Ginza elephant

Behind the big Uniqlo in Ginza is the "Dover Street Markets Ginza" building
which is home to an elephant. The price to keep it
in a concept shop in the centre of Ginza is probably
more than the live ones at Ueno Zoo cost to maintain, but it's a charming
statue that always makes me smile.

The elephant in the room

January 2015

The photos below are from a trip there was there several months ago, which by chance was not long after having re-read Metamorphosis (or for a synopsis).  The insects in the rooms disturbed me, and I vacillated between squeamishness and a pity that Gregor, Kafka's travelling salesman, had wound up in Toyko.  I guess in this anthropomorphic society, it's probably not that different to having a hikikomori in the spare room.

Dover Street Market Ginza

The insect looking at itself...

Climbing to the top, one is rewarded with a very peaceful roof garden. An obligatory shrine, that will bring prosperity and good fortune if it does its job properly.  At any rate, it's a good spot for a bento away from the crowds.