Gokurousama

GS: JR東日本/JR East Staff in Training - The Revolution Continues.

2011-04-30T12:50:00.003+09:00

GS: JR東日本/JR East Staff in Training., a photo by iMorpheus on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Yes, I orchestrated this shot. "You, stand there. You two, stand behind him. Smile!"

Soooooo much fun.

These are the new faces of JR. Gone are the grizzled and hardened crew members. Thanks to heated crew cabins and self-connecting carriages, employees no longer have to sit bundled up in layers of clothing nor do they have to connect oversized cables between carriages.

The new platform and train-wide PA systems, heated carriages, self-connecting carriages and portable wheelchair ramps allow the less physical crew members to carry out their duties. Let's hear it for modern technology!

The old days - Diesel Engine:

The old days - Manual Connection:

Today - Self-connecting:

Rickshaw Driver

2010-08-28T09:48:00.001+09:00

Rickshaw Driver
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus Saturated

He really wanted to pull us around Asagaya. Maybe I should go back and accept his offer.

Gokurousama: Crowd Control.

2010-06-17T15:19:00.001+09:00

Gokurousama: Crowd Control.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

They wrangle the unruly women who come to attend concerts at the live house not far from Daikan-Yama station.

A&M from Red Bull

2010-04-12T13:57:00.001+09:00

A&M from Red Bull
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

You know what starts the day off right: Free Red Bull. These two young ladies were shocked to hear that this was my first Red Bull.

Thanks, ladies!

GS: Construction Worker.

2010-03-22T12:09:00.001+09:00

GS: Construction Worker.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Part of the crew that was repaving a patch of pavement in front of Higashi-Nakagami station.

Gokurousama: Gardener.

2009-12-28T11:24:00.001+09:00

Gokurousama: Gardener.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

This guy was kind enough to allow me to photography him for a good 5 - 10 minutes as he raked leaves in the park.

写真ありがとう。

Gokurousama: Manual Street Sweeper.

2009-11-28T12:44:00.001+09:00

Gokurousama: Manual Street Sweeper.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

To my surprise, she stopped, struck a pose, and said, "But I'm shy!" I thought, "So why did you stop and pose?"

GS: Bagel & Bagel 立川店

2009-07-02T15:04:00.001+09:00

GS: Bagel & Bagel 立川店
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Such a contagious smile! Each visit I get an update on what's happening in the kitchen, "He's baking up tomorrow's golden peach bagels," and what's being offered on the shelves.

Her smile and friendly nature encourage me to purchase a few extras.

GS: 井の頭公園 Taco Rice Sales Girl.

2009-05-22T19:08:00.001+09:00

GS: Taco Rice Sales Girl.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

GS: Jeweler.

2009-05-03T10:17:00.001+09:00

GS: Jeweler.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Inokashira park.

GS: Newspaper Guy.

2009-04-21T11:51:00.003+09:00

GS: Newspaper Guy.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

GS: Bartenders and Cooks.

2009-04-21T11:51:00.001+09:00

GS: Bartenders and Cooks.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

I plan on visiting for eats sometime soon.

I promise.

GS: Courier.

2009-04-21T11:49:00.001+09:00

GS: Courier.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

The shy ones always have the best smiles. Getting them to smile is the trick.

GS: Men at Work.

2009-04-21T11:47:00.001+09:00

GS: Men at Work.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Not sure he is posing, but he did stand there and wait for me to finish.

GS: JR Staff

2009-04-21T11:42:00.001+09:00

GS: JR Staff
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

I am sucker for a girl with a cute smile.

GS: Painter.

2009-04-21T11:41:00.001+09:00

GS: Painter.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Working on a Sunday afternoon.

GS: Kitchen Staff.

2009-04-21T11:36:00.001+09:00

GS: Kitchen Staff.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Thanks for stopping long enough for me to get this. Hope you didn't get in trouble with your boss.

GS: Umbrella Hawker. 本川越 Photowalk.

