Writer Hamao Yokota seems to enjoy portraying an eccentric image.
The front door of his house in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward has a pair of checkered trunks nailed above it with "Welcome" painted on them. Also posted is a sign saying, "Beware -- anaconda kept here."
In his cluttered living room, he plays jazz piano with a sushi delivery menu on the stand instead of a music sheet. "(The menu) helps with the improvisation," the 42-year-old says with a grin.