Wandering around Kabuki-cho

Tokyo, Japan

Kabuki-cho Bad Trip Ikeda to Rio

I'm gonna be gone for two weeks starting Now.

Okay so Kirinji’s latest album

Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku - Tokyo, Japan Oct.2023

💸🎰Love💞casino 💸🎰

Excuse the bad writing alr

♠️♦️♣️♥️

A story where a certain ocean god goes to a Casino only to find a special surprise…

Pussydon the nutbuster’s pov:

The gods decided to have a boy’s night. Ofcourse Zeus brought up the idea to go to a casino. Hades had declined and said that he would rather go do something fun with his wife. Poseidon and Adamas decided to go with Zeus’ idea. They decided to go to Japan since Zeus had heard that there was a special underground casino in Osaka. So off they went.

When they entered the building it looked like a rather normal work place. A man with slicked black hair and glasses led them underground. When they entered they immediately noticed that there were a lot of people. Zeus immediately tried to get with one of the waitresses but they politely declined . He didn’t think much of it and tried the other waitresses but they also declined his offer as they think that he’s a old creep. This made him very humiliated and frustrated. ‘Why won’t have a night with me! Let me speak to the person in charge of this casino!’ Zeus said a bit annoyed considering that waitresses in most casinos usually did what the customer wanted. ‘You’re making a ruckus.’ Poseidon said catching the attention of the beautiful carps who were in an aquarium placed in the walls. The man who led them underground said that they would need to go to the back if they wanted to speak to the person who was in charge, after Zeus had his ramble Adamas decided to drag him and Poseidon along who was still interested in the fishes.

‘How may i help you today?’ A lady in a dark red suit asked, wearing a kabuki mask. ‘What is this nonsense!’ Zeus asked her showing her his frustration. The lady simply smiled and asked him what he was referring to. ‘Why did those waitresses reject me?!’ Zeus asked not used to people saying no to him. ‘My staff is allowed to choose who they spend the night with. They don’t have to do so simply because the customer wants a night with them.’ The lady answered still smiling. ‘Then you’ll lose costumers.’ Poseidon chimed in. ‘Are you referring to yourselves? I really don’t care if you leave. All these people in the building are my regular customers. I won’t feel sad if a few people who refuse to follow my rules threaten to leave.’ The lady answered laughing at Poseidon. ‘Then let’s make a deal.’ Poseidon suggested getting annoyed by the lady. ‘A deal? Why would I do that?. We are not business managers. We are gamblers.’ The lady said signaling that they should follow her.

When they entered the room they all looked around. The room was full of games. They had a pool table, mahjong, cards, a roulette, board games, even video games and many more. ‘Who would like to go first?’ The lady asked confidently. ‘I’ll go.’ Poseidon answered. This lady was getting on his nerves. ‘Do you have a preference?’ The lady asked him. ‘No, you may choose.’ Poseidon said giving her the advantage of choosing a game. He’ll win no matter what game she’ll choose. ‘Then…..How about Cho-han?’ The lady asked Poseidon still smiling at him mischievously as her mask only covered her eyes. ‘Alright.’ Poseidon answered. ‘We’ll need a dealer though’ the lady said. ‘I will ask a waiter to be our dealer.’ She replied walking to the door. ‘You will not.’ Poseidon said sternly grabbing her wrist. ‘Please refrain from touching me.’ The lady said immediately dropping her smile and glaring at Poseidon from out her mask. Poseidon released her wrist with a hint of annoyance. ‘I suggest that one of my brothers will be our dealer.’ Poseidon said. ‘I disagree. How about we let someone we both know be our dealer?’ The lady suggested. ‘What do you mean?’ Poseidon asked confused. He had never seen this lady before. How could she possibly suggest that when they both don’t even know each other. Just when Poseidon was about to disagree a person walked in wearing also wearing a kabuki mask. ‘And you say we both know the dealer.’ Poseidon said crossing his arms. ‘Please sit down.’ The dealer asked as they both sat down. ‘Please remove your mask for us.’ The lady asked the dealer. The man removed his mask and put it on the table. All the three brothers where shocked to see who it was. ‘What are you doing here?…’ Adamas asked. ‘Hey! Let us win alright!’ Zeus said with a smile.’ ‘You said you would spend time with your wife…Hades.’ Poseidon said furrowing his brows. ‘My wife works works her…and so do I, little brother.’ Hades smirked as he turned his head to look at the lady.

