San Francisco Nihonmachi x Smileage "10,000 Smiles Project"

Today I bravely venture to the city of San Francisco in a pink Maeda Yuuka 15th birthday shirt with one goal in mind. I usually only go to a specific part, Japan Town! or "日本町 (Nihonmachi)". San Francisco's Japan Town is actually one of the oldest Japan Towns in the United States as well as one of the few remaining.


I've went there with one mission only and it definatley was not shopping for more Hello! Project CDs. I ventured there only to give S/mileage my support, it was a vague effort, but an effort nonetheless! At first I had the idea I can post them up anywhere. as I started to put a flier up near a vending machine I was approached by a security guard. Apparently you can't go posting those types of things anywhere you'd like! I was a little embarrassed, but I continued on. There is a large puri-kura shop called "PikaPika", outside the shop was a few posters posted up! Did you know enka singer Jero will be in town?! Hahaha. I decided that it was obviously ok to post it up there, so I did. Hopefully since the people inside are going there to take pictures of themselves and friends they will want to send a smile overseas! I just hope its still there tomorrow!

(click thumbnail for larger size via "Twitpic")

It was pretty tough finding locations deemed legal inside the building, but I stumbled upon a place that my friend mentioned. There is an anime video store and car style shop tucked in the corner. Usually a lot of fliers for events are posted there as well; It slipped my mind completely! I will revisit during Fukuda Kanon's birthday to make more of an impact, but until then I'll do my best to support around my town. I do wish I would have taken more photos in general. It's no big deal though. After stopping by Mifune for the usual lunch special I had to leave Nihonmachi empty handed since my funds were low.

On the walk back to the BART station something quite unexpected happened! I found myself on a collision course with a large group of protesters coming towards the city hall! After clearing that obstacle I managed to make my way home in one piece! I hope S/mileage's photo count greatly exceeds the said 10,000. Its not easy work and I'm only doing half the stuff the girls are actively doing right now!