06:29 JST (ID #63765)
    reply to Tempest's comment
  • Ninja Mari
    Ninja Mari in Japan (Registered on 2007/11/06)
    Japanese Student
    http://japanqna.wordpress.com

    Weird woman... was she trying to clean the ground?

    Can't wait for the next Storm Trooper dance video! I'd love to see it live.

    Fri 2007/11/16 07:29:04 JST (ID #63767)
    reply to Ninja Mari's comment
  • Mr.Boy
    Mr.Boy in Graceland (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Simulation
    http://www.animetreehouse.com

    We have a place for people like that here in the U.S., it is called Rehab!

    Fri 2007/11/16 08:18:08 JST (ID #63768)
    reply to Mr.Boy's comment
  • Exile
    Exile in USA (Registered on 2007/10/20)
    Designer/Student
    Fri 2007/11/16 08:41:21 JST (ID #63769)
    reply to Exile's comment
  • Sakari
    Sakari (Registered on 2007/06/19)

    Hmm, I hope my exchange program sends me off to Tokyo, that would give me 10 months time to meet you danny ^^

    Fri 2007/11/16 09:01:10 JST (ID #63770)
    reply to Sakari's comment
  • gordon
    gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
    http://gordonator.com/

    i'll love to see danny do the upside down legs splitting part. ('~')

    Fri 2007/11/16 09:01:18 JST (ID #63771)
    reply to gordon's comment
  • skankywonders
    skankywonders in California (Registered on 2007/08/09)
    Student

    Yeah! I'd probably panic alittle if I saw a stormtrooper on the street, a.k.a. DANNY CHOO! *melts*

    Fri 2007/11/16 09:13:36 JST (ID #63772)
    reply to skankywonders's comment
  • XSportSeeker
    XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
    http://xspblog.com

    Here where I live, what that lady is doing there isn´t called "dancing"... it´s called demonic possession.

    o_O

    I´d probably have a heart attack from laughing too much if Danny did that stormtrooper mode though.

    Well, in my city we don´t have street performers. I think the city isn´t big enough for that... we do have poor street kids and hippies doing acrobatic stuff on traffic signals though.

    But in bigger cities here in Brazil I´ve seen lots of them.

    Fri 2007/11/16 09:43:09 JST (ID #63773)
    reply to XSportSeeker's comment
  • Orz
    Orz in USA (Registered on 2007/11/15)
    Programmer

    Hey Danny, long time reader, first time blog comment poster. I read above that you might be able to meet some of your fans. Though I won't be coming in December, I will be coming in early January. Any chance I can shake hands with one of the internet's biggest otakus in Akihabara?

    Fri 2007/11/16 09:59:45 JST (ID #63774)
    reply to Orz's comment
  • davortech
    davortech in Europe (Registered on 2007/11/08)
    IT
    http://davortech.wordpress.com

    Great photos Danny. I love the sign. Chief of the police stasion :P

    Fri 2007/11/16 10:29:04 JST (ID #63776)
    reply to davortech's comment
  • Jam Tea
    Jam Tea in 丸の内, 東京 (Registered on 2007/11/10)
    Bartender

    I wouldn't mind seeing the Tokyo Dance Trooper some time :) Let us know when you are next doing it and I'll try to be free to see it!

    Fri 2007/11/16 11:10:46 JST (ID #63778)
    reply to Jam Tea's comment
  • McNally
    McNally in Oxford, Mississippi, USA (Registered on 2007/08/28)
    College student and soldier
    http://cadet-mcnally.livejournal.com/

    I'm still not convinced that she wasn't having some kind of seizure.

    Fri 2007/11/16 12:11:51 JST (ID #63779)
    reply to McNally's comment
  • McKlain
    McKlain in Spain (Registered on 2007/05/11)
    Web Designer
    http://mcklain.wordpress.com/

    I think that she is possessed...

    Fri 2007/11/16 12:21:53 JST (ID #63780)
    reply to McKlain's comment
  • Sauronu
    Sauronu in Bulgaria (Registered on 2007/01/15)
    Programmer
    http://www.otakulinks.com

    She finally managed to get some canabis :) sooooo high :D

    Fri 2007/11/16 13:02:06 JST (ID #63781)
    reply to Sauronu's comment
  • 21st Century Digital Boy
    21st Century Digital Boy in Virginia Beach (Registered on 2007/09/19)
    Otaku
    http://fuzakenna.com

    you know, the first 10-15 secs of that video just looked like ne at a metal concert XD Really, though, that chick was t-rippin.