‘Shall we begin?’ Hades asked. ‘The rules are simple. I will put 2 dices in this cup and shake. The moment i put the cup down faced on the table you will say Cho ( even) or Han (odd). The person who has guessed 3 right is the winner. ‘Are you ready?’ Hades asked already putting the dices in the cup. ‘What will you bet?’ The woman asked Poseidon. ‘ 3 thousand.’ Poseidon answered wanting to play already and get this over with. ‘5million.’ The woman said. ‘What?!’ Poseidon said standing up from his seat. How could she bet so much on this childish game?!. ‘Poseidon….please sit down.’ Hades asked his little brother. ‘Don’t worry Poseidon, you got this! Adamas said showing his support. ‘Ofcourse i got this!’ poseidon replied arrogantly. ‘Yeah! Besides we came here to spend money so don’t worry!’ Zeus said cheering on him. ‘10 million.’ Poseidon said. The woman smiled in response. ‘Alright then…’ Hades smirked abs then shook the cup. ‘Round 1!’ Hades said putting the cup down faced on the table. ‘Even or odd?’ Hades asked both of the players. ‘Odd.’ Poseidon replied not breaking eye contact with the woman in front of him. ‘Even.’ The woman said also not breaking eye contact while still remaining her signature smirk which Poseidon found familiar. Hades lifted the cup. The dices both landed on 6. ‘Even. This round goes to our Lady.’ Hades said in amusement. ‘ Round 2.’ Hades said shaking the cup again and placing it down faced on the table again. ‘Even or odd?’ Hades asked again. ‘Odd’ poseidon answered. ‘Even.’ The woman said leaning back on her chair. Hades lifted the cup. ‘7. Odd wins.’ Hades said chuckling. ‘Thats right! Just one more Poseidon! You’re gonna win this.’ Adamas and Zeus cheered. By the time the cheering calmed down Hades had already shook the cup and placed it on the table. ‘Even or odd?’ Hades asked once again. ‘Even.’ Poseidon answered. ‘Odd.’ The woman answered smirking while still looking at Poseidon. Hades lifted the cup once again. ‘4. Lady in red won.’ Hades answered smirking as he found this very amusing. ‘You cheated!’ Zeus said not pleased with the outcome. ‘Let’s do it again!’ Zeus said now wanting to play pool with her to prove that they can beat her. ‘Our game isn’t finishes yet.’ The lady said to him not appreciating her game getting interrupted. Hades nodded at her as she sighed and turnes to him. ‘Alright then.’ The woman answered.

They had played almost every game there was and she beat almost all of them. ‘You owe me 45 million.’ The woman said to them. All the three brothers knew they didn’t have that kind of money. ‘We can’t pay you…’ Poseidon admitted. ‘That’s strange.’ The woman replied looking Zeus deep in the eyes. ‘Because you’re little brother here also owes me 23 million from all my other casinos.’ The woman said now looking at Poseidon. ‘You own more casinos? Adamas asked. ‘Yes. Two in Japan, one in Korea and another one in Italy.’ The woman replied dropping her smile and now glaring at the brothers. ‘Hey….go easy on them.’ Hades said feeling a bit conflicted now as he still didn’t want anything bad to happen to them. ‘I know that you’re trying to safe them Hades, but this isn’t the first time this has happened.’ The woman replied looking back at Hades and then turning her gaze to Poseidon. ‘You.’ The woman said pointing at Poseidon. ‘You look like you would be worth a bunch. If you can’t pay me I’ll gladly have him.’ The woman said looking into Poseidon’s eyes. ‘I’m not for sale.’ Poseidon said trough his teeth. ‘Oh but you are. You can’t pay me. You’re in my dept. I practically own you.’ The woman said to poseidon a bit flirty. ‘You wench! Do you know who you’re talking to?!’ Poseidon said absolute furious. ‘Ofcourse i know who i’m talking to, King of the seas.’ The woman said calmly while her smirk grew. ‘I’m a God! And you’re just some stupid mortal!’ Poseidon said through gritted teeth. ‘This would work when if we were in the seas. But right now we aren’t in your world Poseidon, but in mine.’ The woman said pridefully as she still had her signature smirk on her face, a smirk Poseidon knew yet remained on the tip of his tongue. ‘Take it off.’ Poseidon spat the woman. ‘Why would I?’ She questioned him making him even more angry. Poseidon snatched the mask and to his utter shock he couldn’t believe his eyes. ‘Even if we were in the seas…I would have equal rights as you, my King.’ The woman took her wig off revealing her wavy, watery hair. ‘Amphitrite?…’ Poseidon said, voice low and soft from the surprise. ‘All of you can go.’ You said dismissing them and turning your attention to Poseidon. ‘Not you, you’ll stay.’ You said smirking as what you would to to him.

