Japan Press Trip Part 8
“Caricature (noun) – a drawing that makes someone look funny or foolish because some part of the person’s appearance is exaggerated” – Merriam Webster. Caricatures can be a great souvenir of Japan!
After saying ‘good-bye’ to Hello Kitty, Hong Kong travel writers on the Japan Press Trip are given 45 minutes to explore Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama-ku district. Just how far will Michael Taylor get?
I part company with the others on the press trip and head up the street toward the lovely wooden pagoda in the distance.
Before I know it, I am chatted up by the friendly staff at Caricature Japan, a chain of caricature shops that dots the country.
I go inside to take a look around. Before I know it, I am talked into having a caricature of myself done.
I ask the price, but I don’t really know how much money that is. I still haven’t come to turns with the exchange rate.
About 10 minutes later, I am the proud owner of a caricature of myself.
Caricatures don’t need to be done in person – although it is better, because the caricature artist can capture something of your personality.
They can also be done from photos so that you can surprise your family or friends, but it is best to bring 2 or 3 photos from slightly different angles.
Owing to copyright issues, however, caricaturers of celebrities or cartoon characters are not allowed.
BTW, if you like your caricature, you can have it imprinted on a T-shirt, a coffee mug, or even some name cards!
In addition to 3 shops in Kyoto, there is one shop in Aichi and 2 shops in Kanagawa, 7 shops in Osaka and Kobe, and 10 shops in Tokyo.
Where
Caricature Japan, 351-6 Koudaiji Minamimondori, Shimogawara Higashiiru Masuyacho, Kyoto, Japan. Website: Caricature Japan.