Featured Cabbie: Riichiro Nakajima
Riichiro Nakajima in Old Tokyo (Mainichi Daily News)
Every Monday, I highlight a cab driver from some part of the globe whose story deserves to be shared. This week’s featured cabbie is Riichiro Nakajima, a Charlie Chaplin impersonator in Tokyo who uses his taxi to support his art.
Do you know any cool cabbies who should be in the spotlight? Send your nominations to layne@taxigourmet.com with ‘Featured Cabbie’ in the subject line.
I would argue that all taxi drivers lead double lives to some extent, but some cabbies are especially creative when it comes to how they spend their time away from the wheel.
In New York, I’ve crossed paths with ex-musicians, ex-engineers, and ex-chemists who now work as cab drivers, sacrificing their former professions to survive in a new city. In Buenos Aires, I met sculptors, tango singers and priests who drove a few days every week to sustain themselves.
In Tokyo, Riichiro Nakajima devotes himself to comedy when he’s not speeding through the city in his taxi. Though the 59-year old sleeps on a futon in an office he shares with three roommates, his earnings as a Charlie Chaplin impersonator aren’t enough to pay the 20,000 yen (U$230) rent. A few days a month, he drives a cab until 4am, but he can only keep 40% of his earnings.
He may be “barely scraping by,” but Riichiro isn’t complaining. Even when he’s off stage, he elicits smiles from everyone in the neighborhood…
Read more about Riichiro in the Mainichi Daily News
WOW! The site change was a shocker…in a good way. I am getting dizzy from taking it all in. Want to help moi with my site…no worries….not food related.
I can’t wait for more of your adventures. Good luck!
Thanks, Brainy! I’m glad you like it. I’m not sure how much help I could be with your site (I’m so far from being a web expert it’s not even funny), but let me know what you have in mind…
Merci! It’s just a little political/advocacy site. Boring no? Still lots to do. But once I get it running….you could if you have the time…give me your professional opinion. I think you would make a great critique of it.
Sure thing, Brainy!
Layne, the new site looks fantastic! I was thinking it was time for a face lift now that you’re in NYC. You didn’t disappoint.
Thank you so much, Katie! I hope you’re enjoying your summer en el Sur
*Love* your new look, Layne. The old site was *so* early 2009;-)
Thanks, Matt! Still trying to work out some kinks…