Shit was in my draft since last year cuh💀 ignore the bad ahh writing

Tag list: @miss-seanymph-pani @tinyy-tea-cup @vilereign @viostar2095 @nicasdreamer @monstertreden

Golden Kamuy Headcanon #2 – What kind of Geisha was Ogata Tome?

The only thing we know of Ogata Tome’s time as a geisha is that she worked at Asakusa. It was speculated by @goldenkamuyhunting that Ogata was born in 1882 (1, 2, 3). At that time, Asakusa had three kinds of geishas:  

Hirokoji Geishas (広小路芸者) who worked in the areas of Asakusa Hirokoji (浅草広小路), currently Kaminarimon-dori Street (雷門通り), for the dengaku-chayas (田楽茶屋: teahouses selling tofu dengaku (豆腐田楽)) located there, hence the affectionate nickname Dengaku Geisha (田楽芸者). 

Saruwaka-cho Geishas (猿若町芸者) who worked for the shibai-jayas (芝居茶屋: teahouses working for theaters, serving spectators before a play or during the entr’acte) of the three kabuki theaters of Saruwaka-cho (猿若町), currently 6-chome Asakusa: Ichimura-za, Morita-za and Nakamura-za. The theaters had a cubic ornamental structure displaying their respective crests called yagura (櫓: watchtower, turret), positioned above the entrances, and since the activities of shibai-jayas took place under the latter, the geishas working there were also called Yagurashita Geishas (櫓下芸者).  

(From left to right: Ichimura-za, Morita-za and Nakamura-za)

Sanyabori no Geishas (山谷堀の芸者), commonly called Hori no Geishas (堀の芸者), who worked for the hikite-jayas (引手茶屋: teahouses serving the patrons of red-light districts before their appointments with brothels) of Sanyabori (山谷堀), the (no longer usable) canal leading customers to Yoshiwara by funayados (船宿: houseboats) which they also used to entertain the latter. Because they work close to Saruwaka-cho, they were sometimes placed in the same category. 

(reference: JP / EN) 

Coincidentally, I found out about the existence of a kabuki actor named Sawamura Hyakunosuke (澤村 百之助) (1857 – 1899) who used to perform for one of the kabuki theaters of Saruwaka-cho (1, 2). 

Also, while I was watching the OVA of the Battle in Barato Arc (chapter 56 – 59), I heard Hijikata call Ogata “Yagura ni iru Yatsu”, the “man in the [watch]tower”.  

So, while Noda may not have implied on purpose, I like to believe that Ogata Tome used to be a Saruwaka-cho / Yagurashita Geisha.

