7pm in Tokyo - Shibuya

Mon 2009/01/26 17:55 JST
 62
 in Japan
1130 views
Img ID#63652 | New tab | Mouseover = load notes.

Its been a few days since the last "7PM in Tokyo" - mainly because I've been in bed trying to shake this flu bug. This was the last time I was out n about - taken in Shibuya.

I remember when I was first visiting Japan as a student. I sat in Shibuya for an afternoon recording the surrounding sounds into a mini-disc. When I got back to the UK, I would listen to the same 60 min disc over and over again as I closed my eyes - it felt like I was back in Japan. The sounds of the people walking by, the conversations of the boys who were standing next to me, the sounds of thee big TV screens.

I still remember it as if it was yesterday. Summer. Was wearing a white Tshirt n jeans. Also remember thinking to myself "I'm going to live n work in Japan one day. I know I will."

If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.

If you don't have much time now, maybe subscribe to the RSS Feed, Twitter Feed or join the other readers in the FaceBook Page.
Alternatively, you may want to read more about the site.
If you are a regular reader then this message will probably annoy you each time - hide it forever.

This item was posted in the Japan category. You can see more of everything else or subscribe via RSS instead.
日本語 日本語
-Japan Probe - News from Japan (Subscribe)
-Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)

  • Charten
    Charten in United States (Registered on 2008/11/17)
    Student/Music Producer/Web Designer
    http://www.youtube.com/user/LionBiscuits

    That's awesome. I just got my morning dose of inspiration! ^^
    Great picture as well, Danny.

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:02:13 JST (ID #463250)
    reply to Charten's comment
  • Pyoro
    Pyoro in Singapore (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Student
    http://anime.tedfox.com/

    dude, recording the sounds of japan? you have my respect!
    *salute
    oh and hope ya shake that flu off soon!

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:04:28 JST (ID #463255)
    reply to Pyoro's comment
  • Tiny Red Man
    Tiny Red Man in Tiny Red Dot, Singapore. (Registered on 2007/04/11)
    free lance otaku, full time Protector of Peace.

    i see tomodachi.. part 2 coming this sat in japan..

    and ur last sentence touched me.. my heart beat faster when i read that..

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:06:08 JST (ID #463256)
    reply to Tiny Red Man's comment
    • abbe
      abbe in Sweden (Registered on 2009/01/02)
      Student
      http://srzbizns.blogspot.com/

      You mean the big "Friend" Icon from 20th Century boys? Any more knowledge of what that big sign is about, and can link to it?

      I bloody loved 20th Century boys and as far as I know it should be completed with 21th Century boys. Is it a live action movie?

      Mon 2009/01/26 18:21:34 JST (ID #463274)
      reply to abbe's comment
      • Kupo
        Kupo in Hungary (Registered on 2007/07/05)
        University Student

        Yes, it's a live action movie, a trilogy: http://www.20thboys.com/
        Part 1 is coming on DVD/Blu-ray on 30 Jan in Japan.^^

        Mon 2009/01/26 20:16:09 JST (ID #463384)
        reply to Kupo's comment
        • abbe
          abbe in Sweden (Registered on 2009/01/02)
          Student
          http://srzbizns.blogspot.com/

          That... Is so awesome.
          Think I've heard of it before but totally forgotten about it, god damn im psyched now!

          Mon 2009/01/26 20:37:43 JST (ID #463408)
          reply to abbe's comment
  • AndyH
    AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    3D artist
    http://andyh.cgsociety.org

    Heh - nice idea on the sound recording. One of my friends did that for an animated video he was producing.
    Shibuya crossing is an awesome place though - i never got bored crossing it whenever i visited Tokyo. Made my skin tingle at night.

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:14:23 JST (ID #463261)
    reply to AndyH's comment
  • viewtiful
    viewtiful in The not-so-united kingdom (Registered on 2008/10/26)
    Phone technician

    Hmmmm, interesting idea, i might try recording some background noise when i go this year!