2009-04-21T11:31:00.001+09:00

GS: Umbrella Hawker. 本川越 Photowalk.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

I had to fiddle about with camera settings; find an angle that would allow me to fit both the umbrella and my subject in the frame; and get enough light on his face.

Very patient subject.

Tokyo CGM Night: The Poken Girls. (From left to right: Ikumi, Mariko, and Yayoi)

2009-03-21T11:06:00.001+09:00

Tokyo CGM Night: The Poken Girls. (From left to right: Ikumi, Mariko, and Yayoi)
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Thanks for the chat and the photo.

Inokashira Koen - Kichijoji: Storyteller.

2009-03-21T11:04:00.001+09:00

Inokashira Koen - Kichijoji: Storyteller.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

The renowned manga reader Touhou Rikimaru!

GS: McDonald's 渋谷店 (Shibuya)

2008-12-12T10:16:00.000+09:00

GS: 小田急線新宿駅 Kiosk staff.

2008-12-12T10:13:00.001+09:00

GS: Mom and Pop Curry Shop: カレー屋

2008-06-05T17:58:00.001+09:00

GS: Mom and Pop Curry Shop: カレー屋
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Thank you for the coffee! It really hit the spot.

GS: Soft Bank Closing Time.

2008-05-13T23:12:00.001+09:00

GS: Soft Bank
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

@19:51 I dashed in to retrieve my phone from the free phone charger. He said, "良かったです." Obviously, he was worried I would not return in time to claim my phone.

Thank you for the concern!

GS: Sales Staff

2008-05-13T23:08:00.001+09:00

GS: Sales Staff
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

We made eye contact. Turned away. Our gazes locked again.
Feet shuffled...

Hawaiian Restaurant in Enoshima.

2008-04-18T10:08:00.001+09:00

Hawaiian Restaurant in Enoshima.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

The food tastes as good as the female staff looks.

GS: Dry Cleaners.

2007-11-24T23:52:00.001+09:00

GS: Dry Cleaners.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Some people are so nice! Thanks for smiling for the random gaijin photographer!

GS: Cab Driver @印西牧の原 (Inzaimakinohara)

2007-11-22T20:44:00.001+09:00

GS: Cab Driver @印西牧の原 (Inzaimakinohara)
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Fumi Yamazaki and Kinukko of BlogTV

2007-11-10T21:47:00.001+09:00

Fumi Yamazaki and Kinukko of BlogTV
Originally uploaded by Joi

Executive Chef Ogawa

2007-11-10T21:46:00.001+09:00

Executive Chef Ogawa
Originally uploaded by Joi

Chef Ogawa prepared a wonderful meal for us with materials exclusively from Chiba prefecture.

Chief

2007-11-10T21:45:00.001+09:00

Chief
Originally uploaded by Joi

Teri Darrenougue and Laura Brewer

2007-11-10T21:42:00.001+09:00

Teri Darrenougue and Laura Brewer
Originally uploaded by Joi

The scribes transcribe all of the speaking in real time and this text is projected and also uploaded later to the website.

Man and tools

2007-11-10T21:41:00.001+09:00

Man and tools
Originally uploaded by Joi

When he noticed that I was taking his picture, he struck this pose.

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel. Fuji Color.

2007-11-10T21:35:00.001+09:00

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Thanks!

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.

2007-11-10T21:27:00.001+09:00

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

"I do not work for Renault."

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel :: Noriko.

2007-11-10T21:26:00.001+09:00

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel :: Noriko.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Confession: I took her survey solely so I could get her photograph. I just didn't have the guts to ask her outright for her photo.

Shyness is nice, and Shyness can stop you From doing all the things in life You'd like to.

GS: Sobu Line Conductor.

2007-11-10T21:21:00.001+09:00

GS: Sobu Line Conductor.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

ME: Are the trains crowded around this time?
HIM: Kind of. The next train will probably be a bit crowded. You might want to catch the one after that.
ME: Okay. Thanks.
HIM: You are welcome.
ME: May I get a photo?
HIM: OF ME!? Umm.....ummm...mmmm....I don't know. no? Ummmm...
ME: Smile! *Click*

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.

