Miniskirt in winter at Takahatafudo Station.

January 2006. Takahatafudo Station, Hino-shi, Japan. It had snowed in Tokyo the week before – the first time in a couple of years. Temperature in the evenings were usually subzero. When the wind blew, the chill penetrated right to the bones even though I had four layers of clothing on. My nose bled. My ears froze. There were frostbites on my hands. I had removed the gloves to take some pictures. It was impossible to press the shutter button wearing them. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this young woman waiting at the train station in her winter jacket, miniskirt and boots. Miniskirt in that freezing cold? I was thoroughly impressed.

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Gotokuji in Setagaya-ku, Japan.

Hands Setagaya is a Centre for Independent Living (CIL) in Japan. It is located in Gotokuji in Setagaya Ward which is part of Tokyo city. I was at the CIL in January 2006 for a half-day study on how the centre is managed. The Government of Japan funded this two-week course conducted at the various CILs in Tokyo. We passed narrow lanes with quaint little shops on the way there from the train station. The famous Maneki Neko, known as the Japanese beckoning cat or lucky cat, originated in the Gotokuji Temple nearby. Unfortunately, our hectic schedule did not allow for any sightseeing.

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