christmas in solaria

Christmas in Solaria.

Sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, right? Well, actually it's the name of a shopping center inside Fukuoka train station. Or is the station inside the mall? There isn't anyway to tell, and it's all not important except it's Christmas and all of Fukuoka's public spaces have been turned into a winter wonderland. Nevermind that Christ has nothing to do with it. The Japanese are unabashed consumers when it comes to Christmas, and yes they feel the spirit of it too, and love the carols, and the lore, and the toys. Oh, and Santa. The above shot has nothing to do with Christmas, just a street in the Tenjin-Minami area and I kind of liked the colors at night.

Look closely, those are blue plastic water bottles, right?

Now pull back. Yes, Virginia, it's a Christmas tree made out of PET bottles!

Artists and people here love to display a combination of 'green' thinking and technology. Something to ponder and, of course, take a picture of. I was fascinated by this tree, which changes colors. It's at the center of Daimaru /El Gala department store arcade. Each day through the holidays bands with styles from Peruvian folk through classic jazz have been playing.

Ah, the love affair with trains continues. This one climbing up a tree as a sort of 'action' garland. It doesn't really move, just a light effect. Every decoration I have seen here is simply amazing.

A long shot of the tree.