British man brings Christmas cheer to Tokyo as the 'Running Christmas Tree'

TOKYO, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- A British man living in Tokyo is spreading cheer in the Japanese capital by running around dressed in a light-up Christmas tree costume.

Joseph Tame, an inventor and owner of a video production and digital media business in Tokyo, said he built his "Running Christmas Tree" costume from an aluminum frame, two rucksacks, branches from two fake Christmas trees, 99 batteries, 1,500 LED lights and 100 feet of wiring.

Tame posted a video to YouTube showing the reactions of passersby who give him high fives as he runs down the streets of Tokyo.

"The reactions range from sudden burst of laughter to a couple of people have screamed in surprise and in delight," Tame told CNN. "A lot of people just say 'What? What? What are you doing?' And I tell them I'm being a Christmas tree."

Tame said he is taking bookings for personal appearances in the Christmas tree suit, which he is billing as "Uber for illuminations."

He said tree fans will soon be able to book appearances using an iOS app.

"One of the main things is to break the social barriers. Tokyo is a great city but people keep to themselves. It brings people to get together. On the train, it's just wonderful. Everybody is just transfixed," Tame said.

He said he will be out Christmas Day to spread the cheer.

"Most people are working on Christmas Day in Japan but hopefully with the costume they can also see a bit of Christmas on the day," he said.