Sometimes you’ve just got to be the horrible gaijin, that some people think you are. I felt pretty cheeky placing my shitty little camera on the revolving thingy. But we’d been speaking about doing that for a few days. So when the situation presented itself. I knew what had to be done. As we waved goodbye to my camera, I wondered if I would ever see it again. I hesitated for a moment. I hoped no one would be offended by our blatant disrespectful behavior. But I thought fuck it, and threw my caution to the 神風 (divine wind). After all losing my camera would be the perfect excuse to splash out on a proper one.
I love the bemused, worried and smiley faces in this video. One woman in particular looks utterly horrified by our impertinence, while her kids find it amusing.
I felt a little ashamed asking for my camera back. I had deliberately broken Japanese etiquette by drawing attention to myself. Actually, I felt much worse for our Japanese friend as she tried to offer up an explanation for my behavior. Luckily the staff didn’t seem too bothered by our shenanigans, but I imagine they were happy when we left.
Next time, I’ll ask for permission.
This Video was filmed back in the summer of 2010, when I was dicking around in Japan. I “wrote” the music a few days ago. A year and a half from when this was filmed.
I told you I was a lazy monkey!
Words, Video & Music: Ben Cowles
Edit: I feel an apology is needed here! After posting on Facebook, my friend Tim complained that I failed to mention him. Well Tim. It was in fact you, who egged me on and gave me the courage to do what needed to be done. Thank you!