In which I speak a bit more on (NEO) TWEWY, Shinjuku's Reapers, and JP workplaces

So to add on a little bit more to some thoughts I had in relation to Challenges in Localization And Cultural Nuance and mageknight14's good analysis on Shoka Not Having Had The Best Family Life, both of which touch on Japanese businesses and how they're run, I'd like to expound a bit more on how the whole Shinjuku Reaper situation really is a series of two separate (and yet, as it turns out, somewhat related) cultural contexts. One of these is that Shinjuku, particularly Kabuchi-cho (which if/when we see the strongly hinted Shinjuku Interquel I fully expect to see that localized as "Kabuki Backstreets" or "Kabuki Alley" or something similar), has had a historical rep as a "red-light" district, and as a fairly major spot for Yakuza and similar organized crime activity. (And there are entire franchises that focus on THIS aspect of Shinjuku, as well.) The other context, which is probably not as familiar to Americans (who are more likely to have played one of the Yakuza games), is that Shinjuku is one of the areas that is a major business hub within Tokyo metro proper. (Square Enix actually moved their headquarters to Shinjuku around 2012 or so after having moved from Yayoi--a part of Shibuya we've never seen in a TWEWY game--and is ironically moving back to Shibuya next year in the Sakuragaoka area just south of Mark City.) And as it turns out, the Shinjuku Reapers and their situation are a MASSIVE parody of how Japanese businesses are run (particularly how certain trends culturally can result in a business--or a Game--becoming highly dysfunctional). So. Japanese businesses have (in comparison to US businesses) a lot of stratification and (although this is changing somewhat) there's still kind of the ideal that if you get into an actual business (versus, say, working at the Lawson or the Family Mart or 7-Eleven) where you're wearing a suit and tie, you're essentially set for Life as long as you don't rock the boat. Historically, this even extended to your prospects of a Forever Job being tied to what college and even what high school you attended (hence why there has been such an incredible pressure with kids being sent to cram schools to get into a good high school, and then get into a good college, as good employers tended to hire directly out of specific colleges). And there's not really the Layoff Culture there is in the US, and generally the main reason someone leaves a business in Japan involves retirement, involves (especially in creative fields) some irreconcilable differences with the board of directors, or some kind of a Scandal where one has seriously hecked up and been Removed. (Again, this is changing some, especially for younger folks, and in part the NEET culture (Not in Education, Employment or Training) is kind of a rebellion against this social pressure, but right now I'm focusing on how typical businesses are run once you manage to get into a suit-and-tie occupation in Japan.) So once you do get IN a company, there's a LOT of societal pressure to really devote everything to company success--not just in terms of working late/working OT, but even societal obligations of going to Company Dinners where you go drinking with your boss/supervisor, social events, morning exercise with the company, etc. that honestly has had a history of lending itself to abuse (karoshi, or literally working yourself to death, IS a phenomena in Japan to the point there have been workplace laws to try to reduce the abuse). Aggretsuko is actually another bit of popular media that explicitly calls out a lot of the more abusive practices like power harassment and the demands a company places on workers, etc. Cells At Work! Code BLACK actually depicts someone dying of an abusive workplace...as the stereotypical abusive "black company", the Japanese slang term for a particularly abusive corporate sweatshop.

A Needlessly Thorough Counterpost to Cybr.Grl’s Video on Jirai

So this was brought to my attention, as I have been subscribed to cybr.grl on Youtube for about a year. And when I saw the notification for a video on Jirai, I was very intrigued!

And it took very little time for my intrigue to turn into exasperation.

So, so much of this video is misinformed, and is far too charitable about Jirai as a concept, which is reckless and dangerous. I was also informed it seems that any comments disputing or disagreeing with the information in the video are being deleted.

This should be an open discussion, and when it is not allowed to be one is where I start to have a problem. Putting up a video on something that has literally killed people and then tuning out anybody who tries to bring this up is inexcusable, if that is truly what’s going on here.

However, I don’t think that everyone in this video has no idea what they’re talking about and are flat out wrong, rather, they’re going off of personal experiences and information that has some basis in reality. However, the information about Jirai being presented here either has more context to it, or is easily debunkable, and that is what I aim to achieve with this post.

BIG TW for this post, as I will be mentioning the many harms of Jirai, such as self-harm, prostitution, and both of these topics in relation to minors.

