kenleewrites in 日本

Had a most interesting afternoon with Tokyo’s very own Stormtrooper. Two things to accomplish yesterday. Earn some pocket money and interview with BBC’s Fast:Track.

Was out with Johnny Li too. He was the designated video man and I the photo man. ^^.

The story goes like this right, Death Star blew up, Empire overthrown and replaced by the New Republic… yada yada. What’s a stormtrooper to do in order to make a living? Vader got a job. Contrary to popular belief, he didn’t die. ^^.

So, this particular trooper got stranded in Tokyo after his battalion upped and left for the Outer Rim without him. With the economy so bad, he couldn’t get a proper desk job, so he started working part-time for stores around Shibuya. First he was out doing odd jobs keeping the entrance to the Apple Store clean. Someone has to keep the streets clean you know. ^^.

His job also included greeting customers. It’s a really normal thing here in Shibuya actually, stormtroopers greeting customers.

Sometimes he gets distracted… very distracted.

Distracted enough to leave his post! Ever wondered how he got stranded in the first place? ^^.

Shibuya’s a pretty safe town for a stormtrooper. One can freely roam the streets without fear of being hunted down or harassed by rogue Jedi… or New Republic soldiers (what do you call them these days?). So if you’re a stormtrooper and your planet of residence isn’t treating you so well, you might want to consider relocating.

No one really cares. ^^.

New Republic cadets.

Back to work.

We also met up with folks from BBC Fast:Track. Danny was scheduled to interview with them that afternoon.


Which stormtrooper would you want to see more of?… more?? ^^.

Filming, filming, filming. Lots of school kids out and about. It was about 3pm. I guess school ended. Reminds me of me roaming Orchard Road after school with me buddies when I was studying in Singapore many galactic moons ago.

I heard someone walk past and say “cyo eigo syabetteru kedo”.

I wonder what Danny’s talking about.

Maybe something like, “Buy Ken’s iPhone Apps”. ^^.

In between takes, we ran into shibuya246. Great to finally put a face on a fellow blogger.

Guess those girls were probably out on a school trip. The instant camera was a dead giveaway.

Fans.

Everyone loves a stormtrooper.

Here’s a little game. Can you spot him in the picture above?

GUTS!

You saw it here first! Stormtroopers like to scare little girls.

A break in between filming comes a cute fan.

Back to filming.

I’m getting a little envious. I need my own bodysuit. Anyone want to buy me a Chewbacca suit? I’ll dance for free.

Group photo! Was told that the BBC interview would be up in month or so. Wonder if they got any shots of me in the background. Maybe for a second or two. Just like me meeting Prince Charles.

Once the interview was done, it was back to work alongside the two lovely ladies here.

Rockstar fan.

Working outside Bic Camera is tough. Lots of sweeping and bowing involved.

Ran into a real star wars fan.

How many of you out there know your blood type? If you don’t, give him a pint and he’ll tell you.

Caption this photo?

ありがとうございます!

おつかれさまです Tokyo Stormtrooper san.