Street art

While wandering through Ueno Park, we saw the most interesting street artist doing his craft.  He had an umbrella with a sponge attached to the tip.  He was making fantastic little doodles based on the requests of the crowd.  It was pretty fun and very temporary because he was just doodling with water.

This is the only street artist I've seen in Tokyo.  Maybe it is because there are so many people walking around that there isn't room to doodle on sidewalks.

In fact, there is very little graffiti or anything like that.  People seem to respect the rules and other people's property.  Of course, there are exceptions, but they really are uncommon.  People often comment on just how clean Japan is, and it really is true.  Groups of volunteers from school children to senior citizens are often seen picking up garbage and cleaning the city streets.  They are easy to spot in their neon vests. 

It is strange the things that one misses, but I actually miss the graffiti.  Not the silly tagging or defacement of property, I miss the interesting artwork found all over Seattle and other cities.  The work of street artists isn't necessarily conventional, but it is fun and spices up boring facades.  Maybe I need to do some research and find some around Tokyo.  In the meantime, I will just enjoy the water doodles.