This video is entirely built upon the assertion that the Girly style is inherently tied to something negative due to its association with Jirai, which I have debunked multiple times on this blog already. To briefly reiterate why Girly gets conflated with Jirai, a viral dressup challenge about emulating the “landmine girl” stereotype linked the term to the fashion and brands started using it for marketing purposes over the popularity of said challenge. Funny enough, most of them have gone back to referring to the style as Girly again since the hype and intrigue around the term has gone down.

Fact is that Girly is the established name of the fashion, and has been for many, many years. The term Girly as its name can be traced back on the internet as far back as 2001.

In fact, here is a Wayback Machine link to an old blog for the prominent Girly brand Liz Lisa, where the clothes this brand sells are referred to as being Girly,  in the year 2006.

I have made a whole post on this “Jirai for clicks” phenomenon using Lafary as an example, but brands do this as well, for all of the same reasons. Some brands, such as DearMyLove, have only doubled down on their usage of Jirai and Ryousangata, and it unfortunately looks like this specific marketing ploy, which is aimed towards young girls in order for them to buy these products, is here to stay.

All of this indicates that Jirai is not a style on its own, but a fad, which is provable time and time again by brands and influencers going back to using Girly when it’s convenient for them.

Simply put, the truth is that there is only the “landmine” lifestyle, as it is described in the video, and there is Girly fashion. There is nothing inherently negative about the fashion.

The specific substyle of Girly that is associated heavily with landmine girls is called "Dark Girly".

But the specifics of the attitude of “Jirai” as a “style” being presented as something negative in the video is a point that’s worth examining, because it isn’t completely incorrect.

Chiara alludes to the idea that if you were to “wear Jirai” in Shinjuku, you would be more likely to get called out like a prostitute in the street if you were to hang around at night. This is true, and her reasoning behind this is also true, when she mentions the fact the landmine stereotype came from Kabuki-cho.

But the thing that is extremely glossed over in this video is how serious this aspect of the stereotype is and where it specifically came from in the first place.

This next section is where I will be discussing the topics in the trigger warning at the start of this post, so please proceed with caution.

This type of clothing became aligned with the landmine stereotype due to many incidents in Kabuki-cho of primarily underage, self-proclaimed landmine girls who were known to prostitute themselves, publicly self-harm, and sometimes even commit suicide in high numbers. Here are two articles on this exact subject as it relates to the landmine lifestyle that I have posted before.

“Even self-harm is a trend now?” - Discusses a rise in the commodification of self-harm scars as being cute, and the lengths some youths in Kabuki-cho have gone to achieve this “pien”, sickly cute aesthetic.

“An increase of "suicide cases" in Kabuki-cho, in it's background are teens who depend on numbers” - Discusses an increase of public rooftop suicides in 2021 in this area, mostly among youths and prostitutes who feel as though they are not popular or worthy enough to live.

Which brings me to another point that I would like to discuss, as it comes up as a derogatory term in these two articles, is the attitude towards Menhera that is on display from the two guests on this video.

Quite frankly, the assertion that Menhera is the dirty word here, and that Jirai is in any way preferable, is nonsense.

The only thing that’s true here is that Menhera can be abused in a derogatory manner, but it never was the intend behind its creation. Menhera has an extensive history as a positive term that mentally ill individuals came up with for themself that has since been twisted into being a derogatory term by neurotypicals. More on that here, if you are interested in a lengthier explanation of why these two terms are completely different things, and how Menhera is a mental health awareness subculture.

You are not winning by going “Menhera bad” and glossing over all the harmful aspects of Jirai as if they wouldn’t exist or get embraced within the community in Japan. Menhera may have a negative public meaning due to social stigma, but let’s not pretend that suddenly makes Jirai the good one.

Because at least the original intend of Menhera as name of a mental health community is still visible to this very day. Meanwile all we have of Jirai is the usage as an insult as well those who use it in a self-affirming manner for their self-destructive habits.

The main point I wish to end on is that the associated style, Girly, is harmless.

The thing I hate the most about this video is how it is spreading the idea that you might have to worry about a horrifying culture of romanticized self-harm being associated with your frilly clothes, as if that’s just how it is.

Going by the Shinjuku example, this is certainly a real thing that is already being assumed. Which is unfortunate on so many levels.