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:29:23 JST (ID #463285)
    reply to viewtiful's comment
  • EZU
    EZU in a very boring place~ (Registered on 2007/10/11)
    discovering gravity and some other stuff.
    http://retrovsmass.blogspot.com

    Ah Shibuya ^^... I can't remember a lot of it ToT I was freaking twelve =((((( All I remember it was crowded as hell and that I ate roasted chestnuts somewhere near that crossing. Can't wait to go next year ^^

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:49:05 JST (ID #463303)
    reply to EZU's comment
  • LesterHo
    LesterHo in Tokyo, Japan (Registered on 2008/11/16)
    Student
    http://www.lesterho.com

    Recording sound in Shibuya is an awesome idea that I never think of before. Really salute you.


    Before I came to Japan, I would always find a video that is related to and watch it hundred of times and start imagining that makes me feels like I'm in Japan right now.

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:50:14 JST (ID #463304)
    reply to LesterHo's comment
  • sash
    sash in United States (Registered on 2007/12/29)
    N/A

    I laways love your photos you take. They're awsome.
    I hope you get better very soon.

    Mon 2009/01/26 18:56:10 JST (ID #463312)
    reply to sash's comment
  • blauereiter
    blauereiter in Tokyo, Japan (Registered on 2007/07/07)
    CG artist, Sunrise Emotion
    http://halcyonrealms.com

    I've always wanted to visit Japan when I was a kid, and now that I am working here I think I know just what how you feel !

    Anyway, hope you're feeling better Danny ! :]

    Mon 2009/01/26 19:04:26 JST (ID #463326)
    reply to blauereiter's comment
  • I Am Kaze
    I Am Kaze in England (Registered on 2008/12/28)
    Looking for Work

    Well, Danny. You're living your dream! =] And sharing a big piece of it with all of us, so thanks! I hope I can come to Japan one day, I'm on this site daily saying "I really really hope I can live and work in Japan one day!" So who knows? ^_^'

    Mon 2009/01/26 19:04:52 JST (ID #463327)
    reply to I Am Kaze's comment
  • lene
    lene in San Diego, CA (Registered on 2008/07/29)
    Student, Freelance Artist
    http://rhythmemotion.net

    Beautiful photograph of Shibuya :) I hope to visit there one day.

    Also, I hope you get better soon!

    Mon 2009/01/26 19:19:53 JST (ID #463343)
    reply to lene's comment
  • Zarn
    Zarn in The Universe (Registered on 2007/07/11)
    三年の高校生

    Nice photo! Tokyo looks so huge that I'll have to see it with my own eyes someday ^^

    Mon 2009/01/26 19:29:11 JST (ID #463351)
    reply to Zarn's comment
  • ArcSaber
    ArcSaber in Singapore (Registered on 2009/01/11)
    Medic!

    Nice idea to keep yourself motivated :) Well your wish came true danny!

    Mon 2009/01/26 19:32:10 JST (ID #463355)
    reply to ArcSaber's comment
  • Zach
    Zach in Redmond, WA (Registered on 2009/01/04)
    Mysterious video game industry cat
    http://www.twitter.com/zachorly

    I did the same thing only in reverse. I listened to some very specific tracks while spending the evening at the Shibuya crossing, and now whenever those tracks come up on my iPod, it's like I'm back there again.

    Mon 2009/01/26 19:52:12 JST (ID #463366)
    reply to Zach's comment
  • jinstevens
    jinstevens in Portland, OR, USA (Registered on 2009/01/05)
    Blogger, consultant
    http://www.netharuka.com

    I think doing the recording of Shibuya as a teenager is great. Both sounds and visuals are great motivators. I'm sure that recording has had more of an impact to your current success than you think.

    Mon 2009/01/26 20:04:19 JST (ID #463375)
    reply to jinstevens's comment
  • Xcomp
    Xcomp in UK, Glasgow (Registered on 2008/12/01)
    http://xcomprandomness.co.uk/

    すぐに良くなるように。

    Hmmm, recording sounds of Japan eh? Glad you're living your dream now, DC =P

    Mon 2009/01/26 20:12:02 JST (ID #463382)
    reply to Xcomp's comment
  • Harts
    Harts in Estonia (Registered on 2008/06/02)
    Student

    >I sat in Shibuya for an afternoon recording the surrounding sounds into a mini-disc.
    That's ingenious:)

    Mon 2009/01/26 20:32:17 JST (ID #463400)
    reply to Harts's comment
  • StormYkz_214
    StormYkz_214 in Ulaanbaatar (Registered on 2009/01/24)
    Programmer

    You took an awesome picture. Well done.

