We Chat With a Veteran Shafu About the Best, Worst – and Weirdest – Parts of the Job
The rickshaw driver: a common sight around Asakusa and yet what do we know about them, other than they seem really fit? To learn more, we spent a morning with Reiji Kimura, who’s a veteran shafu (rickshaw driver) by day, and a metal band drummer by night.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
It depends on the company you work for, but I can set my own schedule. I try to start as early as I can, especially on weekends and holidays as it increases the chance of getting more customers. If I go out drinking the night before I may start later the following day. [Laughs] Basically, if I’ve earned enough to reach my goal for the day, I head home. Sometimes it only takes two hours of work in the morning and I’m done! On an average day, though, I’d say I take up to three to four rides, with the most in one day being 10. On bad days, though, I’ll only get one ride the whole day. The worst-case scenario – which has happened once – I’ve gone home with no rides and nothing to show for it. That was the worst.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS JOB?
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Esta historia es de la edición August 2017 de Tokyo Weekender.
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The Life And Love Of Japan's New Emperor
As Emperor Akihito prepares to step down, all eyes are turning towards his son and successor, Crown Prince Naruhito. Here, we reflect on his relatively down-to-earth upbringing, the freedom he felt while living in England, and whether his wife, who has battled for years to adjust to palace life, is ready to take on the role of empress.
What It's Really Like Inside Terrace House
The Japanese reality TV show has been described as both boring and fascinating, and has gathered a cult following abroad. Matthew Hernon chats with the stars to find out what it’s like on the inside.
Sanjo And Tsubame: Forged By Fire
Meet some of Japan's top artisans and try your hand at metalworking in one of the most famous industrial regions in the world
1 In 6 The Number Of Children In Japan Living In Relative Poverty
Although Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stated there is "no way" Japan is in poverty, statistics show that 54% of single-parent families, and 16% of children, are living below the poverty line. Matthew Hernon investigates the country’s hidden crisis.
Food Is Like Fashion
Chef extraordinaire Bill Granger on being inspired by Japan’s visual culture, what he learnt from his butcher father and grandfather, and his favorite Bills branches including the latest opening in Ginza.
Under The Tracks In Yurakucho
Surrounded by the extravagance of areas such as Marunouchi, Ginza, Hibiya and Shimbashi, this old-school neighborhood is something of an island extending in a narrow strip beneath the Yamanote line. But it does have a few modern surprises up its sleeve…
Breaking The Rules Of Kimono
A new book by Dr sheila Cliffe shows off the different personalities of this very traditional yet often misconceived garment.
The Misunderstood Crows Of Tokyo
Love or hate them, the city’s gigantic crows cannot be ignored. To make sense of their place in the concrete jungle, we look at their longheld connection with Japan, and some surprising lessons we can learn from these sometimes smart, sometimes foolish “urban guerrillas of birds”
Boys For Sale
A shocking new documentary brings to light a particular kind of sex trade happening in shinjuku ni-chome,where young, mostly straight boys are being paid to sleep with older men.
Seeking White Sand
Craving an island escape? Here are three destinations in Japan that should be on the list of “Asia’s best beaches”