That doesn’t have to be how Girly is being seen in the public eye, but it sure as hell will be if people keep trying to claim that Jirai is only the name of a fashion and that Girly doesn’t exist.

椎名林檎 / Ringo Sheena - 歌舞伎町の女王 / Queen of Kabuki-cho

歌舞伎町 Kabuki-cho

Ch. 18 - A Mother's Relief

Kabuki-cho, the entertainment district best known for its host/hostess clubs was also a prime spot for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. After the day's events, you were emotionally spent. You wanted to drink your sorrows away, something you hadn't done since your college days, before marriage even.

With the sun gone, you meandered the streets alone dressed in your best. Though things had been going poorly for you, to say the least, you had to admit that you felt...sexy. Here you were, still young, single, and quite beautiful. Dare you say, you felt tasty. There was a particular bar you had in mind, one from your college days that you used to spend your Friday nights with friends...and Masaru. The bartender there knew you by name and remembered your favorite drink. It felt good to reminisce on better times, the alcohol flooding your veins with a warm sensation. It didn't take very long for you to begin to see double. 

After a while, you felt the need to use the restroom. You turned on your bar stool and placed your feet firmly on the ground, double checking to make sure your heels had made it before looking up. That was when you saw...him. Toji's tall, dark figure stood against the bar. He was drinking what looked to be just soda while looking up at a television playing a rerun of a baseball game. He looked just as he did five years prior, scar prominent on his lip and defined muscles hidden beneath a black t-shirt. 

"Toji?" You asked, nearly slurring his name, as you stopped next to him. He stayed facing the television, taking another sip from his glass. "Toji Fushiguro?" You repeated, this time catching his attention.

He slowly turned toward you with a smirk, holding a cocky expression though his thoughts were filled with surprise to see you...and to see you so dolled up, especially considering it was the middle of the week. 

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Y/N," he smiled through low lids, one arm propped on the bar top. 

"Toji," you shook your head in disbelief, seeing two of him through your liquor induced conscience, "where have you been?"

He remained silent and didn't answer with a flat expression, instead opting for a question of his own. "What brings you out to the red light this late on a Tuesday?"

You frowned deeply, already forgetting about your question. Your emotions poured like a flood, sudden tears flowing down your cheeks; you hardly worried about your mascara smudging down your cheeks. 

"Whoa, whoa," he chuckled, his voice low, "what's going on?"

You sighed to capture yourself, turning toward the bar to stand beside him. "Masaru took Tsumiki," your voice cracked as you held your closed fists on top of the bar. 

"That scumbag took her?" Toji asked for more clarification.

"He...came to the estate. In front of Naobito and with government officials. He served me custody papers saying the the Zenin estate was too dangerous for Tsumiki."

"And Megumi?" He asked a bit urgently.

"He's still there, I'm still taking care of him," you took a deep breath and looked over at Toji, your dark makeup surprisingly holding itself through your tears. "He should be asleep, he was when I left at least," you hiccuped. "The attendants there can help if he wakes up."

"So it sounds like Naobito paid them off because if it's 'too dangerous' for Tsumiki then it'd be 'too dangerous' for Megumi," he muttered, keeping his focus on you. His piercing gaze made your heart race just as it had those years ago. 

You felt your bottom lip quiver at the sudden realization. You didn't know why you hadn't thought of it earlier. It only made sense, why else would they be okay leaving an even younger child stay under your care at the so-called dangerous estate?

"I feel so stupid," you let your head fall into your hands as your body leaned on the bar.

"Come on," Toji removed himself from the bar and gently grabbed your wrist in the process to pull you along.

"Where are we going?" You asked, stumbling along with him, nearly rolling your ankle in the process. "I have to go to the bathroom!" You drunkenly whined. 

Toji remained silent as he guided you through the dimly lit, bustling streets of Kabuki-cho. "Don't worry, we'll get you to the bathroom in a minute. But first, I think you need something to eat and sober up a bit. Knowing you, you'd go to squat and fall right on your ass."