2007-11-10T21:16:00.001+09:00

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Same as the girls below...sans the makeup, skirt, and hairdo.

Thanks for the smile.

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.

2007-11-10T21:14:00.001+09:00

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Their job:

1: Grin.
2: Say something polite.
3: Hand out pamphlet.
4: Grin + slight nod of head.
5: Say something polite.
6: Repeat for next visitor.

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.

2007-11-10T21:12:00.001+09:00

GS: Tokyo Motor Show Personnel.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

GS: Tech.

2007-08-26T10:22:00.001+09:00

GS: Tech.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Fast service! Four fire alarms installed in a very short period of time.

Thank you.

GS: Busker.

2007-08-26T10:18:00.001+09:00

GS: Busker.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Quality performance.

Thank you.

GS: Isseya Waiter.

2007-08-26T10:06:00.001+09:00

GS: Isseya Waiter.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

More than happy to pose.

GS: Cooks.

2007-08-26T10:05:00.001+09:00

GS: Cooks.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Working over hot coals during summer has got to be exhausting.

GS: Backhoe Operator.

2007-08-26T09:57:00.001+09:00

GS: Backhoe Operator.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Could he look any cooler?

GS: Wall Inspectors.

2007-08-26T09:54:00.001+09:00

GS: Wall Inspectors.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Them: *Whap* *Whap* *Whap* *Whirl*

GS: Lush Soap Cashier.

2007-08-26T09:50:00.001+09:00

GS: Lush Soap Cashier.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Me, "Oh, stop! Lemme get my camera!" Her, "[Nervous Laughter] O...o...okay."

GS: COPS!

2007-08-26T09:47:00.001+09:00

GS: COPS!
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Thanks for the directions. A word of advice, when you are giving directions to a woman...never mind.

GS: Rickshaw Driver/Puller.

2007-08-26T09:44:00.001+09:00

GS: Rickshaw Driver/Puller.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Too shy to look into the camera.

GS: Vegetable Guy.

2007-08-26T09:41:00.001+09:00

GS: Vegetable Guy.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

GS: Bicycle Repair Shop.

2007-08-26T09:40:00.001+09:00

GS: Bicycle Repair Shop.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

My go-to repairman.

GS: Sweet Potato Hawker.

2007-08-26T09:25:00.001+09:00

GS: Sweet Potato Hawker.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

"Get the potatoes, my truck, the street, and me in the picture."

War or Construction?

2007-08-26T09:24:00.001+09:00

War or Construction?
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

A lot of road/sidewalk construction gets done at night.

GS: Barkeeps.

2007-08-26T09:20:00.001+09:00

GS: Barkeeps.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus

Mother and daughter operation.

Tagosaku

2007-04-11T23:14:00.001+09:00

Tagosaku
Originally uploaded by Joi.

Head chef at Tagosaku

GS: Hairdressers.

2007-04-01T02:06:00.001+09:00

GS: Hairdressers.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

9 AM to 10 PM. Long day.

No, he is not telling me to shove off.

GS: Taxi Driver.

2007-04-01T02:02:00.001+09:00

GS: Taxi Driver.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Suit, tie, and sweater vest.

No dreads.

GS: Tokyo Fire Department.

2007-04-01T01:46:00.001+09:00

GS: Tokyo Fire Department.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

"Hey, n00b, babysit the truck while we go in a nice heated room, have some tea, and talk with the local community leaders."

GS: Vegetable Stall on Wheels.

2007-03-24T02:28:00.001+09:00

GS: Vegetable Stall on Wheels.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Fresh veggies! Not that I am a big fan, but I am glad he makes his daily rounds offering nutritious vegetables for those who want them.

GS: Construction Workers.

2007-03-24T02:26:00.001+09:00

GS: Construction Workers.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

The project they started in Dec of '06 was finally completed in mid-March. Good job, guys.

GS: Anchan.

2007-03-24T02:23:00.001+09:00

GS: Anchan.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Everything looked clean, so maybe I'll go back and actually try some of his ramen.

