This Week in Tokyo – 22 January 2019

The latest edition of This Week in Tokyo – a review of the Maction Planet week that was and a look ahead to what’s coming up in and beyond the city. Check out photos from our tours and read insights into our explorations as we get under the skin of the World’s Greatest Metropolis, and beyond. This week’s edition is hosted by Mac, our Founder and Lead Guide. This week: Sumo in full swing; Vermeer fever; Musashimaru handprints; Rugby World Cup Merch and the Banana vending machine! 

Featured image – Sumo in full swing: The January Sumo Tournament has already provided some great bouts. Tickets are sold out – but that has never stopped Maction Planet! Our guests such as Pete (who wrote a review of his Tokyo tour) have been enjoying the spectacle and ritual at Ryogoku Kokugikan. This photo is of the yumitori-shiki, or the ‘bow dance’, which takes place at the end of the day of fighting. in which the bow is spun at speed. The honour is given to a makushita rikishi (3rd division wrestler), and selection is a great honour. The ceremony was introduced during the Edo Period, during which the winning rikishi was awarded a bow as a prize. He would perform the ‘bow dance’ to express his satisfaction at his victory. We still have tickets available for 24 and 25 January. Drop us a line at info@mactionplanet.com if you want to experience this incredible display of strength and tradition.

Vermeer fever: Tokyo is gripped in Vermeer Fever right now. Until 3 February 2019 nine of the famed master of light’s paintings are on show at the Ueno Royal Museum. Maction Planet guests have enjoyed this incredible exhibition – you can read reviews of some of the bespoke tours that included a visit here and here.  If you get gripped by Vermeer Fever and want to the world to know how much you adore the Dutch Master head to Ningyocho and grab one of the these. You can wear your Vermeer love on your sleeve – well, in this case sleeveless… but you get the idea…

Musashimaru handprints: They say you should leave your mark wherever you go… Sumo wrestlers do that literally! Where others merely autograph their name, sumo drop a handprint.  The one on the left is of the 67th Yokozuna, the legendary Musashimaru. The one on the right is from Musashimaru’s stable mate, the ozeki Takeharu Dejima. I spotted them at the Tokyo American Club, where I was invited to view the incredible exhibition by former Maction Planet guest @my_green_eye.

Rugby World Cup Merch: Tokyo is gearing up for the Rugby World Cup. Here’s spread of merchandise from the Rugby World Cup 2019 Official Collection which I found in Kyobashi, featuring father and son mascot team Ren-G. For all your Rugby World Cup needs, contact us at info@mactionplanet.com and experience the excitement of Aisa’s first Rugby World Cup with us!

And finally – Banana vending machine: You know the expression “They have an app for that”? Well, Japan has a vending machine for it! This banana vending machine is pretty unique though. Produced by Dole Japan, you can buy ‘low sugar content bananas’ for ¥150 each, and a ‘Super Banana’ for ¥180. Dole placed it in Shibuya targeting hard-working salarymen and OLs (Office Ladies) who want a refreshing breakfast or snack. It also keeps our guests going as we explore one of our favourite neighborhoods in the World’s Greatest Metropolis!

Maction Planet runs bespoke Private Tours and Experiences in Tokyo, and beyond. To book yours, contact us at info@mactionplanet.com