    Mon 2009/01/26 20:40:03 JST (ID #463413)
    reply to StormYkz_214's comment
  • RogueTrooper
    RogueTrooper in Berkshire UK (Registered on 2009/01/06)
    Dental Technician, i make teeth!
    http://antsizedman.blogspot.com/

    The amount of light always amazes me.

    Since im a country lad i kinda get a little bit awkward around so many people, its really weird.

    Mon 2009/01/26 21:26:55 JST (ID #463444)
    reply to RogueTrooper's comment
  • Mirage
    Mirage in New York, US (Registered on 2008/12/27)
    Young Grasshopper
    http://miragestrike.blogspot.com

    Stunning pic you took there. Recording the sound does sound interesting but I just remembered that it isn't necessary in present day as there are sites like YouTube.^^;

    Get well soon Danny :)!

    Mon 2009/01/26 21:47:25 JST (ID #463452)
    reply to Mirage's comment
  • Monkee
    Monkee in Canada (Registered on 2007/02/08)
    Otaku / Student in Networking
    http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/

    Woo nice ^^ Maybe I should do that too XD

    Mon 2009/01/26 21:51:11 JST (ID #463453)
    reply to Monkee's comment
  • Okita
    Okita in Germany (Registered on 2008/10/28)
    Student & Game Designer
    http://www.artificialzeromedia.com/

    "I'm going to live n work in Japan one day. I know I will."

    same thoughts here, baby

    it's one of these thoughts which nothing can stop, and you know it in advance ^^

    Mon 2009/01/26 22:51:59 JST (ID #463491)
    reply to Okita's comment
  • Hidden Oasis
    Hidden Oasis in California, United Sates (Registered on 2008/10/28)
    College Freshmen

    I kind of want to live there too, but I kind of enjoy California as well. I think southern California has quite a bit of Asians all things considered so I can get my Chinese food. Plus the weather's great.

    Mon 2009/01/26 23:01:45 JST (ID #463496)
    reply to Hidden Oasis's comment
  • Intricate
    Intricate in The Netherlands (Registered on 2009/01/06)
    Student

    very inspirational indeed!

    Mon 2009/01/26 23:15:10 JST (ID #463500)
    reply to Intricate's comment
  • Meimi132
    Meimi132 in Stuck in the void between the net life and real life. (Registered on 2007/12/03)
    Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
    http://meimi132.wordpress.com/

    Thats so great that you achieved your dream. In the mood I'm in right now(after seeing bits of the season 4 final ep of Dr Who), I'm ready to start blubbing lol, this made me well up too.... silly me.

    Mon 2009/01/26 23:16:17 JST (ID #463501)
    reply to Meimi132's comment
  • Riz
    Riz in インデアナポリス, インデアナ (Registered on 2009/01/02)
    三年せいとオタク

    Yay another inspirational post :D I hope that I can work in Japan to one day.

    Mon 2009/01/26 23:31:21 JST (ID #463507)
    reply to Riz's comment
  • Bazooka
    Bazooka in United States (Registered on 2008/10/10)
    大学生
    http://gundamhub.blogspot.com

    There is a 20th Century Boys sign. Is it for the movie?

    Mon 2009/01/26 23:35:16 JST (ID #463510)
    reply to Bazooka's comment
  • garturo62
    garturo62 in Arizona (Registered on 2008/12/23)
    none

    I would want to her those sounds.

    Mon 2009/01/26 23:41:47 JST (ID #463522)
    reply to garturo62's comment
    • misae
      misae in Corea / U.S. (Registered on 2009/01/21)
      高1学生 (工学・科学)
      http://nurinamo.comli.com/

      I agree, I want to listen to those sound/music, too!

