Moth in Translation

A Discovery colleague put us in touch with a Japanese “handler” – basically someone who helps set up shoots, acts as a translator and shows you parts of Japan most would never see. We met Tosh in the lobby and quickly bonded.



June is eco-month in Japan so our first stop was an environmental conference held by LOHAS (check google if you don’t know).





There were bamboo alternatives, weird aquariums and packaging alternatives called Furoshikis…but you will have to wait until the next blog to find out about these.



Then it was back to Harajuku station to meet the “nerds” – a bizarre collection of Lolita-esque French maids, anime girls and Goth boys who pose playfully for wide-eyed tourists.





It was an excellent chance to get Japanese colour for the doc and, boy, did they ever play along with our plastic props!



Part of the experience made us feel old and “normal” but what we got in return will make for some great television.



And it didn’t stop. Apparently 50’s rockabilly is alive and well in Japan. This clique of slick-haired dudes was eager to show their dance moves to another crowd of gawkers…and even Gad joined in! You’ll have to wait for the video of that.



A few meters away from the greasers, we entered a gauntlet of street performers piping out everything from heavy metal to big band to folk, all within feet from one another. The noise was deafening but the music and energy, intoxicating. This is truly a vibrant netherworld culture.



Our troupe soon grew in size as we were joined by director, Yoshi and his cameraman pal for a traditional Japanese lunch in Shibuya.



Then it was off to film crowd shots in one of the main intersections (think Lost in Translation) where a sea of people flooded the streets every 40 seconds.



A visit to a 9th floor bar, more shooting Shibuya in the neon glow and then back to a television studio to share war stories with our generous hosts ended a day we will never forget. Big hugs go out to our to our newfound friends.



Out.

G+I