Aiko Landmark Tour

I've spent some time now obsessing over a few short blocks along 国道 'Kokudou' (Highway) 16 in Fussa, Tokyo. Aiko and a photo crew spent a memorable morning or afternoon here, and it makes me wonder whose idea it was... or did they just happen to be there... or was there an intentional nod to the US military on this one?

Fussa is home to Yokota Air Base, not far from where the outdoor shots for the "cosmic cosmetics" cover were taken. Apparently they wandered a few blocks and found everything they needed. So, the complete tour...
Three points of interest:

(1.) Nicola Pizza. They just got a picture of the sign out front, but this link(don't forget to click on the picture for the original photo) shows the whole establishment. From the CD:

(2.) Blue Seal Ice Cream. Started in Okinawa for the benefit of (again) American troops, Blue Seal opened a store here, offering all sorts of unlikely ice cream flavors that Aiko probably digs. Her shoulders are barely taller than the windowframes. I might be able to break a window with my knee, but looks are deceiving. Why didn't they get a picture of her hanging out at 'George's Insurance'? First, Google Maps 'street view':
Aiko stands against the facade (Blue Seal banner in the reflection):
"Gimme a wasabi cone with chocolate sprinkles":
The Blue Seal logo has been (mostly) covered up by the song title.

Finally, (3.) Big Mama American Antiques; first, the cover:
In real life, this is what the place looks like when shuttered. More on that in just a second.
Last photo I'll share for now:
Presented for your consideration is a photo of (most of) the storefront which shows the awning and the shutter system. Store hours shown are 1:00PM to 8:00PM, odd hours, which puts the Google cameras on this street sometime in the morning or early afternoon. If they'd have just waited a few more hours, we'd see the nice woodwork shown here.

All of these, just a few short blocks away from each other. Be like Aiko and spend an afternoon in Fussa. You'd best believe that if I'm ever in the neighborhood, I'll take a few pictures of myself in similar poses.

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