Tokyo Photo News June 2016

　On June 9, Inokashira Park Zoo was full of mourners paying their last respects to Hanako, Japan’s oldest elephant who passed away at the age of 69 (estimated) on May 26. Tables to offer flowers and sign the register book were set up on the following day. Mourners left flowers, apples, bananas and other offerings to their beloved Hanako, and placed their hands together in prayer.

(June 9, 2016)

　On June 16, the Tokyo Fire Department established a new rescue team and held its launching ceremony at JR Tokyo Station. Currently, the rise in ambulance demand in Tokyo is causing a tendency for ambulances to take more time to reach their destinations. The rescue team was created to address this problem. It will be stationed during the day at Tokyo Station to respond swiftly to emergencies in the neighboring area, and at night when there are less demands around Tokyo Station, the unit will move to respond to emergencies in the Shinjuku area.

(June 17, 2016)

On June 28, the water lilies of Sanpoji Pond in Shakujii Park were at their peak of beauty. The water lilies lushly covering part of the pond can be observed from the boardwalk that runs around the pond. Fully enjoy the nature of the four seasons at this pond, including the floating marshes, which have been designated as a national natural treasure.

(June 28, 2016)

The Art Brut Exhibition was held at the South Observation Deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government through June 30. Art brut is art produced by people with no formal training who create works unfettered by convention. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is working to spread understanding of art brut.

(June 30, 2016)