GS: Guarding a Parking Lot.

2007-03-24T02:22:00.001+09:00

GS: Guarding a Parking Lot.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Distracted by the guys climbing around on the roof.

GS: Yumi owner of (一歩/Ippo).

2006-10-30T17:16:00.000+09:00

GS: Yumi owner of (一歩/Ippo).
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Yumi started her own bar with a few friends. Sometimes she feeds me beer. Ippo = One step.

GS: Owner/Cook of 35 Curry Gon. Sachiko.

2006-10-30T17:14:00.000+09:00

GS: Owner/Cook of 35 Curry Gon. Sachiko.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Her business card says, "If you come to Fussa, come to 35 Curry Gon! Sachiko-mamma truly love music and curry. Her shop serves homemade curry."

GS: Fishmonger.

2006-10-09T09:33:00.000+09:00

GS: Fishmonger.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

No, I am shy. *looks into camera*" He eventually gave me this half grin.

GS: Manju Stall.

2006-10-09T09:32:00.000+09:00

GS: Manju Stall.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

The lady in blue said, "Here, take this," and handed me a nice Manju. "Thank you for taking our picture!"

GS: Waitress. (3M0X1 - SERVICES)

2006-10-09T09:29:00.000+09:00

GS: Waitress.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

This Indian Curry Restaurant is located inside a converted U.S. Air Force school bus. The cook is lurking in the background.

GS: Dental Receptionist.

2006-09-21T10:03:00.000+09:00

GS: Dental Receptionist.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

久野さん、私の下手な日本語わかつてくれてどうもありがとう！　
Best receptionist ever. I don't know how she parses my ramblings.

いつもごくろおうさま．

GS: Receptionist.

2006-09-18T09:56:00.000+09:00

GS: Receptionist.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

All the sales reps were out when I wandered in. She was kind enough to answer my question. Best of all, she did not seem to be afraid of me. Some people freak.

GS: Station Beverage Stand.

2006-09-18T09:35:00.000+09:00

GS: Station Beverage Stand.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

She dealt with four drunk gaijin as we exclaimed how foul and horrible aojiru was.

GS: Okinawa Roll Staff.

2006-08-19T17:41:00.000+09:00

GS: Okinawa Roll Staff.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Fast and friendly service, reasonable prices, and happy faces.

GS: Shakey's Waitress.

2006-08-19T17:15:00.000+09:00

GS: Shakey's Waitress.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

She was all over the place; picking up plates; assisting customers to empty tables; and bringing new silverware to little people who drop their forks on the floor.

GS: Puppet Master.

2006-08-19T17:08:00.000+09:00

GS: Puppet Master.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

I got this shot as fast as I could. She had one of those fake puppet dogs. How should stood out there as long as she did is beyond me.

Hang in there!

GS: Merchant.

2006-08-19T17:06:00.000+09:00

GS: Merchant.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Some people are camera shy. It took two failed attempts before I got a smile. Smile, people. Smile.

GS: Cashier and Junk Food Peddler.

2006-08-19T17:03:00.000+09:00

GS: Cashier and Junk Food Peddler.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

How she could work in this little stall with no A/C is beyond me. It was hot.

GS: Museum Curator.

2006-08-19T16:56:00.000+09:00

GS: Museum Curator.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

HER: Ahhhh, don't take my picture! Don't!
Oops.

GS: Rickshaw Driver.

2006-08-19T16:46:00.000+09:00

GS: Rickshaw Driver.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

He offered to give us a ride, but I had to refuse . Sorry.

GS: Beauticians.

2006-08-19T16:44:00.000+09:00

GS: Beauticians.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

I could not stand up all day working on people's hair.

GS: Sako Tacos.

2006-08-19T16:42:00.000+09:00

GS: Sako Tacos.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

The wife-person and I cycle 40 minutes roundtrip just for Sako's tacos and taco rice.

GS: Proprietor.

2006-08-19T16:36:00.000+09:00

GS: Proprietor.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

I had on my ratty short pants and worn out sneakers. He was kind enough to let me in.

