Track and Field, September 1st, Steeplechase, the clown

Check out Glico`s new uniform! He changed his uniform just for the big Track and Field World Games which are presently being held in Osaka. Tomorrow is the last day, which begins with the women`s marathon first thing in the morning. The course goes right by the classroom, about a block away. So tomorrow morning I am sure it will be noisy with the helicopters hovering overhead to film the race. Women`s marathon is big in Japan, so a lot of people will be outside and also watching on the streets.
My father took these photos while he was in Japan about a month ago. He and I both like the minami area, especially dotombori. All of the neon lights, and tons of people, is kinda mezmorizing. The above Asahi beer neon display is pretty cool, but to be honest, I like Kirin Lager the best!
On the left is the famous crab place. I have never been there but I heard it is pretty good. And it`s a great place to watch all the Hanshin Tiger fans jump off the bridge! On the right is Tsutaya, the biggest dvd/cd rental shop in Japan. It is similar to Blockbuster in America. Some popular American tv series, like 24, Friends, Desperate House wives, are now out on DVD in Japan. Do you watch or like any of them?
There is one event in this track and field competition which I think is ridiculous!! It is called "Steeplechase." It is a 300 meter long race I think. The athletes? run and then jump over hurdles into a small pond of water....they continue doing this the whole course, many times slipping or tripping in the water and injuring themselves. If this was an event in the X-games, maybe I could understand. But in the World Track and Field Championships...Come on! I don`t think so!
Who is that clown?