END OF THE YEAR.

My last meal of 2011, and finally a chance to meet Mai's brother and niece.

CHRISTMAS.

The Miyamotos had us for dinner on Christmas, as I phoned home.

FESTIVE.

The environs of Mai's salon in Ginza are illuminated

PARO.

The drummer at work.

JUMBO.

One of the large 'pachinko' gambling machine halls in Shinjuku.

STACKED.

Something doesn't quite look right with this picture.

WINTER FRAME.

Bob Jackson has gone into hibernation until next Spring, in the mean time...

TRADING PLACES.

Waiting in the lobby of a large company in Shibuya.

DODO'S BOY.

Mai's (fashion designer) friend 'Dodo' brings her son, Kichi, out to dinner.

AUTUMN LEAVES.

Fuji faintly visible from a rooftop in Kichijoji, as the seasons change.

RIVER-CROSSING.

The morning commute now features a wintry interchange on the Tama river.

ROCK.

Paro, our drummer, depping for another band - a high-octane affair.

IF IT AIN'T BROKE.

Don't change the rules in the middle of a game with a 3 year-old.

MORE CELEBRATIONS.

Mai, Maiko and youngest Yu all celebrate birthdays in close proximity.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAI!

We celebrated in a very nice French (style) restaurant in Kichijoji.

AUTUMNUL.

By far the nicest time of year before the long wait until Spring.

BAND MEETING.

Paro, Jeff and Sam hanging around in Koenji after rehearsal.

ASAKUSA.

Some of the treats on offer in this old and far-flung part of town.

DISCO TRUCKS.

These mobile, promotional light boxes belt out the latest pop releases in Shibuya.

INDIAN SUMMER.

The last day of October and temperatures are still pleasantly in the 20s.

SAMURAI.

Artwork from the other school's festival, adorning the entrance.

SCHOOL FESTIVAL.

Another day of cultural performances and exhibitions at one of my schools.

TOPIARY.

Some early-morning pruning, on what looks like a home-made ladder.

CHORUS.

The annual school chorus contest (between classes) at the town hall.

NEW CROP.

As the season turns, the Lone Granger sets about his work again.

TOTALLY TROPICAL.

A colleague of Mai's celebrates his birthday in a southern-style establishment.

PROTESTORS.

A small and heavily-policed group march through Shinjuku, possibly about banks.

STOP!

Some precision street markings, freshly laid.

HOBBIT.

In a land with seemingly no planning permission the possibilities are boundless.

FRAMEWORK.

This went up in one day or less.

SPACE INVADERS.

A beautiful afternoon outside the amusement arcade in Mizonokuchi.

AUTUMNAL.

Bladerunner season approaches in Shibuya after the onslaught of Summer.

PRECISION.

The castings complete, the base-frame is attached amidst much rain.