GS: Tofu Shop.

2006-08-19T16:28:00.000+09:00

GS: Tofu Shop.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

His family has been running this tofu shop for 97 years.

GS: Air Conditioning Maintenance.

2006-07-30T23:32:00.000+09:00

GS: Air Conditioning Maintenance.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Someone has to climb up on top of the station kiosk and clean the air conditioning units. Maybe he shouldn't be wearing a light blue shirt.

GS: Omurice (店長).

2006-07-22T01:27:00.000+09:00

GS: Omurice (店長).
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Another boss man. He runs the Omurice, or Omlete Rice, restaurant in Jusco.

GS: Yakitori Tenchou (店長)

2006-07-22T01:08:00.000+09:00

GS: Yakitori Tenchou (店長)
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

He serves up yakitori from 15:00 to 24:00. It takes him two hours to clean up. That means he doesn't even leave for home until 02:00. What a life.

GS: Gardners.

2006-07-18T01:13:00.000+09:00

GS; Gardners.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

When asked if they liked the work, they said, "Yes. But we hate having to pick up people's litter."

So, people, don't litter!

GS: Building Janitor.

2006-07-18T01:12:00.000+09:00

GS: Building Janitor.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

On garbage days, he comes around and a) organizes the garbage and b) cleans out the bins for our building.

GS: Melon Pastry.

2006-07-18T01:11:00.000+09:00

GS: Melon Pastry.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

The melon bread looked good, but I was too hot and tired to make a purchase.

GS: Ramen Shop.

2006-05-26T00:20:00.000+09:00

GS: Ramen Shop.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Camera + Question, "Okay?" = "Sure! Hey, get over here. It's picture time. We are the Chahan Obaasans!"

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.

2006-05-14T09:53:00.000+09:00

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

This was his I-am-doing-my-job pose.

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.

2006-05-14T09:50:00.001+09:00

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

He was part of a crew selling ligthed fans. At approximately 8 USD per fan, I had to say no.

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.

2006-05-14T09:50:00.000+09:00

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

The gentleman with the towel on his head was offering fried treats. The guy in the foreground worked for a different cafe or cake shop.

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.

2006-05-14T09:48:00.001+09:00

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Corona for 300¥?! I paid 680¥ a bottle last night in the Galway or whatever the name of that bar was. Where was she?

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.

2006-05-14T09:48:00.000+09:00

GS: Koenji Awa Odori Festival Special.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

She stood patiently as I fumbled about with my camera.

GS: Waitress, Village Vanguard in Kichijoji.

2006-05-11T11:55:00.000+09:00

GS: Waitress, Village Vanguard in Kichijoji.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Was kind enough to put up with several special menu requests. I would have tipped her if it were customary in Japan.

Thank you!

Sushi chef

2006-05-11T11:34:00.000+09:00

Sushi chef
Originally uploaded by kungfootv.

Parading around the live fish he's going to dissect.

GS: Cycle Pro.

2006-05-11T11:28:00.000+09:00

GS: Cycle Pro.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Runs Mangrove Bikes in Akishima. He was kind enough not to charge me for hooking up my trip meter.

GS: Bicycle Attendants at Moritown.

2006-05-07T15:54:00.000+09:00

GS: Bicycle Attendants at Moritown.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Keeping the bicycling parking area orderly.

GS: Construction Worker.

2006-02-28T11:18:00.000+09:00

GS: Construction Worker.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

Part of a crew installing braille bumps on the sidewalks at Hachioji station.

GS: First Day on the Job.

2006-02-28T11:15:00.000+09:00

GS: First Day on the Job.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

He works for JR in the afternoons and Lawson's, a convenience store in the evenings.

GS: Chef and Waiter.

2006-01-17T18:48:00.001+09:00

GS: Chef and Waiter.
Originally uploaded by iMorpheus.

HIM: You want it HOT!?
ME: Yes, please.
HIM: OOOOOkay.

The waiter just stood there and stared in disbelief when I returned the empty saucer after my meal.