You stumbled along with him, feeling a mix of emotions and alcohol coursing through your veins. The night had taken an unexpected turn, and you couldn't believe you were sharing this moment with Toji after all of these years. Toji led you to a nearby ramen shop, one of those tiny places tucked away in a narrow alley. The fragrant steam from the bowls of ramen wafted through the air, making your stomach growl in anticipation. The cozy atmosphere and the smell of food were a welcome distraction from the turmoil in your life. He ordered a couple of bowls of ramen for both of you, and you sat down at the counter, still trying to process everything. As you slurped the delicious noodles and sipped on the savory broth, Toji watched you with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Y/N," he said after a moment, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between you. "We need to figure out what to do about Tsumiki, for the sake of her and Megumi. This is more than just your ex messing with your life."

You nodded, tears welling up in your eyes again. "I just don't understand why Naobito would do this. He's been so...supportive, in his own way, since you stopped coming around."

Toji leaned in closer, his voice lowering. "It's not real, Y/N. He does whatever he thinks is best for himself, even if it means hurting others; including those in his own clan. If he's willing to pay off the cops because Masaru became an inconvenience, I can only imagine what the future would mean for Megumi if he stays there. Not to mention...you."

You looked at him, seeing a depth of understanding in his eyes that surprised you. To you, especially after being abandoned, he was still a killer set in his ways. Your outings those years ago did nothing to change him, so why the concern now? "Toji, why did you leave?"

He shrugged, a hint of a smirk returning to his face. "I'm a man with a job. I have to make money one way or another." Something behind his eyes told you he was lying, but you didn't want to pry too far -- at least not yet.

You couldn't help but smile at his cocky attitude. It was both infuriating and strangely comforting. "You haven't changed a bit, have you?"

Toji chuckled, his smile devilish. "Some things never change."

After you finished your ramen, you finally used the restroom. When you returned, you felt slightly more sober and composed. The tears had stopped, and you were ready to face the situation with a clearer mind.

"Toji, thank you for being here," you said as you sat back down at the counter. 

He stayed quiet, his facial expression dropping. He abandoned you, so why were you thanking him? "Right, sure," he finally responded. "How are you feeling?" He wanted to make sure you were sobering up properly. 

"Fine," you nodded with a small smile, your composure easily returning to you. "As good as I can be."

"Good," he said sternly, "because I need you to know that I'm going to kill them. Kill them both."

i got tagged by @aibyoutachi to post my current top 5 songs 💖 let's see what's on the menu......

Kirinji is one of my top artists of all time.... this ones a lil experimental, i love the use of flute and the chorus is so funky!! its so dynamic so im listening to it a lot lately cos something new catches my attention each time

duet! duet! duet! actual duet!! female duet!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH

i got this one from @technicoloriing actually... very chill i could listen to this for hours 🎶

idk WHY this song recently lodged itself in my brain again but i ain't complaining it's a good tune !

(like if a doja cat song was performed by someone who can actually sing) I MEAN angel haze's stuff is all good!! i love their rap but well im a sucker for a bit of disco influence

i shall tag the aforementioned tai AND @gojoloves and @crescentfool >:3c

It was a slightly chilly winter's day. I pondered at Uniqlo should I get a pair of gloves, then decided against it.

As I walked towards the general direction of Kabuki Cho. I stumbled across this busy intersection.

"Ah, it must be the famous Shibuya Crossing."

December 2022 (Tokyo, Japan, Nikon FE2, Ilford HP5 800)

(Instagram: @nowherepics13)

Meguro - Toto Fuji Sanjurokkei

Utagawa Kunisada - 1860

From the series, "Toto Fuji Sanju-roku Kei" (Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji from the Eastern Capital).

Mt. Fuji is seen from Meguro in Edo. Kabuki actors, Ichikawa Ichizo III is in the role of Shirai Gonpachi (right) and Ichikawa Shinsha plays his love, Komurasaki in "Hiyoku no Cho Yume no Yoshiwara".

This is an actor print in the disguise of landscapes in order to escape the censorship. Landscape was done by Hirokage and the actors were done by Kunisada.