    Fri 2007/11/16 13:12:36 JST (ID #63782)
    reply to 21st Century Digital Boy's comment
  • Boris
    Boris in USA (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    Visual Communications and Web 2.0
    http://www.imagineboris.com

    most that i see here are by metro stations. Its legal to do a performance by an entrance to metro station. I think they might still need to get permission because at one time there is only one performer there. Mostly they play music and there is one guy that plays this traditional Chinese instrument so beautifully. Mostly its by metro station in Washington DC and Arlington. Some sing, but mostly its music and very good one too. I think they should be at all metro stations. Its nice to leave metro and be greeted by some music.

    Fri 2007/11/16 13:23:39 JST (ID #63783)
    reply to Boris's comment
  • Ido
    Ido in Laval, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    Drug testing

    this wins even more than the full video of that dancing woman, http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=jvjtsy3FTg4

    Fri 2007/11/16 13:37:37 JST (ID #63784)
    reply to Ido's comment
  • howie huang
    howie huang in Toronto, Ontario (Registered on 2007/07/21)
    Student

    oh my god that dance is pure twitching and some sort of down syndrome.....

    Fri 2007/11/16 15:03:02 JST (ID #63787)
    reply to howie huang's comment
  • 0shift
    0shift in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/08/13)
    Student

    Only shopping district where there is a lot of people traffic. On the most they are musical type.

    Fri 2007/11/16 17:12:11 JST (ID #63792)
    reply to 0shift's comment
  • Ryori no tetsujin
    Ryori no tetsujin in US (Registered on 2007/09/05)
    Software Support

    Why they don't like people to performance in Tokyo Streets? They don't want people to gather around and block the street?
    Hey Danny, did you ever get stopped by the police or get "talked to" when you wear the Stomtropper suit and walk around public places?

    Fri 2007/11/16 18:37:03 JST (ID #63808)
    reply to Ryori no tetsujin's comment
  • syrix
    syrix in U.S. (Registered on 2007/03/21)
    student
    http://animesugoi.animeblogger.net/

    Lol, crazy girl ^^.

    Fri 2007/11/16 19:08:25 JST (ID #63814)
    reply to syrix's comment
  • nivexus
    nivexus in Melbourne, Australia (Registered on 2007/10/08)
    Student & Accountant
    http://nivexus.deviantart.com

    omg is she ok? That looks like a terrible seizure. Why aren't ppl helping her?

    Fri 2007/11/16 19:58:26 JST (ID #63821)
    reply to nivexus's comment
  • lostandfound
    lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/21)
    Hikikomori in the making
    http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/

    LOL, it's a good thing I don't know her and she doesn't know me...

    Fri 2007/11/16 20:35:39 JST (ID #63827)
    reply to lostandfound's comment
  • CyruzDraxs
    CyruzDraxs in Kelowna, BC, Canada (Registered on 2007/09/11)
    Web Design & Development
    http://www.nerdculture.org

    It looks more like she's wigged out on crack. lol

    I saw some hooker doing that in Vancouver once, but then she smashed her face into a tree and was knocked unconscious.

    Fri 2007/11/16 21:13:21 JST (ID #63833)
    reply to CyruzDraxs's comment
  • Deathy
    Deathy in Brazil (Registered on 2007/04/20)
    Photography Student
    http://hugodeathy.deviantart.com/

    Looks like she got injected with the drug from Higurashi...scary.

    But good thing that at least Tokyo Jihen was playing as background music, she have good taste in music.

    Sat 2007/11/17 06:56:13 JST (ID #63861)
    reply to Deathy's comment
  • hendrik
    hendrik in jakarta,indonesia (Registered on 2007/05/31)
    student

    i prefer your stormtrooper dance than that girl dance.
    the girl kinda look drugged, or whatever to me, either to crazy or she got something wrong with her.

    though this girl dance is crazier(not cool, crazy) than your dance. i prefer something normal, got to keep your sanity

    Sun 2007/11/18 00:11:35 JST (ID #63944)
    reply to hendrik's comment
  • Danny Choo
    Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
    CEO MIrai Inc
    http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

    Ryori no tetsujin,
    They usually ask "are you off to some event"
    I usually say "yes" ^^;

    Orz,
    Send me mail - mail is in my profile page ^^

    ひまななし,
    は〜い!

