In Harajuku there is a place called Johnny's. Oddly Western style name come to think of it. Regardless. Johnny's is a terrific place if you are a girl. Apparently if a guy finds out you like/usually go/have been/appreciate Johnny's, they will consider you a bit 'uncool' (the exact word used by my friend) but girls still like it in secret.
So what is it? Located on a side street Johnny's takes up two floors. In the basement are the products: photos of guys. Literally rows and rows of glass showcases with small pictures of famous actors, singers etc. Talk about window shopping!
Every photo has a number, and to shop you pick up a sheet and a pen by the entrance and tick the numbers on the paper which correspond to the photo you want to buy. They are 150 yen a piece, so roughly £1.30. When you're ready choosing you take your sheet up to the tills where the cashiers will bring out the photos you've chosen and you pay.
You'd think it sounds like a dream place for teenage girls to go crazy over their male obsessions - but no, no - Johnny's is just as much frequented by thirty-somethings and older housewives. Everyone from age 5 to 60 will come in and get images of their favourites!
Johnny's is a perfect example of why Japan is a very strange, but at the same time adorable, country.
Jo x
ps. No, I did not buy any photos.
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