Nightviews

[Seeing as I've only two months left here, I'll try to be posting a new journal entry, or something, everyday]
"The city looks like a single gigantic creature - or more like a single collective entity created by many intertwined organisms. Countless arteries stretch to the ends of its elusive body, circulating a continuous supply of red blood cells, sending out data and collecting the old, sending out new consumables and collecting the old, sending out new contradictions and collecting the old."
- Haruki Murakami

I've always been fascinated with Tokyo by night. Should perpetual darkness ever come about, I'd choose to live here. I guess I share Haruki Murakami's fascination with the night and darkness. It brings about what people try so hard to cover up during the day with business suits, makeup and Louis Vuitton bags.

From the raucous streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the eerily tranquil business districts near Tokyo tower, the frenetic pulse of this living, breathing city temporarily calms for the evening. It's as if the whole city has been holding its breath underwater, and finally surfaced for another gasp of air. A brief escape before plunging back into reality. The uptight, restrained business etiquette and deference to superiors during the day is gratefully shed at sundown. Refuge is sought in the form of a late dinner and restrained alcohol sessions at the izakaya with officemates. The trains, transporting the half-awake, silent commuters during the morning, change their function to ferrying the lucky individuals who've made it through the day. The newly done hair and perfume in the morning make way for the mild drunkards with loosened ties and warm hearts at night. "Sumimasen" makes way for "Jaa ne" as friendly waves are exchanged on the platform. Packs of cigarettes are bought and smoked. Those awaiting the caress of their loved ones are rewarded for their toils. Rest makes its humble entrance.