It’s often said that kids should play outside more instead of staying cooped up in front of a computer screen. But sometimes, given their options, they are probably better off staying put.
A bleak Tokyo playground?
Photographs from a small group of islands
Evan says
Are you sure this is a playground? That inward leaning barbed wire and the sign on the fence that probably reads “å±é™º 電気柵” makes me think otherwise. 😉
Lee says
Nah, definitely a playground. There were a few more of those animals dotted about and a set of swings. No kids though…
Iwao Yamamoto says
Umm, kids may be better off staying cooped up in front of the computers. But not all the parks in Tokyo are such bleak ones. Kids do find their own playgrounds themselves I think.
Lee says
Yes, that’s very true. In fact some of Tokyo’s parks are beautiful. In urban areas though, many of them aren’t too dissimilar to the one in the photo.
GenjiG says
It is a sad place… Somehow it reminds me of the playground Tengo from 1q84 sits waiting, looking for Aomame.
Lee says
Interesting. Haven’t read that yet, but it’s on my list. I’ll bear that in mind when I do.
GenjiG says
It is not Murakami’s best work but worth reading nonetheless.
Lee says
Hmm, heard that. Glad to hear it’s still worth reading though. Read all his other books, and still enjoyed the weaker stuff.
GenjiG says
Same here, something is just special about all his books!
If you like Haruki Murakami you should also try Coin Locker Babies from Ryu Murakami. Another strange but captivating book.
GenjiG says
Or try In the Miso Soup from Ryu, probably a better book. Both are interesting though.
Lee says
Cheers for the recommendations. I’ll give them a try.
Hans ter Horst says
I’ve read a few of the Ryu Murakami books, I would say I do prefer Haruki Murakami’s book as the weirdness in the latter is less disturbing than the weirdness in the former. I had to put Piercing by Ryu Murakami away as it was just too creepy. 🙂
I did enjoy 1q84 quite a lot, actually but I didn’t understand why we had to wait such a long time for an English translation. In the end I bought the Dutch version instead of waiting another 6 months, the dutch translation was pretty good actually.
GenjiG says
The Dutch versions are often better then the English translations. This is especially true for The Wind-up Bird Chronicle. In my opinion his best book.
Willy says
Tres bizarre! Kids should get into photography if thats what on the table! Well, you knew that…
Cheers!
Lee says
Yeah, that or drawing. The resultant images may worry their teachers though…
Willy says
he he he…
Hans ter Horst says
I never understood why so many of the playgrounds and even the parks in most cities in Japan have to be these dreary places, no wonder they are always empty, better turn them into a car park, quick. (Sarcasm intended)
Lee says
I know. You’d think having gone to the trouble of actually providing a park, they’d at least make it slightly appealing. More than anything though, it’s the concrete ‘slides’ that always fascinate me. A truly baffling concept.
Jeffrey says
The Japanese never read enough Orwell.
Looks more like a prison exercise yard.
Lee says
Totally. Not the most inspiring place for kids to play. Or indeed for the their parents to watch them.
A Former Expat says
As dreary an unappealing as the park is, I note the wear on the whatever-it-is-supposed-to-be animal in the center. Seems it has had its share of kids playing on it.
Lee says
Yes, that’s a very good point. I guess if it’s the only place nearby, they don’t have much choice.