I previously mentioned the “Ginza International Jazz Festival” we “won” tickets for back in October. What I didn’t mention is the only international performer on the bill was Nikki Yanofsky, the very same 16-year old (she was 15 at the time) who just sang the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada”, at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

The location was Kabukiza (歌舞伎座) in Ginza, Tokyo. This very old Kabuki Theater is set for demolition just a few weeks from now.

Here is a video I took of a piece of Nikki Yanofsky’s performance. Nikki Yanofsky performs “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Sadao Watanabe joins her on sax.

Posted on February 12th, 2010 under Japan. Tags: ginza, video. Comments: None

“Oh no, there goes Tokyo
Go go Godzilla, yeah

臨時ニュースを申し上げます！
臨時ニュースを申し上げます！
ゴジラが銀座方面に向かっています！
大至急避難してください！
大至急避難してください！”

The third line, in Japanese, in this Blue Oyster Cult classic when translated is something like “Godzilla is heading towards Ginza.”

I took today’s photo as Godzilla was leaving Ginza and heading towards Hibiya Park.

Posted on December 23rd, 2009 under Japan. Tags: ginza, Tokyo. Comments: 1