      Tue 2009/01/27 00:24:24 JST (ID #463548)
      reply to misae's comment
  • the great paul
    the great paul in heaven (Registered on 2008/03/14)
    pervert

    you should have made a recording of schoolgirls playing in the pool instead

    Tue 2009/01/27 00:46:38 JST (ID #463567)
    reply to the great paul's comment
    • Danny Choo
      Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
      CEO MIrai Inc
      http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

      Maybe those sounds would have been even more inspirational and got me here quicker ^^;

      Tue 2009/01/27 01:03:24 JST (ID #463580)
      reply to Danny Choo's comment
      • the great paul
        the great paul in heaven (Registered on 2008/03/14)
        pervert

        the cries of young maidens locked in a deadly battle and the sound of water splashing off these young maidens is enough to make any man leave home for the land of the loli

        Tue 2009/01/27 05:21:12 JST (ID #463782)
        reply to the great paul's comment
        • litokid
          litokid in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/25)
          university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
          http://www.vimeo.com/longhim

          Onwards, comrades! If you have any pride of your manhood left in you, go!

          Tue 2009/01/27 06:43:13 JST (ID #463894)
          reply to litokid's comment
  • azn-n3ss-__-
    azn-n3ss-__- in Brisbane (Registered on 2008/07/28)
    大学生
    http://justaskeikaku.net23.net

    I feel like going to Japan just looking at your pictures!

    Tue 2009/01/27 01:42:58 JST (ID #463613)
    reply to azn-n3ss-__-'s comment
  • Felipe
    Felipe in Brasil (Registered on 2008/12/14)
    Actor, Moviemaker and Blogger.
    http://sitedofonseca.blogspot.com

    I hope I doo, too. :)

    Tue 2009/01/27 02:32:17 JST (ID #463651)
    reply to Felipe's comment
  • Gen
    Gen (Registered on 2009/01/21)
    Student

    Wow, that's a cool picture.

    Tue 2009/01/27 03:28:45 JST (ID #463696)
    reply to Gen's comment
  • panzergrenadier
    panzergrenadier in Singapore (Registered on 2008/06/26)
    Wage slave by day, semi-pro blogger by night
    http://fivecentstencents.com

    That's a great idea to record the sounds of the dream place you want to be!

    I think I should start recording more of my daughter's sounds that she makes... Pretty soon, I'll look back when she's all grown up to reminisce on how she was like as a baby. :)

    Be well and prosper.

    Tue 2009/01/27 03:45:56 JST (ID #463702)
    reply to panzergrenadier's comment
  • Stefkov
    Stefkov in England (Registered on 2008/06/01)
    http://www.stefkov.com/

    That sounds like such a nice thing. I love how you thought to yourself such an ambitious yet achievable goal. And you have achieved it. Makes me want to set some goals.
    I'd love that picture for a wallpaper as well.

    Tue 2009/01/27 04:11:50 JST (ID #463724)
    reply to Stefkov's comment
  • silent1134
    silent1134 in Los Angeles, California (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    ???Confused???

    It's real inspiring to have a dream and working hard to attain it...

    Tue 2009/01/27 04:27:12 JST (ID #463735)
    reply to silent1134's comment
  • Shockerz
    Shockerz in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2008/10/12)
    Student
    http://theotakukid.com/

    Danny you really have the will to do what you set to do. Very inspirational! Everyone must have a dream for where they want to be or go.

    Tue 2009/01/27 05:32:14 JST (ID #463795)
    reply to Shockerz's comment
  • uncreative
    uncreative in Japan (Registered on 2008/08/15)
    Student
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dramacd/

    I've always wanted to walk in a huge crowd like this.

    Tue 2009/01/27 05:53:15 JST (ID #463820)
    reply to uncreative's comment
  • orcinus
    orcinus in some snowy peak (Registered on 2007/10/08)
    Art student
    http://ohcirnine.wordpress.com

    Recording the sound of a place to help you affirm to get there. That's an interesting Creative Visualization aid. I'm gonna try it out myself.

    Tue 2009/01/27 07:13:41 JST (ID #463926)
    reply to orcinus's comment
  • Gibson
    Gibson in California (Registered on 2007/05/27)
    Student artist
    http://www.requestview.wordpress.com

    looks very busy

    Tue 2009/01/27 08:12:57 JST (ID #464048)
    reply to Gibson's comment
  • WiseFreeman
    WiseFreeman in DC Cloning Laboratory (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
    http://dannychoo.com.my

    Recording sound from the surrounding area of the country you wish to live in the future definitely proven to work ^_^ as Danny himself had made it, although many other motivations had kept Danny in shape of getting to where he is now.

