Runaway Monkey

Koenji KFC

Col. Sanders was out late last night. I think all of his likenesses have immigrated to Japan, where they like to hang out near the Drunk Raccoons and mechanical cats waving one paw.


window displays

No one knew where he came from, but a rogue monkey terrorized Tokyo a few years back. He broke into homes and stole food all over town, escaping every time across the rooftops before striking again. When he was finally captured, he was checked and found to be healthy. Just lost.

I didn't realize Japan had wild monkeys who live in the mountains far from Tokyo. There's not enough time during this visit to go to that distant place, but filmmakers have documented monkey families soaking in hot springs just like humans do.

There was a naughty monkey in the Akita Zoo. He would perch himself at the front of his cage and puff his cheeks out, looking cute. When an unsuspecting visitor drew close enough, perhaps to shoot a photo, he would splatter them with water he was holding in his mouth for just such an opportunity. Then he would clap his hands and screech with laughter at having tricked a human monkey.


little red truck

It's a gray, cool day here in Tokyo. Maybe I'll go out for a walk. The first day of the New Year is now night in the States. Here it is noon on the 2nd.



bamboo screen
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