    *shrug*,
    Let me know when you are in town.

    Sun 2007/11/18 05:26:11 JST (ID #63964)
    reply to Danny Choo's comment
  • notfair
    notfair in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/08/14)
    Student, ACG Fans
    http://modvisc.blogspot.com

    erm, maybe i ask something, is she doing some praying @.@" ..

    Sun 2007/11/18 06:45:27 JST (ID #63981)
    reply to notfair's comment
  • Joshua
    Joshua in singapore (Registered on 2007/08/26)
    student
    http://jk-pictureaweek.blogspot.com/

    Oh ... don't do that( like the video) ... you would look crazy

    Sun 2007/11/18 08:38:57 JST (ID #64002)
    reply to Joshua's comment
  • JapanAnime
    JapanAnime in Hilversum, Holland (Registered on 2007/08/05)
    4th Year Business Economics Student

    You call that dancing? To me that's more hanging out the lunatic on the street with no shoes. To prevent you from doing something you'll regret (you will, mark my holy words =P) I say...Don't do this "dance" for the sake of you, your wife, your future childrens, everyone! XD

    Sun 2007/11/18 10:55:31 JST (ID #64019)
    reply to JapanAnime's comment
  • amaya
    amaya in US (Registered on 2007/11/11)

    I think I saw her audition on So You Think You Can Dance.

    D_Blade: I instinctively feel she is practicing her katas, with a style not unlike Voldo from Soul Calibur

    LOL, Well thank the great green Arkleseizure there was no matching Voldo cosplay included in this "performance".

    Sun 2007/11/18 23:49:14 JST (ID #64077)
    reply to amaya's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    Well amaya, if that ever was the case ("!" MGS style), be sure she would have "Gone to jail without getting $200". ^^;

    Mon 2007/11/19 19:05:23 JST (ID #64163)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • justlazy
    justlazy in usa (Registered on 2008/04/16)
    artist

    I was thinking what if strong machine2 wore a storm trooper outfit and started doing her dance like Danny.

    Wed 2008/04/16 06:08:52 JST (ID #171251)
    reply to justlazy's comment
  • GTR
    GTR in Minnesota, United States (Registered on 2008/02/29)

    Oh wow, she look like she's high. Kinda reminds me when I was drunk this one time, O_o .

    Fri 2008/05/02 12:26:09 JST (ID #179694)
    reply to GTR's comment
  • ryangmalupet
    ryangmalupet in Philippines (Registered on 2008/06/10)
    Graphic Artist

    cool

    Tue 2008/07/08 09:03:55 JST (ID #233005)
    reply to ryangmalupet's comment
  • cscentrl
    cscentrl (Registered on 2008/06/26)
    http://cscentrl.com

    Question: is it OK to give money for street performers in Japan? They do it all the time in America. Will we be violating any laws if we feel a street performer has done well and give him/her money as gratitutde for the performance. Speaking of which Danny, have you ever been given money while performing in your trooper outfit?

    Sun 2008/09/21 17:44:19 JST (ID #309003)
    reply to cscentrl's comment
  • masahiro
    masahiro (Registered on 2009/02/09)
    Full Time Student, Part Time Anime Lover, Half Time Lurker
    http://hiro307.blogspot.com

    surely crowded

    Wed 2009/02/18 08:39:43 JST (ID #493966)
    reply to masahiro's comment
  • DeathSnake
    DeathSnake in Srilanka (Registered on 2009/01/26)
    university student

    id be pretty suprised if danny could pull off a head stand like that woman

    Tue 2009/03/24 13:07:23 JST (ID #532518)
    reply to DeathSnake's comment
  • P
    P (Registered on 2009/03/25)
    Engineering ways to take over the world.

    she might be possessed.

    Wed 2009/04/22 06:38:43 JST (ID #574178)
    reply to P's comment

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