    Tue 2009/01/27 10:29:36 JST (ID #464301)
    reply to WiseFreeman's comment
  • haste
    haste in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2008/12/29)
    Student

    i, myself do this too, but in a different way. listen to mostly poscasts from ppl in japan, its very informative aswell. i recommend it ^^

    Tue 2009/01/27 12:29:26 JST (ID #464393)
    reply to haste's comment
    • haste
      haste in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2008/12/29)
      Student

      Podcasts* heh

      Tue 2009/01/27 12:31:54 JST (ID #464394)
      reply to haste's comment
  • FatBastard
    FatBastard in over his head (Registered on 2007/11/04)
    Dirty Gentleman
    http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/

    I wanted to record my experiences at one time, but she said it would cost extra.

    Tue 2009/01/27 12:50:25 JST (ID #464406)
    reply to FatBastard's comment
  • acq128
    acq128 in Sydney (Registered on 2008/11/19)
    Student

    i think a great recording would be the 1hr+ yamanote loop train ride with interesting conversations around mid evening =)

    Tue 2009/01/27 14:01:58 JST (ID #464452)
    reply to acq128's comment
  • tintin-san
    tintin-san in シンガポオル Singapore (Registered on 2008/05/11)
    大学生

    You are a Japanophile.

    You and I alike.

    Tue 2009/01/27 16:04:49 JST (ID #464567)
    reply to tintin-san's comment
  • G2
    G2 in Singapura (Registered on 2008/04/20)
    Passerby
    http://jitokun.wordpress.com/

    The recording of the surrounding noise sounds like a good idea. Maybe I can try next time when I go oversea.

    Tue 2009/01/27 17:34:06 JST (ID #464625)
    reply to G2's comment
  • Kyone
    Kyone in Boston, MA (Registered on 2009/01/02)
    College student, Mech programmer and striving photographer.
    http://moeforme.blogspot.com

    THAT is a very spiffy camera you've got there.

    Wed 2009/01/28 01:41:49 JST (ID #464890)
    reply to Kyone's comment
  • Dero32
    Dero32 in Puerto Rico (Registered on 2009/01/08)
    Filmmaker
    http://itsdereklee.weebly.com

    That's really awesome Danny!

    The whole recording thing and you having faith in yourself, very inspiring.

    I also want to work and live in Japan, I still have a long way to go.

    Wed 2009/01/28 03:45:42 JST (ID #465007)
    reply to Dero32's comment
  • Hoshizora - DreamtheFuture
    Hoshizora - DreamtheFuture in San Francisco and Shibuya! (Registered on 2009/01/11)
    Future Pioneer and a Dreamer

    Nostalgic! memories like that are so cool!

    Wed 2009/01/28 08:03:16 JST (ID #465253)
    reply to Hoshizora - DreamtheFuture's comment
  • Koshiko
    Koshiko in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2007/08/03)
    website/graphic designer and karaoke amateur~
    http://www.furudango.com

    That's quite inspirational Danny *o* I'm finding lot's of little hints that make up the person you are today, visualising yourself in Shibuya would have been an important stepping stone for where you're located today I would think. Thank you for sharing x3

    Wed 2009/01/28 09:38:35 JST (ID #465404)
    reply to Koshiko's comment
  • MAsia
    MAsia in NERV HQ, Tokyo-3 (Registered on 2007/01/14)
    Supreme Commander of NERV Co.

    Wish I was there at 7pm...looks so full of energy ^^

    Wed 2009/01/28 20:03:15 JST (ID #466042)
    reply to MAsia's comment
  • jonmueller
    jonmueller in Milwaukee (Registered on 2009/02/17)

    Great to see this - was standing in the same place last week. The most amazing intersection in the world.

    Tue 2009/02/17 20:04:43 JST (ID #493385)
    reply to jonmueller's comment

Latest Posts