After many years here I’d like to think I know Tokyo fairly well, but with the Japanese capital being so sprawling and vast, it’s really only possible to know parts of it. Even then, turning a previously unseen corner can result in new discoveries, and the market below is one such example, as unbeknownst to me until recently, it’s not far at all from where I live.
It has been operational since 1963, and back then, with all the stalls open for business, it must have been a genuinely bustling little spot. Nowadays, however, it’s quite a different story, with only a few surviving places and a lot of it long shuttered up. The combination of which makes it a fascinating place to see and photograph. A small slice of the past that’s still just about surviving in the present.
YesterdaysHero says
I like the atmosphere you have captured here Lee. Very gritty.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. It’s an incredible little spot with so much atmosphere that photographing it was an absolute treat, so very glad to hear some of that comes through in the images.
Tagomago says
A desk with no computer, that’s happiness! 😀
Lee says
Haha, so true. A real rarity these days.
cdilla says
For a while I thought it was a night shoot. The second photograph certainly gives the impression it is active. And that lovely smile is definitely worth the close-up. But the sign (Akebono butcher’s?) is the winner for me.
Lee says
Yeah, definitely very dark in places. Especially so with lots of it not in use anymore.
Cheers. Was nice to get a smile amidst all those shutters. She must have seen a lot of changes to say the least.
That sign is something else eh? Had to take that one.
Richard says
How sad. And the woman’s smile is poignant! One cannot predict but this place will be completely empty one day😩
Lee says
Yes, very glad I got that portrait. She adds a lot. But yeah, very hard to see it surviving…